Help with my new Silca

twntbo said:

After wearing out several pumps in recent years, I finally spent the money for a Silca Super Pista. Unfortunately, I am an idiot. I cannot figure out how to use this thing.

The first tire I aired up ...
I pressed the brass attachment all the way on to the presta valve, and successfully pumped the tire up to 120 psi. At this point, I am thinking, "wow that was easy." Then, I go to remove the brass attachement from the valve. It's on tight, real tight. After a few solid tugs, I rip the presta valve out of the rim all the way to the base of tube. Yes, I am an idiot.

The second tube ...
I press the brass attachment on much lighter. I go to pump up the tube and air begins to leak. It is not on tight enough. I push it on further; still leaks. Further yet again; now she's stuck. I then rip the valve from the base of the tube again. [censored]!

The third tube (my last one) ...
I return to an old pump that I know how to use so that I can still ride my bike while figuring this thing out.

One more thing to note is that the presta valves that broke were threaded ... if that matters.

Heh, heh, heh, heh.

I personally like those Silca presta chucks, but there is a bit of a knack for using one. The trick is to get it adjusted so that it fits snug but not tight. The chuck is threaded so that you can adjust how tightly it fits onto the presta valve. Too tight and it won't come off, too loose and it blows off all by itself. In a pinch if you get the chuck on your valve too tightly, you can unscrew the threaded adjustment a bit while it's still connected to the valve stem and it will slide right off.

That makes sense. I guess I just need to dial her in a bit.

Also, I have an adapter that I use to pump up a rear disc and trispoke set-up that I use in triathlons. I assume that I can use it with the Silca ...

mine beloved silcas are adjusted as per grouch so as to ALWAYS blow off at pressure, that is, without holding the chuck on the valve with one hand and pumping with the other.

adjusted like this, the rubber gasket inside the chuck lasts much longer as well. by all means take care not to have it blow off and put a hole in the caron or whatever kind of plastic bikes are made of nowadays...

some may not be able to pump in this manner, you can make a strap out of velcro, with a hole in it to accomadate the valve, this will retain the chuck on the valve while you pump.

a riding friend of mine will not pump with my silca out of dislike for this method, and he is certainly strong enough.

my silca pistas (pista, not super pista) will go from zero to 120 in 35 strokes!

Retro Grouch said:

Heh, heh, heh, heh.

I personally like those Silca presta chucks, but there is a bit of a knack for using one. The trick is to get it adjusted so that it fits snug but not tight. The chuck is threaded so that you can adjust how tightly it fits onto the presta valve. Too tight and it won't come off, too loose and it blows off all by itself. In a pinch if you get the chuck on your valve too tightly, you can unscrew the threaded adjustment a bit while it's still connected to the valve stem and it will slide right off.

thanks for the response and for all the help

I appreciate ya