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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 12th
HOW DO WE DECIDE OUR OVERALL RATINGS FOR PRODUCTS WE REVIEW?
Silca Impero Ultimate 2.0 Frame Pump
270g Medium (as tested) £160
The classic frame pump has come a long way since the days of “classic” bicycles. The Silca Imperio Ultimate 2.0 Frame Pump, is a modern take on that classic design, sharing style and some materials, but with a modern look and much more power than those form the days of my youth (I’m Eroica ready, plus). “The perfect roadside option when the mini-pump just takes too long,” says the blurb. I’d not disagree. I like this sort of pump, but even, admitting my bias, this is a highly effective and good-looking frame pump (even if not one for your Eroica machine). With a range of sizes available, there’ll be something to match your frame. Be aware, you’ll need to be a Presta valve fan: carry a different pump for Schrader. You may well find discounts, too.
Pros: Availability of spares, very well-built, easy-action.
Cons: Price, Presta only head.
Spec
Materials are a nice mix of the traditional and modern. Aluminium barrel, handle, and piston, with silicone bumper for paint-job-protection, mixed with a leather two-stage gasket and brass valve. The Presta only head is machined aluminium. It’s worth pointing out that Silca offer a wide-range of spares and offer lots of advice on maintenance and, indeed, rebuilding – there are links on their website. Given the initial financial lay-out, this is a very important point.
Truth is, the pump is beautifully made. Combined with the availability of spares and provided you run Presta valves, this may be the last pump you invest in.
Silca do not offer a top pressure, but it should be able to go up to any real-world cycling pressure. The max I have take it to is 110psi, but that without much in the way of grumbling.
Testing contexts
Preferring to have a bottle cage mounted on the seat tube, I’d always mount the pump below the top tube. Both my Swallow tourer and utility-commuter second-hand Surly Long Haul Trucker have been home to the Silca Ultimate Imperio 2.0. The latter has a pump tooth, but the Swallow does not, so, there’s a plastic tooth mounted on the top tube.
The pump has been used during day to day commuting and utility work on mixed surfaces as well as on day rides and tours, primarily on road, but with some off-road sections.
Size and fit 5/5
There are a number of pump lengths available: small 44-49cms, medium 49-54, large 54-59, x-large 59-64. If you fall between sizes, Silca recommend going for the lower. That seems like sound advice.
Before ordering, get your tape measure out and check which one you need. The Surly’s top tube is 53cms long; the Swallow’s is 56cms. For the latter I took off two centimetres in consideration of the after-market tooth, so 54cms nett.
Performance 3.75/5
Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour tyres 700x35 from zero to 85psi in 110 strokes, but no grunting and groaning for the last few psi. Similar figures were recorded when getting Schwalbe The Green Marathon 700x32 to 85 psi – which is what one would expect. Skinny 700x23/5 tyres went from zero to rock hard 110psi in little time and with very little effort (except for the final few psi. this is not overly speedy – it won’t match gas canisters for really speedy inflation. However, the pump is both effective and easy to use.
The Dual seal head seems very effective. Things are held tight and there’s not need to fiddle around adjusting angles and ensuring it is held in place. This enables an easy arm action – enhanced by the quality of the materials - with no noticeable leakage of air to stymie your work, even as high pressures are reached.
The lack of levers to secure head to valve is a definite plus when inflating small tyres, for example on my Surly Ted Trailer.
Care 4/5
A drop of Silca’s specialist FNS Leather and Pump Lube is recommended every now and again, but other products are available (be sure they are friendly to the materials).
I have felt especially protective of the Imperio 2 Frame Pump. After all, who want scratches on something that costs this much. Getting the right length is the starting point here, and there have been no escape attempts.
Apart from that, just give it a wipe with a damp cloth. Having said that, forgetfully leaving it on the frame when indulging my machine is a sudsy bucket wash did not seem to dio any harm.
Value 3/5
Well, you might say that this is ridiculously pricy. It is entirely possible to get pumps that will do an adequate job for £10-20. £17 will get you a very reputable plastic SKS Sport Frame Fit Pump.
Topeak’s Road Master Blaster Hand Pump comes in at £29.99, fits both Presta and Schrader, not to mention Dunlop, valves. It claims to go up to 160psi, but how much grunting and groaning that requires I do not know. Like our Silca, it comes in a variety of lengths; unlike it, it has a lever head.
I’ve found the Zefal HPX Frame Pump very effective and easy to use. Frankly, I am very surprised it has been discontinued, although you may still find it at some stockists or on-line.
So, the Silca Imperio 2.0 Frame Pump occupies quite a niche position at the top of the price range. Is it good value. Well, there are drawbacks. On the other hand, it could be the last pump you buy. How deep are your pockets? The availability of spares is a distinct plus. The good looks, not a top priority for me, may be more important to you. The smooth action is a definite plus.
Summary
High quality frame pumps are nearly as rare as dragon’s teeth these days. Make no mistake this is an excellent bike pump that will serve you well for many a long year. It may best suit tourers or day riders who spend little time away from the bike: leaving it on the commuter in the city centre would give me the vapours all day long (pumps like this do not lend themselves to ease of carriage away from the bike. Ultimately, this is a stylish, pricy bit of gear for the rider who wants great functionality combined with good looks and quality manufacture – and is able to butter up their partner and be convincingly vague about that price. The latter is less important in the USA, where, I have noticed, it seems to be considerably cheaper.
Verdict: 3.75/5 Excellent pump for most cycling, but will dent you bank balance.
Steve Dyster
PUBLISHED AUGUST 2024
