The Radavist

I tend to get giddy about projects, especially those which were born in the USA, or at least in this case resurrected. Silca’s a company with its roots deeply embedded in cycling history. For over 100 years, this company has been a part of inflation technology (yes, I just said that). After the name was purchased and relocated to the USA, things have been changing rapidly. For the better.

That $400 floor pump caused a bit of a ruckus, as did the $40 air chucks yet for some reason the thought of a $165 frame pump doesn’t seem like a huge leap. Especially when you consider the detailing and that a made overseas Topeak or the like is still $50. The Impero Ultimate has been reborn. It’s a beast of metal, with no plastic parts and it’s machined in the USA. Best of all, it comes in BLACK!

Without me slobbering too much here with copy, why don’t you just check out the specs and more photos below, or order one at Silca. I just did.

So… what makes a bike pump worth $450? NPR dives into the story on how Silca moved their production to Indianapolis. Listen to the story at NPR and yes, I totally bought one. Ok, I lied, I put it on my credit card.

Is it really worth it? I mean, it’s a pump, but it’s a damn nice pump and it looks great holding down the tiles in my office. Functionality considered, it’s got an impressive amount of machining, akin to a luxury sportswatch and if it means Silca might one day make a $100 USA-made floor pump, I’m all for supporting this industry.

Side note: I’m really enjoying my new photo studio…

Everyone always asks me what’s the one product I liked at Interbike and I never really have a clear answer. This year however, I was most impressed with one accessory.

Silca’s undergone a bit of a domestic production revival.

Their products are now made in the USA. From Co2 chucks to this SuperPista Ultimate Floor Pump.

This one’s not for the bargain seekers, but I will say, it’s a damn fine floor pump. Every single piece is machined and finished. It’s like the Rolex of bike pumps. See more (including the price) at Silca.

I wish I had a team of cycling shoes-wearing ninjas to fix my flats. Although, I suppose I don’t have a cute pup and a kick-ass Wald basket. Portland Design Works always has the best videos and this one for their Ninja™ Pump kicks the ass of flats.

As far as pumps are concerned, the lighter and smaller, the better. If it fits in a jersey pocket, I’m game and it it doesn’t unscrew your valve head in the process, I’m sold. The new Portland Design Works Ninja™ Pump looks like it does all the above (maybe more?).

See more at PDW!