People are apparently not following (or are misunderstanding) the basic instructions, leading them to believe the pump doesn't work. Here's what it says on the box that mine came in:
'With pump lever in UP position, tighten screw cap to ensure proper seal.'
The screw cap is the knobby appendage surrounding the stem connector. The pump lever is on the opposite side, and UP position means to move it away from the pump body. You MUST first move the lever up and then tighten the screw cap in order for the pump to work. Be sure to tighten it all the way, until you encounter strong resistance. Tightening the cap applies pressure to the rubber sleeve inside, which causes it to bulge inward and form a good fit around the valve stem. If you make the rubber sleeve TOO tight and it won't fit over the valve stem, only then should you loosen the cap slightly until it will fit.
'Lock lever in DOWN position.'
Pushing the lever down applies the final bit of pressure to the rubber sleeve inside, creating an airtight fit around the valve stem. When you have the screw cap properly adjusted, the lever will offer some resistance as you push it down, and then it will lock in place against the body.
That's it. Now you can use the pump. When you're done, flip the lever away from the body and remove the pump.
Now that we're over that hurdle, the good news about the pump is that it's amazingly small and light, and it works great for inflating sports balls, which is the main thing I bought it for.
The only issue I've found is that it's pretty hard to generate high pressure with the pump. I'm reasonably strong, but am unable to inflate bicycle racing tires to their proper level using this. In spite of that, I'm giving the pump five stars here to offset all of those ratings from the people who just didn't use it correctly.
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Bell AirStrike Dual Action Frame PumpProduct Description: 120 P.S.I. Compact size, fits in bike bags. Reversible Prestal Schrader valve. Universal bracket attaches to all frames. Slide blister.
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If you are buying this to save bar space and still be able to warn feeble elders as you pass them on rail-trails forget it.Wayyyyyyyy too quiet, you are almost better off clicking your brake lever.The bell also dings as you hit bumps, which is very annoying.Sad because it is a good idea and a high quality bell.
