If you are following me on twitter, you already know that I love this pump. Portland Design Works is making some of the best accessories out there. I know, I know... $50 for for a mini pump- but it's totally worth it. We're talking all alloy with a bamboo handle- not just cheap plastic. This pump is beautiful just to look at. Not only is it nice looking but it also works.

I wanted to try their Magic Flute because I have heard rumors of co2 inflators freezing up, or just not working out, and therefore thought having a hand pump would for sure get me home. I tried this out on my touring bike it sat all winter and both tires were low so I let the remaining air out in both and pumped the front up by hand and used co2 cartridge on the rear. The hand pump worked fine and due to the well designed construction it was easy to pump and didn’t break off my steam as some pumps do because you have to muscle them so much. The co2 inflator inflated the rear tire in seconds and is super easy to use.

I've heard horror stories, but it was all straight forward and the open close valve makes it easy. Inserting the cartridge is easy too- you just have to do it quick! Lucky i had experience from my co2 bb gun as kid. You might want to try this a few times before depending on it on the road, and carry a few extra cartridges with you. The pump is small enough to fit in a hip pack if that's how you roll, or it won't take up much space in you bag. I think I could even fit it in my under the seat bag. Portland Design Works makes a bunch of cool stuff and if it's even close to as well designed as the Magic Flute I would buy it.  The Magic Flute is really the best mini pump I have ever used.