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Review: Lezyne CNC Travel Floor Drive pump

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We know that you’re always ready to ride, but how many times have you shown up at the trailhead only to have a riding buddy slap their forehead, having forgotten to check their tire pressure?  It’s for just these times that Lezyne makes what they call “the ultimate lightweight travel floor pump.”  After six months of carrying and using the compact pump, has it lived up to its billing?  You’ll never know unless you click ‘more‘…

With its single-sided foot, short hose, and sub-24in height, the Travel Floor Drive isn’t really designed for everyday use.  This is a shame, because it really is a well-made and -dare I say- sexy piece of equipment.  The CNC machined aluminum construction is extremely solid and is largely shared with the company’s CNC Floor Drive model, which my local shop has adopted as their ‘floor pump’ for its simplicity and durability.  At the end of a short hose, the company’s trademark Flip-Thread Chuck threads into the pared-down handle, holding everything together, and the whole thing fits nicely into the included canvas bag and easily into one of my compact wagon’s rear seat footwells.

With the 160psi gauge living where one of the user’s feet usually goes, the Travel Floor Drive isn’t the most stable pump to use- but is worlds better (and faster) than a mini pump.  Lezyne suggest that the pump’s low profile is well-suited to bicycle travel cases, though in a time of ever-increasing airline fees, be sure to weigh that case twice.

Really, there are only two reasons for riders who find themselves driving to ride not to consider the Travel Floor Drive.  As was the case with the Dirt Floor Drive pump reviewed this spring, tubeless tire users or anyone who adds a bit of sealant to tubes with removable valve cores will occasionally find themselves threading valve stems through their lockrings or removing valve cores while using the chuck.  This can be both infuriating and messy if things aren’t kept nice and snug- but has reportedly been remedied with 2012’s ABS Flip Chuck, which depressurizes the system for unmounting.  The other reason would be the $100 price- though it’s a very well made and specialized tool, most riders don’t spend that much on their primary home pump.

Sitting in a class of its own, the Travel Floor Drive has proved itself very useful and takes up very little space in the car.  Not one rider has used it without commenting on its apparent desirability, either.  Though it doesn’t get used every ride, the ability to check tire pressures or quickly change a tire or tube at the trailhead has been fantastic- though the new wood-handled Steel Travel Floor Drive likely works every bit as well for $40 less..

marc

www.lezyne.com

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craigsj
craigsj
12 years ago

Actually. I’d say there’s another reason why those driving NOT consider this pump…most of them have no need for a compact, lightweight pump in their car and would be better off with a cheaper, larger, more effective and easier to use pump. Small and lightweight aren’t always of value esp. they come at the cost of reduced function.

jaas
jaas
12 years ago

^ Haters gonna hate ^

yesplease
yesplease
12 years ago

It was designed to be a LOW LYING , take up less space but still have a great pump in your car option. Any 3 prong base floor pump is a pain to pack around because it wont sit flat. Try fitting 4 dudes, 8 bikes and 8 wheelsets in a car for a cross race convoy. You take any space you can get.

Lezyne makes the best pumps out there, I have 3 of them after dealing with the cheaper, larger crap pumps that Craig likes.

If you have room in your car, get one of their bigger models BUT IF YOU NEED A PUMP THAT WAS DESIGNED TO TAKE UP LESS SPACE get this one.

Its not that hard kids, if the world designs an item that doesnt work for you, dont buy it but dont claim it doesnt have a use in this world. Some people are saying halleujah at this gem but haters like Craig are going to hate.

Jeff
Jeff
12 years ago

I had one of these for a couple months and was HIGHLY disappointed.

Yes, the build quality was beautiful, but the Chuck valve was terrible. it was a hassle to get it seated properly without the valve leaking. There were several occasions I thought it was going to strand me at the beginning of a ride with an aired down tire.

I finally gave up on it and got a different pump. For the price tag, these things have to work well, and be no brainer. I now have a Birzman and its AWESOME. Its not a compact travel pump, but the valve seats EVERY time, no problems.

Mindless
Mindless
12 years ago

I use Lezyne comapct and floor pump and never had ANY troubles with the valve. The only way to go, in my not so humble opinion. You got to be seriously dysfunctional or not completely honest to complain about that design “going to strand” you.

Chriso
Chriso
12 years ago

If you don’t like the pump head just swap the flip chuck to their other pump head the slip chuck (or the ABS head is backwards compatible). I rate the CNC floor drive highly.

No. I don’t work for Lezyne.

Speedy
Speedy
12 years ago

I don’t mind the gauge location, I only use one foot on my floor pump anyway.

Mcr
Mcr
12 years ago

Lightweight compact pump for car storage….it does not make sense at all unless your racing your car too and it needs to be as light as you could go….
But if this was given as a gift, it would be welcomed with open arms and a hug….that makes sense….

I’ll reserve the kiss or smooch for a good carbon frame, or better yet a whole bike!

reuben
reuben
12 years ago

I agree with the reviewer… Everything is great until you try to use the Flip chuck on a removable valve core. One day you will be in a hurry and the core will come out and deflate your tire… then if you don’t have a core tool you wont’ be able to get it back in tight enough to re-inflate the tire with the Lezyne pump you have with you. Instead you are begging for your buddies $20 plastic pump in it’s place. The slip chuck sounds like a good solution but It’s very finicky to seal. Not nearly as reliable a slip fit as silca slip head you’re probably used too. I love my 2 lezyne pumps…. I love using them on standard valves. I nearly sold it when i was stranded in a parking lot unable to air up my suddenly flat tire… Lezyne must fix the removable valve core issue.

craigsj
craigsj
12 years ago

You’re right, yesplease, it’s not that hard. Tell that to the reviewer who can’t seem to imagine any reason not to want an insufficiently sized floor pump. Not everyone has trouble fitting a pump into their car or managing the burdensome weight. In fact virtually no one does. It’s only hard when you make it so.

I don’t recall expressing a preference for any pump, either, but that makes it easier to criticise me, right? Bicyclists sure can be fools, including those who toss out lame reviews for money.

Stefan
12 years ago

The new Lezyne Floor Drive will have a ABS Flip Thread Chuck.
With that you will never get problems with the valve.

bike boy
bike boy
11 years ago

being small, this pump can be put into a pannier. a much better alternative to a hand pump.

Patrick
Patrick
10 years ago

Before I knew about the de-pressurising button, my valve core would constantly come out. I could not pump my tires without a pair of pliers sitting beside me. I was terrified of filling up before a ride especially if I left the pliers at home.

Screwing on the flip head or whatever its called is very finicky. Sometimes it doesn’t make a good seal. Also, for some reason the stem in my rear tire isn’t very long, maybe only 3.5cm. While I can get a good seal, it’s not a solid fit, so by the time I get to 100psi the entire hose goes flying off.

Ordering a Birzman and hopefully have better results.

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