Customer Reviews

Bell AirStrike Mini Frame Pump

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(17)

 

 

During the time I was considering buying this model, I happen to see the same thing at a local department store; so I bought it. I couldn't wait to take it back.
I wasn't impressed with the cheap plastic. The pump came with the adapter pre set for a Schrader valve; my tires are Presta. The blister pack says it can be used for both and indicates all one has to do is to take off the "round end", remove and reverse the plastic adapter, re insert and then screw on the cap [tight as per the label]. Seemed simple enough, so, I took off the cap, took out the plastic insert [I noticed it is in 2 parts], reversed and re inserted and then replaced the cap. When I put the end on the Presta valve and then pressed down on the "thumb part", I couldn't help but notice that the plastic would not grab the valve, but was loose. So I decided to change back to the Schrader type [and use my adapter valve]; maybe this would be a tighter fit. So, I took off the cap, and tried to remove the insert, but only one part of it came out; the parts separated; I could not remove the "bottom" half. I was not going to force it out. I put the parts back together, re inserted them into the blister pack and returned it. No thanks !!!
I gave this product 1 star only because of the way this review process is set up; it doesn't deserve any star or any consideration for purchase.

After looking at this thing for over an hour (and can I add I have 3 engineering degrees), I FINALLY got it to work. So let me explain.. I have schrader valve tires (I had to look this up in order to know what setting to use). This is the valve that comes on your basic walmart brand bikes (which is where I got my bike). So the pump as it comes, is made for some other valve. What you have to do is

1) unscrew the ring-cap at the mouth of the pump.

Once you do that, you will find 2 internal pieces. A harder plastic piece with a nubby on one side and a raised rim hole on the other. The second piece is a softer rubber piece with a large hole on one side and a smaller hole on the other. The way the pump comes, the hard plastic piece is positioned so the nubby sticks out the mouth of the pump and the raised rim fits securely into the larger hole of the softer rubber piece (both pieces being secured inside the pump with a ring-screw cap).

2) Remove both the hard plastic piece and the soft rubber piece.
3) Place the nubby end of the hard plastic piece into the smaller hole of the soft rubbery piece.
4) Place both pieces together back into the pump so the hard plastic piece goes in first and the soft rubber piece with the larger hole is at the mouth of the pump.
5) Screw the ring-cap back on

So when you go to use the pump, the lever should be perpendicular to the body of the pump when you place it on the valve. Once it is placed, push the lever down parallel to the pump and.. well.. start pumping.

It works, but I'm only giving it 2 starts because, it was crazy hard to figure out how to use!!

I switched to a Zefal TX Switch Mini Pump. Lists for $20 and is regularly on sale for $10, same as the Bell. The Zefal and the Bell are day and night. The Zefal snaps securely to the valve (I could never get the Bell to lock on), is easier to pump, lighter, and has a simple slide switch to go from presta to schraeder.

Bell should be ashamed to sell this product.

This product simply doesn't work. I don't mean that it works poorly. I mean it doesn't work. It doesn't pump air into tires. How a company could put their name on a product like this and put it into the marketplace is beyond me. I will never ever buy a product by Bell again. Ever.

I carried this pump on my bike because is small, light and looks good. But when I had a flat the pump was usless and left me stranded on the highway. This is one of several Bell products I've been dissatisfied with.

I bought this piece of junk at my local store and I followed the instructions on the back of the box and when I tried to add some air to my back tire, it let all of the air out instead. I tried for about 30 minutes last night and about 10 minutes this morning, to pump air into the tire, and got no results. I'm going to return this.

I tried the instructions one of the other reviewers gave and it does NOT work. What a useless piece of junk. DON'T buy it!!

I got it to work after much struggle the first time I took it out. After that it wouldn't work at all. Nothing happens when I change the lever from the up to down position and it leaks air when I try to use it. I'm late to class today due to a flat tire CAUSED by this pump. DO NOT BUY!

This pump comes with a hose and needle for blowing up balls. But there's no way to attach it securely to the pump! The instructions are completely useless. Does not deserve the one star.

It doesn't work. Not that it works badly, it doesn't work at all. It only gives a farting noise internally and air does not go into the tire.

Don't waste your money.

Garbage.