Silca
I bought the Silca Tattico Mini Pump for several reasons: It is far superior in output to the Specialized pump it replaced. It is also small enough to fit into a rear pocket, and it was on sale. Have I needed to use it? No, but it is an "insurance policy" for when I have a flat and am likely not close to home, Btw, it is of the same high quality that other Silca items are known for.
P.S. I carry it in a triangular frame bag where it is always handy and protect from road grit and grime, but it will fit into a jersey pocket.
I can't pretend to have tested that many of the mini pumps out there. I have used this in the past (friends handed it to me during a ride) and it became an object of desire with the first grip. Maybe because I'm a former machinist, but this just exudes quality.
It also does function really well. Although it's a short throw, the pump chamber is wider, so it is a more efficient pump than it might appear. I toyed with getting their latest model, with the built in pressure gauge, but I don't like the idea of needing to have my phone handy, and I also prefer single purpose tools. I
I've had several mini pumps in the last few years. Sometimes they worked and sometimes they didn't. Sometimes they unscrewed my valve stem, which was a ride-ender. They always got hot. I feel like the Silca Tattico has resolved all those previous issues. Very solid, well made little pump. Have not used it on the road yet, but it looks very dependable.
I usually fill my tires after a flat with a Co2 inflator, but sometimes I'd like a little more air. Or, if road conditions change for the worse I may like to let a little air out of the tires until the rough road is behind me. In those situations a mini pump is perfect to put a few more psi back in. Don't want to burn a Co2 cylinder when a few pumps is all I need.
