Blackburn’s entire floor pump lineup gets updated and improved, with options starting at just $30. At the top end is the all new Chamber HV mountain bike pump. It’s their first offering dedicated to lower inflation pressures, topping out a 50psi (3.4bar). That makes it great not just for mountain bikes, but also cyclocross, where the more specific pressure readings can really help in setting the tires for race day.
Check the features on this, plus their sweet new T-handle ratchet tool that’s made for jersey pockets and the complete Outpost frame bag collection, below…
The Chamber HV gets a metal bottle opener under the full metal handle. The handle’s attached with 31.8 stem clamp so you can put any handlebar in you like. The head gets a pressure release valve under the alloy lever. The gauge is a massive 4″ diameter with orange background behind black letters. The base plate is metal, as is the shaft. And it’s camo. Retail is $80.
Behind the Chamber HV is the complete Piston line of standard floor pumps. Starting at the back, the entry level Piston 1 ($30) adds steel base for 2017. The Piston 2 ($40) adds jumps from a 140psi max up to 160psi and gets a larger 3″ gauge. The Piston 3 ($50) adds an air bleed and alloy head cap and gets a 4″ gauge. The Piston 4 ($65) goes to a 220psi max and gets an alloy cam lever and longer hose. Its gauge drops to 3″ but sits at top of shaft so it’s closer to your eyes.
The new Switch T-handle mini tool might be the best execution of such things we’ve seen. The extended length ratchet handle slots one of the tools into its shaft and another into the ratchet opening to create the T-handle. Or, use the shaft as the handle and use the ratcheting mechanism. Just flip the tool to reverse its effective rotation. It comes with T25, T30, 2.5/3/4/5/6 hex wrenches and a flathead screwdriver.
Even better, it’s just $20 and comes with this ID pouch that’ll hold your cash and card alongside the tool, all tucked safely inside a jersey pocket. Want.
Also wanted: Blackburn Outpost frame, handlebar and saddle bag collection, especially in the camo option. These bags were introduced earlier this year, but the official info on them was, um, limited for a bit.
The short of it is this: They’re made with water resistant 70D ripstop nylon, come in black or camo, and are reasonably priced.
The frame bag comes in medium and large sizes and uses an expanding lower section that can be zipped up for smaller loads. Waterproof zippers reveal a map pocket or total access, and Velcro straps and accessory loops make it easy to attach to most any frame. Retail is $60-65.
The Top Tube bag is $50 and gets external snack pockets.
The Seat Pack and Dry Bag rolls down to keep any size load compressed and safe from the elements, making it the right place to stow anything you really wanna keep dry. Multiple compression straps and Velcro loops keep it from swaying or sagging. Runs $130.
The Handlebar Roll and Dry Bag runs $110 and does the same, just on the front of the bike. It’s not recommended for carbon handlebars since it clamps onto a quick release mount and can carry up to eight pounds (3.5kg). Daisy chain loops let you clamp random stuff and lights to it, too.
Interested in the story behind these and some real world usage? Check out Watt’s entertaining and obscenity laden adventure from Blackburn’s overnighter at Interbike.
