Snap-It technology at Birzman at Sea Otter 2014. © Cyclocross Magazine
Birzman makes tools for cyclists, all designed with efficiency in mind, and since cyclocross is nothing if not a bike-repair-heavy sport, having a solid toolset is key to a successful season in many cases. You’d be forgiven if you mistook their products for Lezyne’s when walking by, and the company certainly shares some of the similar finishes, form factors and product categories. Birzman is also known for their pumps, and while their floor pumps may actually be too efficient for ’crossers, the hand pumps and multi-tools might be a great addition to any ride bag.
Birzman recently introduced their Snap-It technology on pumps—basically, a better locking mechanism designed to avoid valve breakage and make for faster inflation with less air lost. Additionally, the Snap-It does make getting the pump onto the valve an easier process in general: It, as the name suggests, “snaps on” by pushing the pump straight onto the valve, where it snaps on and locks itself. This is helpful on floor pumps, but even more exciting on their handheld portable models for much better roadside fixes—most people can relate to the feeling of frustration trying to get a cheap mini-pump to actually get air into a tube. The floor pumps may not be great for ’crossers though, since they’re super quick to inflate to high PSIs, making it most likely hard to regulate precisely for lower pressures.
The Velocity mini-pump at Birzman at Sea Otter 2014. © Cyclocross Magazine
After being walked through the full lineup at Sea Otter, it seems like the Velocity hand pumps (above) are the best choice for a cyclocrosser looking for a good do-it-all mini-pump, whether it’s for adding a bit of air while pre-riding a course, or being prepared for flats in a gravel grinder. The Velocity is small and compact but the Snap-It addition (and hose that compacts to inside of the pump when it’s not being used) make it super easy to work with.
Birzman’s Feexman multitool is ready for anything at Sea Otter 2014. © Cyclocross Magazine
The next tool that a cyclocrosser or a gravel grinding aficionado may be interested in from Birzman is the Feexman multitool. Available in a wide range of styles from all metal to partially carbon for the weight weenie, the multitool isn’t your basic model. Rather, the company boasts that it’s CNC’d from high-quality materials, and assure us that it stays together, and during use, parts aren’t falling off or open. It even has chain breaker built in to it, in addition to Allen keys, wrenches, etc.
Studio Tool Box at Birzman at Sea Otter 2014. © Cyclocross Magazine
For the more serious mechanic (or wannabe mechanic), Birzman is now offering two different tool boxes: the Studio Tool Box and the Travel Tool Box. Great for those who like to set up shop at a race venue, and they remind us of the ones from Pedros recently introduced at Frostbike.
Birzman’s longer wrench lever at Sea Otter 2014. © Cyclocross Magazine
Also new is the the modular wrench extension bar that comes with the wrenches. This might be great for ’crossers, since it helps provide better leverage in sticky (mud-encrusted) spots!
More info: birzman.com
Missed the past week of Sea Otter action? Check out all of our tech goodies from Sea Otter 2014.
