Specialized AirTool MTB Floor Pump review

The Specialized AirTool MTB track pump is a solid performer offering great ergonomics and high levels of efficiency for the money.

Designed specifically for mountain bike tyres, the claimed 508-cubic capacity made quick work of seating tubeless mountain bike tyres, with the pump only requiring 23 strokes to fill a 29x2.4in tyre to 25psi.

A large 76mm pressure gauge features a smaller scale range than other pumps on the market, maxing out at 40psi. This allows for easier readings of the tyre pressure range that mountain bikers usually operate in.

I measured the gauge against a benchmark pump and found the reading to be relatively accurate within /-1 psi.

Specialized’s Switchhitter II head allows the pump to be used on both Presta and Schrader valve types without any need to flip a rubber bung or change a switch.

I did find that the head was initially tight when pressing onto Shrader valves, but after some use, the resistance disappeared.

A replacement inner seal is supplied for the Switchhitter II. The seal is easily replaced by unscrewing the silver face of the head. Specialized also offers a rebuild kit that costs £4 as well as a replacement hose and Switchhitter II priced at £7.50.

The head feels sturdy in the hand and an initial pop when attaching it gives a tactile response, confirming the stem is fully inserted.

A lever is used to secure the valve, requiring little effort to operate. I found this especially helpful when inflating smaller wheel sizes, where space is restricted due to spoke overlap.

The AirTool’s handle feels sturdy in the hand and features what Specialized calls a wing design. This design is narrow in the middle and flares towards the ends.

I found the shape comfortable to hold and it encouraged a natural forward pumping motion, with the extended base plate providing a steady platform for vigorous efforts.

In the centre of the handle is a conveniently placed pressure release valve. This enables you to make micro-adjustments when reducing tyre pressure.

Griptape on the base plate adds to the solid feel of the pump and provides much-needed traction for wet or muddy mountain bike shoes.

The 1100mm hose extends up from the base and there are two clips on either side of the handle to hold the hose in place. Though the clips secure the cable, they are made from thin plastic which is a departure from the otherwise high-quality feel of the AirTool MTB.