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Mini pump recommendations

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Australia and New Zealand
Published
1 June 2007
Last activity
5 June 2007
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  1. I've just discovered that while my crappy plastic $7 mini pump from
    Kmart is fine for my MTB and it's 65PSI tyres, it can't cut the
    mustard on my 85-95PSI road tyres. So I was wondering if anyone had
    any recommendations for a decent high pressure mini pump that I can
    leave in my backpack and take with me everywhere. The tubes are
    schrader valves, though most pumps seem to handle presta or schrader.

    Some of the Giyo range seem pretty good (the GP71 is supposedly good
    for 120PSI and nice and cheap too) and the Blackburn/Tiogas from
    Phantomcycles sound pretty good too. I'd like a pump that actually
    *is* good though, rather than one that just sounds good :-)

    Any advice appreciated.

  2. Quoted message said:

    I've just discovered that while my crappy plastic $7 mini pump from
    Kmart is fine for my MTB and it's 65PSI tyres, it can't cut the
    mustard on my 85-95PSI road tyres. So I was wondering if anyone had
    any recommendations for a decent high pressure mini pump that I can
    leave in my backpack and take with me everywhere. The tubes are
    schrader valves, though most pumps seem to handle presta or schrader.

    the most common recommendation I've seen is don't go for a mini pump.

    Get a decent frame pump (Zefal HP are fairly inexpensive and very
    reliable) and save yourself the elbow grease when pumping up a flat.

  3. Duncan said:

    the most common recommendation I've seen is don't go for a mini pump.

    Get a decent frame pump (Zefal HP are fairly inexpensive and very
    reliable) and save yourself the elbow grease when pumping up a flat.

    Really? Bummer. I just like the mini pump because they fit easily in
    the back pocket of my backpack (along with my lock, shifter and
    survival gear box). My bike is general transport and I'd be worried
    about a frame pump getting nicked while I was in getting the shopping.

    This Topeak pump *sounds* good too:
    http://www.cellbikes.com.au/product.php?id=838

    I fixed a flat on my MTB in my office one day and reinflated the tyre
    with the plastic Kmart pump. It wasn't too bad, it's not like I was
    in a hurry :-)

  4. Quoted message said:
    Duncan said:

    the most common recommendation I've seen is don't go for a mini pump.

    Quoted message said:

    Get a decent frame pump (Zefal HP are fairly inexpensive and very
    reliable) and save yourself the elbow grease when pumping up a flat.

    Really? Bummer. I just like the mini pump because they fit easily in
    the back pocket of my backpack (along with my lock, shifter and
    survival gear box). My bike is general transport and I'd be worried
    about a frame pump getting nicked while I was in getting the shopping.

    I carry a Topeak Pocket Rocket DX. It works. It fits in a jersey
    pocket. It fits in a backpack pocket.
    90+psi depending on how much time you spend pumping it.
    I don't pump up flats often (maybe a flat every 9-12 months on the
    road?), so don't mind if it's a bit slow to inflate with. It's only
    for emergencies.

  5. Bleve said:
    Quoted message said:
    Duncan said:

    the most common recommendation I've seen is don't go for a mini pump.
    Get a decent frame pump (Zefal HP are fairly inexpensive and very
    reliable) and save yourself the elbow grease when pumping up a flat.


    Really? Bummer. I just like the mini pump because they fit easily in
    the back pocket of my backpack (along with my lock, shifter and
    survival gear box). My bike is general transport and I'd be worried
    about a frame pump getting nicked while I was in getting the shopping.

    I carry a Topeak Pocket Rocket DX. It works. It fits in a jersey
    pocket. It fits in a backpack pocket.
    90+psi depending on how much time you spend pumping it.
    I don't pump up flats often (maybe a flat every 9-12 months on the
    road?), so don't mind if it's a bit slow to inflate with. It's only
    for emergencies.

    I agree with Bleve - the only thing to look for in a roadie
    pump is that the barrel should be narrow so you can get the
    high pressure. This of course means more "strokes" to get
    the tire pumped up but least it will be "hard" enough. And
    since the barrel is narrower you should be able to get nice
    high pumping rate when the tyre is flatter - especially if
    you adopt the efficient stance often observed on the side
    of bike paths everywhere.

    DeF

    --
    e-mail: d.farrow@your finger.murdoch.edu.au
    To reply, you'll have to remove your finger.

  6. Bleve said:
    Quoted message said:

    On Jun 1, 3:07 pm, Duncan <[email hidden]> wrote:

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    the most common recommendation I've seen is don't go for a mini pump.

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    Get a decent frame pump (Zefal HP are fairly inexpensive and very
    reliable) and save yourself the elbow grease when pumping up a flat.

    Quoted message said:

    Really? Bummer. I just like the mini pump because they fit easily in
    the back pocket of my backpack (along with my lock, shifter and
    survival gear box). My bike is general transport and I'd be worried
    about a frame pump getting nicked while I was in getting the shopping.

    I carry a Topeak Pocket Rocket DX. It works. It fits in a jersey
    pocket. It fits in a backpack pocket.
    90+psi depending on how much time you spend pumping it.
    I don't pump up flats often (maybe a flat every 9-12 months on the
    road?), so don't mind if it's a bit slow to inflate with. It's only
    for emergencies.

    Thanks, a google for that pump turned up deanwoodsdirect which I'd
    forgotten about, so it's a double bonus!

  7. Bleve said:
    Quoted message said:
    Duncan said:

    the most common recommendation I've seen is don't go for a mini pump.
    Get a decent frame pump (Zefal HP are fairly inexpensive and very
    reliable) and save yourself the elbow grease when pumping up a flat.


    Really? Bummer. I just like the mini pump because they fit easily in
    the back pocket of my backpack (along with my lock, shifter and
    survival gear box). My bike is general transport and I'd be worried
    about a frame pump getting nicked while I was in getting the shopping.

    I carry a Topeak Pocket Rocket DX. It works. It fits in a jersey
    pocket. It fits in a backpack pocket.
    90+psi depending on how much time you spend pumping it.
    I don't pump up flats often (maybe a flat every 9-12 months on the
    road?), so don't mind if it's a bit slow to inflate with. It's only
    for emergencies.

    I use the Topeak Master Blaster (http://tinyurl.com/3cptef - which is
    the long format of the Pocket Rocket I think). It's rated to something
    like 135 psi and is advertised as providing a max of 120. This means I
    can usually get at least 90 psi into my tyres when required. In fact, I
    find I get sufficient pressure using just this pump and don't have a
    floor pump at home at all. I trust my pressures with this pump enough
    for racing. It's frame mounted and comes with a handy clip but useless
    rubber-band thingy that was dead in a few weeks. I have a backup plan
    to keep it in place with an additional Velcro strap, but don't think I
    need it. It comes off for crits but I obviously keep it with me for
    road races. I therefore have space in my pockets for an additional tube
    (I usually carry two on a long ride or race) or muesli bar or coffee
    money..!

    Varying the subject, I just changed my rear tube a few minutes ago here
    in the lab. Time to get new tyres I think. I've probably changed the
    rear tube about 8 times in the last ~6000 k's with not one front tyre
    flat. The front tyre is older by about 4000 k's and has had a latex
    tube in it for ~6000 k's. The rear latex tube blew only when I had a
    catastrophic pinch cut when I hit an enormous pot-hole. Is it the latex
    tube or just that rear tyres flat more often??

    --
    Bean

    "I've got a bike
    You can ride it if you like
    It's got a basket
    A bell that rings
    And things to make it look good
    I'd give it to you if I could
    But I borrowed it" Pink Floyd

    Remove "yourfinger" before replying

  8. Quoted message said:
    Bleve said:
    Quoted message said:

    On Jun 1, 3:07 pm, Duncan <[email hidden]> wrote:
    > the most common recommendation I've seen is don't go for a mini pump.
    > Get a decent frame pump (Zefal HP are fairly inexpensive and very
    > reliable) and save yourself the elbow grease when pumping up a flat.
    Really? Bummer. I just like the mini pump because they fit easily in
    the back pocket of my backpack (along with my lock, shifter and
    survival gear box). My bike is general transport and I'd be worried
    about a frame pump getting nicked while I was in getting the shopping.


    I carry a Topeak Pocket Rocket DX. It works. It fits in a jersey
    pocket. It fits in a backpack pocket.
    90+psi depending on how much time you spend pumping it.
    I don't pump up flats often (maybe a flat every 9-12 months on the
    road?), so don't mind if it's a bit slow to inflate with. It's only
    for emergencies.

    Thanks, a google for that pump turned up deanwoodsdirect which I'd
    forgotten about, so it's a double bonus!

    BTW... as with most good pumps these days, the Topeaks have reversible
    valve fittings for both Shraeder & Presta.

    --
    Bean
    Remove "yourfinger" before replying

  9. <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    I've just discovered that while my crappy plastic $7 mini pump from
    Kmart is fine for my MTB and it's 65PSI tyres, it can't cut the
    mustard on my 85-95PSI road tyres. So I was wondering if anyone had
    any recommendations for a decent high pressure mini pump that I can
    leave in my backpack and take with me everywhere. The tubes are
    schrader valves, though most pumps seem to handle presta or schrader.

    Some of the Giyo range seem pretty good (the GP71 is supposedly good
    for 120PSI and nice and cheap too) and the Blackburn/Tiogas from
    Phantomcycles sound pretty good too. I'd like a pump that actually
    *is* good though, rather than one that just sounds good :-)

    Any advice appreciated.

    I bought a Cyclaire (the 120psi version) and am pretty stoked with it. Much
    easier & faster to use than a mini pump but it is a wee bit bulkier &
    heavier to carry. You can buy it with a custom seat bag for an extra $10.00
    if you don't want to stick it in the back pack but I wouldn't recommend the
    seat bag for offroad use. Mine was fine on the road but only lasted a couple
    of offroad rides before the seams started to come apart. It lives in the
    camelbak now.
    When I got mine it had to ship from NZ but it got here pretty fast but I
    just checked online and it looks like someone (with a really ugly unfinished
    website) has taken over Aussie distribution and there doesn't appear to be a
    way to order them online. You can get the rundown at the international site
    tho' - http://www.cyclaire.com/bikepump.html

    --
    www.ozcableguy.com
    www.oztechnologies.com

  10. Bean Long said:

    Varying the subject, I just changed my rear tube a few minutes ago here
    in the lab. Time to get new tyres I think. I've probably changed the
    rear tube about 8 times in the last ~6000 k's with not one front tyre
    flat. The front tyre is older by about 4000 k's and has had a latex
    tube in it for ~6000 k's. The rear latex tube blew only when I had a
    catastrophic pinch cut when I hit an enormous pot-hole. Is it the latex
    tube or just that rear tyres flat more often??

    I tend to get about 4 or 5 times as many rear tyre flats as fronts. I
    suspect it's mostly to do with weight distribution, but maybe that old
    "the front tyre flicks debris upright" suggestion has some truth to it
    as well.

    BTH

  11. lemmiwinks said:

    I've just discovered that while my crappy plastic $7 mini pump from
    Kmart is fine for my MTB and it's 65PSI tyres, it can't cut the
    mustard on my 85-95PSI road tyres. So I was wondering if anyone had
    any recommendations for a decent high pressure mini pump that I can
    leave in my backpack and take with me everywhere. The tubes are
    schrader valves, though most pumps seem to handle presta or schrader.

    The $17 single-action[1] crappy plastic K-mart mini-pump is better
    than the $7 crappy double-action[2] K-mart mini-pump, but it still
    runs out of puff at about 75psi. Either one is better than the $5
    plastic frame pump - the connector hoses never seem to last long on
    those, and I always seem to lose 10psi while I'm unscrewing them from
    the valcve stem.

    I'm carrying the $17 variety, it's good enough to get my tyre changed
    and get me home to the floor pump.

    BTH
    [1] Pumps only on the "push" stroke
    [2] Pumps on both the "push" and "pull" strokes, so quite a bit
    quicker to ~40psi

  12. <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    I've just discovered that while my crappy plastic $7 mini pump from
    Kmart is fine for my MTB and it's 65PSI tyres, it can't cut the
    mustard on my 85-95PSI road tyres. So I was wondering if anyone had
    any recommendations for a decent high pressure mini pump that I can
    leave in my backpack and take with me everywhere. The tubes are
    schrader valves, though most pumps seem to handle presta or schrader.

    Some of the Giyo range seem pretty good (the GP71 is supposedly good
    for 120PSI and nice and cheap too) and the Blackburn/Tiogas from
    Phantomcycles sound pretty good too. I'd like a pump that actually
    *is* good though, rather than one that just sounds good :-)

    Any advice appreciated.

    My Topeak Road Morph hasn't let me down despite lots of use on both road and
    MTB tyres. I've been very pleased with it. I get a good 100psi in my road
    tyres quite easily and the MTB tyres go up fine, if slightly slower than a
    wide barrel pump. Presta and schraeder are both OK...

    me

  13. "Plodder" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    I've just discovered that while my crappy plastic $7 mini pump from
    Kmart is fine for my MTB and it's 65PSI tyres, it can't cut the
    mustard on my 85-95PSI road tyres. So I was wondering if anyone had
    any recommendations for a decent high pressure mini pump that I can
    leave in my backpack and take with me everywhere.

    My Topeak Road Morph hasn't let me down despite lots of use on both road and MTB tyres. I've been
    very pleased with it. I get a good 100psi in my road tyres quite easily and the MTB tyres go up
    fine, if slightly slower than a wide barrel pump. Presta and schraeder are both OK...

    I've got the Topeak Mini Morph. It's a mini pump (meaning it's
    short and takes at least twice as long to pump up a tyre), but you
    use it like a floor pump. I can pump up to road pressure, because
    I can use my weight over the pump.

  14. <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:
    Bleve said:
    Quoted message said:

    On Jun 1, 3:07 pm, Duncan <[email hidden]> wrote:

    Quoted message said:

    > the most common recommendation I've seen is don't go for a mini pump.

    Quoted message said:

    > Get a decent frame pump (Zefal HP are fairly inexpensive and very
    > reliable) and save yourself the elbow grease when pumping up a flat.

    Quoted message said:

    Really? Bummer. I just like the mini pump because they fit easily in
    the back pocket of my backpack (along with my lock, shifter and
    survival gear box). My bike is general transport and I'd be worried
    about a frame pump getting nicked while I was in getting the shopping.

    I carry a Topeak Pocket Rocket DX. It works. It fits in a jersey
    pocket. It fits in a backpack pocket.
    90+psi depending on how much time you spend pumping it.
    I don't pump up flats often (maybe a flat every 9-12 months on the
    road?), so don't mind if it's a bit slow to inflate with. It's only
    for emergencies.

    Thanks, a google for that pump turned up deanwoodsdirect which I'd
    forgotten about, so it's a double bonus!

    I'd love a shrinkable track pump. My mini pump (a tioga) takes well over
    600 strokes to inflate my mtb tyres to 40psi, after which my arms get a tad
    non functional in the cold (as they did tonight). I had dreams of ditching
    the mini pump for a frame pump of getting a CO2 thingy maggiggy.

    Speaking of pumping up tyres, why is it that 3 of the last 4 puntures I have
    gotten have been from what looks suspiciously like fencing wire. It is
    starting to annoy me. Can I get compo from the coucil for leaving [censored] all
    over the road? My other puncture was from some glass either from a bottle
    or the damn cagers not cleaning up the mess their cars drop on the road
    after 'an accident' that they are legally obliged to do so. Grrrr.

  15. On 2007-06-01, Paul Yates (aka Bruce)
    was almost, but not quite, entirely unlike tea:

    Quoted message said:

    Speaking of pumping up tyres, why is it that 3 of the last 4 puntures I have
    gotten have been from what looks suspiciously like fencing wire. It is
    starting to annoy me. Can I get compo from the coucil for leaving [censored] all
    over the road? My other puncture was from some glass either from a bottle
    or the damn cagers not cleaning up the mess their cars drop on the road
    after 'an accident' that they are legally obliged to do so. Grrrr.

    I get all mine in the last 5m of a 30km commute. I've taken to
    picking the bike up as I walk to my front door. Should pave that dirt
    section between my driveway and road.

    --
    TimC
    I am very new to programming drivers so if I sound un-knowledgeable then it's
    because I am. -- first4internet's Ceri Coburn on writing Sony's DRM rootkit

  16. <[email hidden]> wrote:

    Duncan said:
    Quoted message said:

    Get a decent frame pump (Zefal HP are fairly inexpensive and very
    reliable) and save yourself the elbow grease when pumping up a flat.

    Really? Bummer. I just like the mini pump because they fit easily in
    the back pocket of my backpack (along with my lock, shifter and
    survival gear box). My bike is general transport and I'd be worried
    about a frame pump getting nicked while I was in getting the shopping.

    +1 for Duncan's recommemdation.

    I guess it depends on the areas you go shopping, some suburbs may be really
    dodgy for theft. My bike has had a Zefal HPX on the frame continuously for
    the last 14 years. It has been left outside shops in country towns,
    city(less frequently) and suburbs. I never take the pump off, and theft has
    not been an issue. Mind you the bike is no bling machine and the pump is now
    a bit scratched. I just don't think the Zefal name is a high profile target
    amongst teenage bike thieves.

    Quoted message said:


    This Topeak pump *sounds* good too:
    http://www.cellbikes.com.au/product.php?id=838

    That pump may claim 120psi, and who knows, you may get it. But I'd guess it
    will take you a looonng time, maybe 15-20 minutes of continuous pumping. The
    Zefal will be lots faster

    --
    Cheers
    Peter

    ~~~ ~ _@
    ~~ ~ _- \,
    ~~ (*)/ (*)

  17. PeteSig said:

    <[email hidden]> wrote:

    Duncan said:
    Quoted message said:

    Get a decent frame pump (Zefal HP are fairly inexpensive and very
    reliable) and save yourself the elbow grease when pumping up a flat.

    Really? Bummer. I just like the mini pump because they fit easily in
    the back pocket of my backpack (along with my lock, shifter and
    survival gear box). My bike is general transport and I'd be worried
    about a frame pump getting nicked while I was in getting the shopping.

    +1 for Duncan's recommemdation.

    I guess it depends on the areas you go shopping, some suburbs may be really
    dodgy for theft. My bike has had a Zefal HPX on the frame continuously for
    the last 14 years. It has been left outside shops in country towns,
    city(less frequently) and suburbs. I never take the pump off, and theft has
    not been an issue. Mind you the bike is no bling machine and the pump is now
    a bit scratched. I just don't think the Zefal name is a high profile target
    amongst teenage bike thieves.

    Quoted message said:


    This Topeak pump *sounds* good too:
    http://www.cellbikes.com.au/product.php?id=838

    That pump may claim 120psi, and who knows, you may get it. But I'd guess it
    will take you a looonng time, maybe 15-20 minutes of continuous pumping. The
    Zefal will be lots faster

    --
    Cheers
    Peter

    ~~~ ~ _@
    ~~ ~ _- \,
    ~~ (*)/ (*)

    I have the Topeak Turbo Morph, and I can easily get to 120+ PSI using it like a track pump. It doesn't take too long either. I am not that strong either.
    We have an elderly lady, regular rider, who uses one, successfully.

    Mike G

  18. mikeg said:


    I have the Topeak Turbo Morph, and I can easily get to 120+ PSI using
    it like a track pump. It doesn't take too long either. I am not that
    strong either.
    We have an elderly lady, regular rider, who uses one, successfully.

    I am sure that you may well do this. The 'Morph' series pumps are apparently
    quite effective with there stand pump conversion - not as quick and easy to
    use as the Zefal though. The link I was referring to was for the tiny Topeak
    Mini DX http://www.cellbikes.com.au/product.php?id=838

    With a length of just 9" it is a good deal less barrel than the Topeak
    Road/Mountain Morphs at 12.7", and one hell of a lot less than my Zefal HPX4
    at 22.5" overall length. I'll be pumping at least 3 times as much air as the
    tiny Mini DX with the Zefal. Doesn't fit in a backpack though 🙁 but fits
    happily along my top tube, and been there for the past 14 years.

    --
    Cheers
    Peter

    ~~~ ~ _@
    ~~ ~ _- \,
    ~~ (*)/ (*)

  19. Bleve said:


    I carry a Topeak Pocket Rocket DX.

    another vote for ToPeak here.

    I carry a slightly diff one tho, the Topeak Mountain Morph Pump.
    deanwoods.com.auprod960.htm

    NFI why it's 'mountain' as the only diff between it and the 'Road' morph is it has a lil' guage on it which is gimmickry IMHO.

    lerv havin the hose/tube bit rather than clippin straight onto valve head (i had a nasty habit of damaging them with my_ninja_pumpin_action_technique 🙄 )

    the fold out foot stand is cool for extra leverage too. It'll fit in ajersey pocket. 'just'.

  20. I am just home after my 1600kms touring ride and had 2 punctures. The other
    lady who rode with me had 3. My pump was [censored] LOL. It is a lot bigger than
    hers, you had to use a converter so that you could pump up the Presta valves
    and it took forever. My back tyre is recommended to hold 100psi but I could
    only pump around 30 in it with my pump. Her pump on the other had was a
    skinny little thing that just went straight on the Presta valve and although
    you had to give it lots of pumps I could get my tyre up to around 70 which
    was great until the next road house/4wd tourist. I am on the lookout for a
    "skinny" one next time I get to the LBS (100kms away)
    Kathy

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