It’s that time of the season again as we begin riding more and more. Blackburn has a few new things available to make your ride as enjoyable as possible. Inside, we take a look at their Toolmanator 16 Multi-Tool with integrated shock pump and their Airtower Shop pump.

Toolmanator 16 Multi-Tool

• Toolmanator 16-function multi-tool
• One-piece aluminum frame & ultra slim design
• Mini shock pump for trailside adjustments
• Hardened, forged and drawn chrome vanadium tool bits
• 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm and 8mm Hex Keys, Torx T25 and T30, Schrader Valve adjuster, bladed and Philips #2 screwdrivers, 10s chain breaker and 14/15 gauge spoke wrenches
• $44.99

Overall the quality on the multi-tool is quite nice. The addition of the shock pump isn’t something you see on every multi-tool these days either. It isn’t the fastest or a highest PSI option but it’s nice to have in a pinch. The inclusion of T25 and T30 are also nice to see as many brake levers, chainring bolts, and derailleurs are using torx bolts now. Blackburn has a wide selection of multi-tools as well if this one doesn’t fit your needs.

The toolmanator 16 is a fairly wide tool but is quite slender when it’s folded up. It can fit in your pocket easily enough but most riders may opt to carry this in their pack. The tools are easy to access and each have a relatively short head. Great for trail-side repairs.

Airtower Shop Pump

Floor pumps typically aren’t the most fun topic to discuss but it’s a necessary tool in the cycling equation. Blackburn’s Airtower Shop Pump does a nice job of fitting some nice functionality into their quality pump without any drama in a solid package.  The Airtower has a great sturdy feel to it with its aluminum construction and wide handle.

• 3-inch oversize precision gauge
• Slim, alloy AnyValve pump head grips Presta, Schrader and Dunlop valves securely
• Extra-long braided metal hose
• 335 cm3 stroke volume
• 700mm height
• 220psi max pressure
• $109.99

Perhaps the best feature on the pump outside of its ability to put air quickly into the tire is the head on the pump. With a lot of pumps you have to either use an adapter, move parts internally, or select the right hole to switch between presta and schrader. The Blackburn AnyValve pump head alleviates this and you just put the head over the valve and it works like magic.

In addition to being able to work with any valve without modification the lever on the head is positioned nicely so that you aren’t fighting to flip the lever as its resting state is not pressed directly against the hose or head. This resting position makes it easy to flip the lever on or off.

The AnyValve head fits all valves without any modifications needed in one hole

The pump has been working impeccably well for us to date and does a nice job of putting air into the tire quickly.  The gauge, while not digital, gives a good indication of the psi but for those looking to dial into a specific air pressure will still need to supplement with an external digital gauge.  The outer dial on the gauge rotates as well to help you line up the desired air pressure.

The hose on the pump is long and sturdy to help reach the valve without fighting for position. Blackburn also offers a Lifetime Warranty so rest assured this pump is there for you in the end. There’s a variety of other Blackburn pumps also available should this one not meet your needs.

Visit http://www.blackburndesign.com to learn more about the products that Blackburn offers.