As one of the most budget-friendly options in Lezyne’s range, the Macro HV Floor Drive will appeal to new riders or those who want one pump for many applications. For the asking price, it’s well built, and well equipped and capable of seating large-volume tubeless tyres as long as the conditions are right.
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Lezyne Macro HV Floor Drive - Technical details
As the HV (standing for high volume) in its name suggests, the Lezyne Macro HV Floor Drive is built to deliver big airflow to inflate large tyres with minimal effort.
It’s constructed using a combination of plastic and steel, with a ‘composite matrix’ material making up the base and handle whereas the barrel and piston are made of steel. At the base is a three-and-a-half-inch gauge that reads up to 100psi and there’s a super lengthy hose.
At the end of the hose, Lezyne offers two options for the head. There’s the ABS Flip Chuck that we’ve seen on higher-end offerings, such as the Pressure Overdrive. This will appeal to those who require a pressure release button and don’t switch valve standards too frequently. Pictured here is the Dual Valve option that features a more traditional head with a Presta and Schrader attachment. A metal handle locks the head onto the valve.
There’s then a large pressure gauge that reads up to 100psi and seven bar.
Lezyne Macro HV Floor Drive - Performance
Despite its relatively low asking price, the Macro HV Floor Drive has a lot to give and is a serious option if you ride a range of bike types.
Its build quality is certainly on par with competing options, if not better and ergonomics are spot on. It doesn’t get the lovely wooden handle of pricier Lezyne pumps but the Macro HV proves there’s more to a good pump than high-end luxuries.
The hose is long enough to reach bikes hung on work stands and provides plenty of distance, allowing you to get away from those dodgy tubeless installations.
Speaking of tubeless installation, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. I’ve primarily tested this pump with 2.4 to 2.5in mountain bike tyres and learned it requires careful set-up and preparation of the tyre for the pump to work at its best. For the most part, that’s the case for many pumps out there but the amount of air that the Macro HV delivers isn’t quite as powerful as others, so the tyre bead needs to be pre-set near the rim hooks to ensure it inflates.
Given that Lezyne touts the pump as a fast, high-volume inflator - especially for larger tyres - this comes as a disappointment.
Don’t get me wrong, it can be done and I’ve had several successful tubeless setups using this pump, it’s just not quite as quick and easy as others, like Topeak’s Joe Blow Mountain EX. However, if you ride gravel, inflation is efficient with the comparatively narrower tyres common on gravel bikes. For that application, the airflow it delivers is more than enough. It’s also worth noting that it’ll reach higher pressures with ease, something other higher-volume pumps struggle to do.
Where the pump falls short is in the accuracy of its gauge. It’s large and very easy to read with 10s and fives marked along the dial. This gauge is a stand-out compared to others, but the real issue is that the pump doesn’t read accurately. It’s five psi out – I tested the accuracy using a standalone pressure gauge.
But in action, there’s little to complain about. Its plastic base is impressively stable and its plastic handle resists flex while being ergonomic. While pumping, it can clunk around as you reach each end of the stroke but it’s a budget-friendly offering and that can be easily forgiven.
Lezyne Macro HV Floor Drive - Verdict
With a price tag of £50, the Macro HV represents decent bang for buck. It’s simple, durable and does what it says on the tin. However, it’s well worth considering what you want your pump to do. If it’s to inflate and seat gravel-size tyres, it’s right on the money but if you’re looking to seat higher-volume MTB tyres, there are better options on the market.
One of those is the Topeak Joe Blow Mountain EX. Although I own posher pumps, this one has become my go-to simply because it works. Its gauge is accurate, and it’s more than capable of seating mountain bike tyres on the rim. It is a little wobbly, however, and if you’re looking to reach higher pressures, it won’t do that.
The Bontrager Dual Charger is another that poses serious competition. It’s capable of inflating to high pressures and delivering high volume at the flick of a switch, and it’s rather efficient.
If you’re looking to inflate and seat tubeless gravel tyres, the Lezyne Maco HV Floor Drive is a great, affordable option. Although it features cheaper components, it’s capable and easy to use. However, its inaccurate gauge needs addressing, and if you’re looking to seat heavy-duty mountain bike-size tyres reliably, you might want to look elsewhere.