Schwalbe SOS Pump in the stress-test review
30.01.23 07:35 3392023-01-30T07:35:00+01:00Text: NoPain (translated by AI)Photos: Erwin HaidenSmall but mighty. We reviewed the SOS pump on a gravel bike with 45C tires.Plus: Checklist "Tools for roadside repairs"30.01.23 07:35 3862023-01-30T07:35:00+01:00
Schwalbe SOS Pump in the stress-test review
30.01.23 07:35 3862023-01-30T07:35:00+01:00 NoPain (translated by AI) Erwin HaidenSmall but mighty. We reviewed the SOS pump on a gravel bike with 45C tires.
Plus: Checklist "Tools for roadside repairs"30.01.23 07:35 3862023-01-30T07:35:00+01:00
There are already many high-quality mini pumps on the market. However, Schwalbe's new SOS Pump, at just 12.9 cm long, is so mini that it easily fits into even the smallest saddle bag. Alternatively, the 84 g featherweight can of course also be mounted directly to the frame — the matching bracket is included. Made from aluminum and finished with an anodized surface, the SOS Pump is not only durable but also looks great.
Compatible with Schrader and Presta valves, the miniature pump is also suitable for tubeless applications and helps mountain and gravel bikers as well as road cyclists alike out of a flat. We tested it on a gravel bike.
Schwalbe SOS Pump
| Intended use | Road bike, MTB, tube-type and tubeless |
| Valve type | Schrader (car) and Presta (Sclaverand) |
| Material | Aluminum, plastic |
| Colors | blue-gray anodized |
| Length | 129 mm |
| Weight | 84 g (without mounting adapter) |
| Max air pressure | up to 6 bar (85 psi) |
| Price (RRP) | € 34.90 |
A clever detail is the pump handle that can be locked by turning. When pumping, the air nozzle is clamped directly onto the valve, not screwed on. This is intended to prevent wear and to ensure a very tight seal. Speaking of which: an additional seal prevents dirt from getting into the SOS Pump.
The SOS pump in action
It is small, lightweight and high-quality. The clamping mechanism holds the Presta valve firmly and securely. In just five minutes our Aerothan tube could be pumped up to 1.9 bar in the 45C gravel tire with ease. Completely effortless and valve-friendly.
For more impressions, feel free to check out our Instagram clip.
Checklist: tools for roadside repairs
1. Multitool that includes all the important keys you need to loosen or tighten bolts on YOUR bike (Attention: large Allen/hex for thru-axles, special Torx, etc.)
2. Two high-quality tyre levers to pry the tyre off the rim.
3. A spare tube in the correct size (Note: 700C will work in an emergency for 650b; the other way around will be tight)
4. Universal valve extender including sealing ring for all cases
5. CO2 cartridge including a high-quality inflator (optional, if you need to be quick)
6. High-quality mini pump for YOUR valves (essential — the devil never sleeps)
7. Patch kit with several self-adhesive patches, a piece of sandpaper and an alcohol wipe *
8. Wrap metallic tools in a small cleaning rag — prevents rattling and your fingers will thank you
9. For a tubeless setup with wide tyres, possibly also pack Maxalami or NoTubes darts; in the best case this saves you from having to insert the spare tube. **
* From experience, the self-adhesive patches are only an emergency solution, as they do not hold forever. Therefore at home be sure to professionally repair or replace the tube.
** There are also special patches for tubeless tyres that generally work well and permanently seal larger holes from the inside. However, this repair should not be carried out on the road, because the affected tyre area must first be thoroughly cleaned and degreased.
