Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - pumps that don't suck

You can also get combo CO2 / mini-pumps; I'd recommend that for unsupported rides over, I dunno, 600k maybe? That way you can inflate fast, and still have a backup if you totally run out of cartridges.

To wit: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=16497&subcategory_ID=4362

Last time a post like this came up there were some people who owned those type of pumps/co2 jobs, and they said the pumps were very poor quality and had problems breaking.

It took me ~10 min today from putting the patch onto my tube to getting rolling, most of that 10 min, but I'm not sure how much, was using my roadmorph to pump my 26x2.0 tire up to ~50 psi. I was aiming for 70, but gave up. Rode fine at 50 anyway.

Went to a LBS yesterday, w/ goal of acquiring the Morth pump, but they didn't carry it - the sales guy highly recommended the Blackburn Airstick. Tried it a few times after getting it home, and all can say is that IMHO this pump sucks - will be taking it back, and going to a different LBS this coming week. Trying to get the tires from 90 to 120 psi, took over 90 thrusts just to get ~12 psi in there [ummm,,, glad this is a PG-13 site... :eek: :p ;)].

It took me ~10 min today from putting the patch onto my tube to getting rolling, most of that 10 min, but I'm not sure how much, was using my roadmorph to pump my 26x2.0 tire up to ~50 psi. I was aiming for 70, but gave up. Rode fine at 50 anyway.

Umm... the Road Morph is exactly that... a ROAD bike pump. You can use it for mountain bike tires, but you'd be better off going for something that's designed for less pressure and more volume.

Topeak makes a Mountain Morph pump that I've heard good things about as well.

But aren't CO2 inflators one-time only? How many do you carry on a 600K? 1000K? 1200K?
Good point, but how many of your rides are that long? When it comes to the 200 mile plus rides, I supplement with a pump (an ancient Silca Impero that has always worked and, as far as I can tell, always will).

But the huge majority of my training rides are less than 200 miles, and on the worst single day ride I have ever had, I got 3 flats. So I toss a pack of three Co2 cartridges into the bag and figure that's going to be enough.

Frankly, I could see getting to the point where the pump always goes with me, as it's not terribly inconvenient and does impart a measure of confidence. Maybe if I ever get that custom randonneuring bike built up I will have a pump mount between the rear fender and seat tube, like Peter Weigle does on his gorgeous frames. But no matter what, I expect I'll always be a fan of Co2 simply because it's so fast and easy. Pumps vs. Co2 is literally minutes vs. seconds, plus I don't wear out my wimpy bike rider arms flapping away at the pump!

Good point, but how many of your rides are that long? When it comes to the 200 mile plus rides, I supplement with a pump (an ancient Silca Impero that has always worked and, as far as I can tell, always will).!

plus I don't wear out my wimpy bike rider arms flapping away at the pump!

You do the exact same thing I do on longer rides, in fact you use the exact same pump as I! I take the Silca Aria mini on all my rides, but on rides over 100 miles I take the old 1984 Silca Impero frame pump to use as a back up in case the mini broke. I also carry with me at all times a Presta to Schrader converter just in case the mini broke and I can make it to a gas station with air; and I also use it to fill my tires with the air compressor.

And as far as wimpy arms go...that's exactly why you should use a pump so those wimpy arms will become arms that would make the Greek gods jealous...well maybe not!

Hmm... The convertor/gas station business is a good idea. I know I've got one of those silly things around somewhere. I'll look for it tonight and pop it into the bag. Thanks for the tip!

Oh, and Silca forever! lol.

Hmm... The convertor/gas station business is a good idea. I know I've got one of those silly things around somewhere. I'll look for it tonight and pop it into the bag. Thanks for the tip!

Oh, and Silca forever! lol.

I don't keep mine in the bag because it may get lost just when I need it; I keep it on the front wheel presta valve...sort of like a cap. Yeah, I know, the weight of that converter is really dragging me down.

By the way the plastic converters are junk, use only the brass ones.

The brass convertor is nearly as old as the Silca pump, and it'll go into the little baggy I keep for loseable things. Thanks again for the tip.

Went to a LBS yesterday, w/ goal of acquiring the Morth pump, but they didn't carry it - the sales guy highly recommended the Blackburn Airstick. Tried it a few times after getting it home, and all can say is that IMHO this pump sucks - will be taking it back, and going to a different LBS this coming week. Trying to get the tires from 90 to 120 psi, took over 90 thrusts just to get ~12 psi in there [ummm,,, glad this is a PG-13 site... :eek: :p ;)].
I have an Airstick, and yeah, it takes a loooong time to get the air in.

OTOH, it DOES get the air in - I had to use mine recently on 26x1.3" tyres, got them up to 80 psi without tiring out my arms.

It's also very very solid - would make a good pump for thumping an aggressive dog (4 or 2-legged).

Other side of the Co2 coin: last night I punctured about a half mile from home. If I'd had a pump it would have been no biggie, but as it was I had to decide whether to waste a couple of bucks for a two minute ride, or save a couple of bucks and hoof it. Why aren't there any perfect solutions?!? :D

There is a mini that no one has mentioned but I've heard it was very good...but note I said heard, I've never tried it so not sure how good it actually is; its the Barbieri Titan One pump that is made of titanium and weighs 75grms with a claim reach of 145psi.

Ghee wizz! I've never wanted to leave home without a real frame pump, that will really put volume and pressure in a tire. I can't understand why it seems many of you want those dinky, little, girly man, baby, mini me, pumps! Why not carry a full size frame pump? Is it the weight savings? No room for a real pump? What is it? I am really puzzled why its even a question. I though every experienced cyclist used a frame pump! When you have a flat a frame pump is where its at! :eek:

Baffled in Washington

after being stranded this weekend, i don't think i'll ever buy a morph again.

Problem was you used a mini morph. The full-sized road morph is no problem up to 120 PSI and STILL smaller than a traditional frame pump.