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On test: Lezyne Road Drive M, December 12, 2008
Best of the breed
Lezyne's innovative design and separate hose yields one of the first mini-pumps that doesn't make us want to hurl ourselves into the nearest chasm, according to Cyclingnews' technical editor James Huang.
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The Lezyne Road Drive M doesn't resemble most mini-pumps we're used to, but in this case, that's a very good thing. Instead of the usual right-angle head mounted on one end, the Lezyne pump features a unique removable hose that is conveniently stored within the body. Just remove the hose from one end and screw it on to the other and you're ready to go. The road-specific Road Drive M's hose is presta-only but most others in the Lezyne catalog can be used for Schrader as well.
The screw-on head yields a secure connection at the tyre, too - even when there isn't much valve showing - and the flexible hose means you can pump away with little fear of bending the valve core. Moreover, since Lezyne has moved the head connection away from the pump body, the 170mm stroke length is unusually long for the moderate 230mm body size, so inflating tyres takes less time than you'd expect.
We hit 90psi in about 200 strokes for a standard 700x23c road tyre but ran out of arm strength well short of the claimed 160psi maximum. The reasonable chamber volume works fairly well for mountain bike tyres, too.
Though the Road Drive M is fairly expensive at US$44.99, that price nets you full alloy construction and unusually high overall quality for the segment. Sturdy rubber seals are fitted at all usual contaminant entry points (however, the one between the handle and body is rather fidgety) and you can easily unscrew everything by hand for maintenance if you're so inclined.
The included extruded aluminum mounting bracket is a quality bit, too: there are three foam pads to keep things quiet and even the D-ring on the Velcro strap is aluminum. Talk about obsessive.
Yes, the Lezyne Road Drive M is expensive but it just flat-out works so well, and the sturdy build means it'll actually do the job when we need it to, too.
Price: US$49.99
Weight: 91g (pump only); 14g (mounting bracket)
Pros: Unusually fast inflation given compact size, sturdy construction,
reasonably lightweight, clever separate hose
Cons:Seal between the pump handle and body is finicky, expensive (but
worth it)
Cyclingnews rating: 
More information: www.lezyne.com
Photography
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Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com
- The Lezyne Road Drive M is relatively compact and lightweight.
- The unique internally stored hose is the key to its excellent performance.
- The separate hose screwed securely on to the valve and makes it virtually impossible to bend the valve stem.
- Quality aluminum construction and rubber seals are featured throughout and the logo is even laser-etched on.
