Wolf Tooth Launches EnCase Pumps

During the first week of the pandemic, as shit got weird and people fought over toilet paper, I bought a pair of 2-way Motorola radios. We'd already made sure we had enough things like canned food, coffee (mandatory!) and other 'supplies' (mostly beer and wine if I'm being honest) but the little Boy Scout in me was worried about end times scenarios, and I thought that if the cell phone network went down, I'd better have another way to communicate to my wife that the zombies were about to breach the outer defenses.

This 'be prepared' attitude doesn't go to extremes for the rider in me, however I ride alone more than half the time, so I haven't joined the many who no longer carry a tube, pump, levers, and other stuff we used to more or less consider mandatory. For short loops I often cut corners, and it's been a long time since I flatted (yes, yes, I'm knocking) but I still like to have stuff to fix a flat, plus a multi-tool, chain tool / link pliers, tire pressure gauge, plugs, quick link, energy bar, some Benadryl (for me and the dog - last year was terrible for ground wasps), epi pen, and a cloth for my glasses. This all fits in a hip pack from High Above¹ and it fits that much better (with room for an extra layer and a small flask if it's THAT kind of ride) if I can stash at least some of that stuff on the bike.

I wouldn't normally be excited about a new mini pump but Wolf Tooth's new EnCase blower is abnormally awesome.

1 - I really need to write that High Above hip pack up, but here's a two word review: it rocks.

Wolf Tooth EnCase Pump Details

Joining the EnCase family means the new pumps are designed to be easy and quick to access and use. They're targeted at mountain, gravel, and fat bike riders, meaning they're configured as high volume pumps; consequently their max psi is 70, more than enough for the intended user groups. They have a chamber seal called EnviroLock which also keeps the handle from extending until you unlock it, but more importantly protects the internals from the elements. There is also a snug rubber seal covering the business end of the pump which is also waterproof and does an excellent job of protecting the pump head. That pump head, incidentally, pushes straight on to Presta valves (only) and seals magnificently.

There are two sizes of EnCase Pumps: 40 and 85cc. The smaller one will carry one EnCase tool within its barrel (like a Hex Bit Wrench or Chain Tool + Tire Plug) whereas the 85cc pump can carry two tool modules. If you already own EnCase tools or don't want them, you can buy the pumps separately, or with your chosen configuration of tools as a package (and save a few bucks). Each pump comes with a bottle cage mount, all individual components are sold individually via Wolf Tooth's Right to Repair program - this is something we want to see for all things we buy in life, but it's particularly useful for bike components like pumps which are subjected to long lives of hard use and usually just need things like fresh seals every now and then to ensure long careers riding shotgun on down tubes.

EnCase Pumps are designed and assembled (alas not manufactured) in Minnesota, USA.

For years, the best game in town for my needs was a 70cc OneUp EDC pump with an EDC tool, chain tool, plugs, and pliers for a quick link stashed inside, and an EDC Lite tool in the steerer tube. Yes, that's redundant, but my one niggle with the OneUp pumps was that getting the EDC tool assembly out was never as quick and easy as I hoped. A dab of silicone grease on the gasket helps, but I still often had to pry it open, and then you have to get the tool out of the housing - not a huge deal but you were left with several pieces to set down and reassemble later. For quick access to a tool, the EDC Lite is still king. For an insane number of functions in a tiny package, OneUp's EDC V2 is untouched unless you compare with Wolf Tooth EnCase Hex Multi-Tool AND Chain + Tire Plug Multi-Tool.

Setting the tools aside, I've carried OneUp pumps exclusively since they were released about seven years ago. Well built, effective, durable and you can store stuff inside? Perfection, basically. Until today, because at least in a few ways, Wolf Tooth has One-Upped the OGs of on-board EDC.

Which EnCase Pump to Choose?

Wolf Tooth's new pumps are identical except for their size (one moves 40cc of air per stroke, the other manages 85) and tool capacity. Because these comparisons are unavoidable, I'm going to keep going back to them: OneUp's pumps are 70 and 100cc. I was planning to use all four pump sizes and do a pump-off, but wow did that sound awful. Having struggled with truly tiny pumps in the past, old me would go for the larger EnCase Pump. New me, who is worried more about being covered in an emergency but hasn't flatted in a few years - again I tempt fate - thinks the 40cc is easily large enough to get you out of a jam in a few minutes. For something I plan to carry around on a lot of rides and almost never use (if you need to borrow it, you can do your own pumping, buster) that makes sense. However, there's an additional consideration: tool capacity. And that might make deciding a bit easier.

If you already have a multi-tool in your steerer tube or prefer it in your pocket or pack, you'll probably be well-served by the 40cc pump and - if necessary - multiple mounts for easy switching between bikes. Your choice what EnCase tool kit to run inside:

• Tubeless Tire Plug Tool (25 CAD more than the pump alone)
• Hex Bit Wrench Multi-Tool (70 CAD more than the pump alone and redundant if you have a multi-tool stashed elsewhere)
• Chain + Tire Plug Multi-Tool (70 CAD more than the pump alone)

Or put no tool inside if you just need a new pump.

If you rarely find yourself needing a tool during your rides, or don't mind having to remove a pump from your frame or bag to fish out the tool, and/or feel like you want the capacity of the bigger pump, the 85's for you.

How are the Pumps?

They're fantastic. Typical of Wolf Tooth, the EnCase pumps are well built and super well thought out. The EnviroLock and pump head seals mean you really don't have to worry about a pump sheath even if you frequently ride in bad weather (I use a road tire inner tube as a protective sheath for my OneUp pump). The pump's action is smooth and solid, and seals beautifully on the valve. The EnCase tools slide easily in and out without feeling like they're at risk of coming out, and because they're housed in rubber, they don't rattle and keep everything nicely protected inside. I have not a single complaint and nothing but good things to say about these pumps.

It took seven years for a true contender to OneUp's still fabulous EDC pump and tool system, and Wolf Tooth has improved on OneUp's excellent lineup, if only slightly, in weather sealing and tool integration (OneUp's EDC V2 still has more functions unless you get the larger Wolf Tooth pump and the Hex Bit Multi as well as the Chain + Tire Plug tools) and their EDC Lite is still a no-brainer as a simple multi-tool for any bike. That speaks to the longevity and original design of OneUp's system. I think Wolf Tooth now has the slight edge on the pump side but when comparing tool systems, personal preference is going to come into play, since the two brands use different multi-tool setups.

The good news? Both systems are awesome, so you're the ultimate winner.

Wolf Tooth EnCase Pump 40cc - 105 CAD / 65 USD
40cc Pump with Tubeless Tire Plug Tool - 130 CAD / 80 USD
40cc Pump with Hex Bit Wrench Multi-Tool - 175 CAD / 110 USD
40cc Pump with Chain + Tire Plug Multi-Tool - 175 CAD / 110 USD

Wolf Tooth EnCase Pump 85cc - 115 CAD / 70 USD
85cc Pump with Tubeless Tire Plug Tool - 145 CAD / 90 USD
85cc Pump with Hex Bit Wrench Multi-Tool & Chain + Tire Plug Multi-Tool - 255 CAD / 160 USD