LIFELINE DIGITAL

£40

SPECIFICATION Weight: 207g • Contact: hotlines-uk.com

If this pump looks familiar it’s because several manufacturers brand this up, but

Lifeline is one of the cheapest and you can even get this online for around £35. The digital unit and head are virtually identical to the Cane Creek and Topeak digital pumps tested here. The digital gauge is accurate and has three settings, so you can toggle between PSI, BAR or kgf/m². There’s no off-switch, but the pump does auto off after about 90 seconds. We found the stock battery doesn’t last long but it’s easy to change and Lifeline even provides a 2mm Allen, so you can remove the backplate. In fact, we changed the dead battery on the Topeak pump using this tool because that didn’t come with one.

The Lifeline feels solid in your hand and getting to 81psi in a 100 strokes and 129psi in 200 felt pretty easy. The Lifeline does have quite a small volume, so it feels like your pushing against nothing for the first two dozen strokes. The pump has a bleed valve, an extra-long hose and a comfy handle, which really comes into its own when you have to squeeze in the last few PSI.

For the money we really can’t fault this pump.

Yes, the finish is a bit rough and ready and it can often turn on accidentally in your toolbox or bum-bag, which drains the battery, but it’s easy to use and gives accurate and reliable readings. If you’re looking to buy your first shock pump and don’t want to blow the budget, this is the one to get.