The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of outdoor gear

Zefal HPX Review

A durable frame pump at a competitive price.
Zefal HPX
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Price:  $40 List | $33.77 at Amazon
Pros:  Inexpensive, easy to use, durable
Cons:  Hard plastic frame bumpers, heavy
Manufacturer:   Zefal
By Curtis Smith ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 17, 2016
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58
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#12 of 18
  • Pumping Performance - 30% 6
  • Ease of Use - 30% 5
  • Portability - 20% 7
  • Looks and Design - 10% 5
  • Durability - 10% 6

Our Verdict

The Zefal HPX is a high-quality frame pump. It offers great pumping performance and a reasonable price compared to competitors. It operates on the same spring-loaded handle concept as other frame pumps we have tested. It is not as aesthetically pleasing as the Silca Impero Ultimate, but it is a reliable workhorse of a pump.


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Zefal HPX
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Awards  Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award  Top Pick Award 
Price $33.77 at AmazonCheck Price at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers		$84.99 at Competitive Cyclist
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Pros Inexpensive, easy to use, durableGreat pumping performance, easy to use, affordableExcellent pumping power, highly portable, digital readoutDurable, user friendly, pumping performanceEasy to use, threadless valve head, retractable hose, doubles as a front shock pump
Cons Hard plastic frame bumpers, heavyHeavy, Too big to fit in a jersey or a hip packToo large for a frame mount or to fit in a hip packLack of versatilityHose is short, not as powerful as larger pumps, not for road bikes
Bottom Line A durable frame pump at a competitive price.A frame pump that performs like a floor pump.If you ride with a hydration pack and want the most pumping power possible, this is the one.Awesome mini pump for high pressure, low volume tires.The ideal pump for a mountain biker looking for a capable, lightweight, low-profile frame, or jersey pocket, pump.
Rating Categories Zefal HPX Topeak Road Morph G Micro Floor Digital Drive HVG Lezyne Pressure Drive Birzman Velocity Apogee MTB
Pumping Performance (30%)
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Portability (20%)
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Looks And Design (10%)
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Specs Zefal HPX Topeak Road Morph G Micro Floor... Lezyne Pressure... Birzman Velocity...
Weight 247g 204g 242g 90g 136g
Length 52cm Max, Min 46cm 35cm 30.48cm 19cm 17.78cm
25C Road Tire Pressure following 200 Pumps 95psi 125psi 76 psi at 100 pumps 60psi 44 psi at 100 pumps
Tire Pressure 27.5 x 2.3" Following 300 Pumps 34psi 50psi 40 psi at 200 pumps 17psi 22psi
Ability to reach 90psi in a road tire 25cc Yes Yes N/A Yes N/A
Pump Head Type Standard Integrated with locking lever Hose with locking lever Threaded hose w/pressure relief valve Hose Thread On Non-thread hose, slip on
Presta Compatible Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Schrader Compatible No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Frame Mount Bracket Included? Spring Loaded for Frame Mount No Yes Yes Yes
Pressure Gauge? No Yes Yes No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

Performance Comparison


The HPX mounted under the top tube of a Trek Emonda.
The HPX mounted under the top tube of a Trek Emonda.

Zefal pumps have been around since the 1970s and are known for their reliability and secure mounting. Looking at the current HPX model compared to photos of the old HP model from the 70s, it appears that not much has changed. The HPX is a direct competitor to the Silca Impero. While the HPX does not look as polished as the Impero, it pumps well and has some nice features, such as a spring lockout on the handle.

Ease of Use


The HPX is relatively easy to use. The pump is stored on a bicycle frame by outward pressure from a spring-loaded handle. Mounting the pump to a frame is essentially the same process for all the frame pumps we tested. The Zefal has hard plastic bumpers on each end, making it slightly more difficult to mount than the Impero, which has flexible silicone bumpers. If you have a curvy or odd shaped frame or tubing, the Impero provides a more secure mount and is less likely to damage paint.

The HPX has a standard integrated pump head with locking lever. The lever is easy to use, but it is one more step as compared to the Impero with its press-on dual seal system. Pumping effort is comparable to the Impero.

The pump discharge end of the HPX has a nylon grip for better pump control during inflation.
The pump discharge end of the HPX has a nylon grip for better pump control during inflation.

Pumping Performance


The HPX is a solid performer when it comes to pumping. It achieved 95psi at 200 pump strokes in our road tire test, a respectable performance. But the Impero blows it out of the water, reaching 103 psi at only 112 strokes. The Impero is the clear winner when it comes to efficiency at high pressure, but the HPX will get the job done.

The HPX also did well on the higher volume mountain bike tire test, reaching 34psi at 300 strokes, compared to 37psi with the Impero Ultimate.

Looks/Design


We would be lying through our teeth if we told you that the HPX is a great looking pump. It does not have the clean lines and level of craftsmanship seen on the Impero. It has a much more rough-and-tumble feel with a nylon handgrip near the pumping head. The pump head and bumpers are far less elegant than what you will find on the Impero.

The HPX is rebuildable, but sourcing parts may be an issue. We had a hard time finding a retailer that stocks them. We like the option to lock out the spring so that you are not pushing against it at the end of the pump stroke, a feature you will not find on the Impero. We also appreciate the all-metal construction.

The end of the pump handle rotates on the HPX. In the X position the spring is engaged for mounting to the frame. In the HP position the spring is locked out so that you are not pushing against it while pumping.
The end of the pump handle rotates on the HPX. In the X position, the spring is engaged for mounting to the frame. In the HP position, the spring is locked out so that you are not pushing against it while pumping.

Portability


This is a very portable pump — when used on the right bike. It works on carbon frames, but the points of contact are not nearly as reassuring as those found on the Impero. We also experienced some rattling from the pump on rough roads that we did not have with the Impero. If you have a steel, aluminum or Titanium frame with traditional round tubing, then the HPX will work great. If you have a carbon frame, you will be better off with the Impero Ultimate or Pocket.

The HPX out for testing attached under the top tube.
The HPX out for testing, attached under the top tube.

Durability


The HPX proved to be very durable during testing. The pump head did not develop any slop or play following pump testing, and we did not detect any noticeable loss of efficiency following testing. The pump is made almost entirely of aluminum with some internal steel components. The black finish showed no signs of corrosion chipping or wear.

The Impero scores higher due to its high-end internal components and readily available replacement parts, while the Lezyne Road and Pressure Drive pumps and theTopeak RaceRocket also score similarly to the Impero.

Best Applications


The HPX is best suited for use road or cyclocross use, particularly those with alloy frames and traditional round tube shapes. It may fit your carbon frame, but we would recommend you try before you buy.

Value


This pump is a bargain with a retail price of $40, as it's a solid pump. Comparably priced (or cheaper) pumps are the Topeak RaceRocket and the Pro Bike Tool High Pressure Gauge.

Conclusion


The Zefal is the working man's answer to the pricy Silca Impero. It does not pump as well as the Impero, nor look as nice, but it will get the job done.

The plastic bumpers on the HPX are designed with the top tube/down tube junction in mind.
The plastic bumpers on the HPX are designed with the top tube/down tube junction in mind.


— Curtis Smith