Specialized Air Tool Big Bore review

Specialized’s Air Tool range spans 20 different road and MTB frame fit and ‘mini’ pumps, as well as we ‘track’ pumps. If you want maximum, low-pressure inflation speed from a pocket fit pump the new Big Bore is definitely the way to go.

Construction and use

With a 36mm max diameter, it’s certainly chubby, but it’ll fit in most waist packs and there’s not so much poking out of a back pocket so it’s unlikely to bounce out. It also comes with a rubber-strapped bottle-mount clip for max security and convenience. 

The alloy body and shaft are stiff so it slides smoothly with no flex or handle/head contact even when you’re pumping hard. The handle and body are deliberately roughly machined, with a knurled ring segment for extra grip and the inverted design means the head is long enough that you don’t risk biting an overhanging palm. 

The extendable hose means more room to get your pump on and isolates the valve from stress. The opposing push-fit Presta and Schraeder valve ‘metal sphincter’ head works really well too with a super-secure fit and no risk of unscrewing the valve core when you remove it.

The combination of solid, interruption-free pumping and the big 90cc stroke means you can push a lot of air into the tyre very quickly. That makes it the only ‘mini’ pump we’ve used that can fill and pop into place a completely unseated tubeless enduro tyre (2.4in Hutchinson Griffus on WTB 29mm rim to be specific). 

It’ll obviously top-up conventional or pre-seated tyres quickly and easily too, so if you’re running fat rubber it’s awesome. The large stroke volume means you’ll have to work hard to get up to 30psi and you’ll be risking the veins in your temple getting close to Specialized’s claimed 50psi. As long as the tyre is properly popped into place that’s enough for all MTB and most gravel purposes though and there are plenty of high-pressure options in the Air Tool family. 

The fact the two halves twist-lock together when not in use means the shaft is more likely to stay clean which is crucial with large-bore pumps where there’s already more seal drag and a bit of grit can lock them solid.

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Verdict 

Having had some frustrating, sticky experiences with other fat-body or hose-equipped pumps we approached the Big Bore with doubts. The level of detailing from solid, grippy construction to the secure double head makes it great to use and the big volume is great for fat tyres and super-fast inflation. 

Tech spec: Specialized Air Tool Big Bore

• Price: £37
• Stroke volume: 90cc
• Length: 20cm
• Max dia: 36mm
• Weight: 85g