Bicycle Mechanics - Pump dummy?

I've a newbie & I set out to ride this morning but my rear tire needed air. So, I take off my mini pump that the LBS installed for me (they threw away the instructions) and try to pump some air into my tire. Couldn't figure it out. LOL I unscrewed the little metal cap thingie but my pump does not seem to fit the stem. Does the cap come completely off? I couldn't get mine completely off. I had my sweetie check it out & he said there must be some kind of adapter to make the mini pump fit the stem. It fits the stem of my old, old 10 speed that's wasting away in the garage. Do you think they sold me something that doesn't go with my stem or am I just being a pump dummy? :D They're not open yet to ask them.

Sounds like you maybe have a presta pump and have tyres with Schraeder valves.

Normally mini pumps are adaptable to both. I'd go back to the LBS and get them to set it up for Schraeder (if that's what type you have)

actually, it sounds more like her valves are presta, and she has a shraeder pump. :) Check to see if the adapter is hidden someplace on the pump too, like underneath the endcap. My presta pump has a presta->shraeder adapter under there, along with a patch kit.

Originally posted by sibelius
actually, it sounds more like her valves are presta, and she has a shraeder pump. :) Check to see if the adapter is hidden someplace on the pump too, like underneath the endcap. My presta pump has a presta->shraeder adapter under there, along with a patch kit.

I've also seen pumps where you need to unscrew the cap (on the end where you would snap it onto the valve) and reverse a cylindrical piece inside to convert between presta and schraeder.

The pump says "Mini Master Blaster." :) Looks like the attached image without the words ToPeak -- but has the same emblem. The stem on my tube is way skinnier than the head to this pump. Haven't found any hidden adaptor. I guess it's off to the bike shop. I did successfully figure out how to deflate my tube. LOL

I need to get some cycling shoes anyway. :) I did ride this past weekend for 30 miles -- woo-hoo!

The little metal cap thingy is not supposed to come completely off.

It sounds like your pump is set up for Schraeder (American automobile type) valves. Many mini pumps have parts inside the pump head that can be reversed to fit either Presta (European bike type) or Schraeder valves. Try this. Unscrew the head of your pump. Remove the rubber grommet that is inside. A small, circular plastic piece will probably fall out now. The plastic piece will have a projection on one side. The projection is designed to press down the little button in the center of a Schreader valve. Turn the plastic piece over so that the projection faces the inside of the pump head. The rubber grommet should have a smaller hole on one side. The large hole is for Schraeders, the small hole for Prestas. Replace the grommet with the small hole facing out. Screw the cap back onto the pump head...et voila! Your pump should be set up for Presta valve inflation.

By the way, you should get a floor pump for everyday at-home tire inflation. Mini-pumps will save your chestnuts on the road or trail, but they are a big old pain to use everyday.

Hope that helps.

I've got that pump. The procedure I just described will work, if you can understand it.

Regular guy -- you're not regular. You've saved my morning ride!! LOL Thanks! :D

No charge.

:)

Originally posted by RegularGuy
By the way, you should get a floor pump for everyday at-home tire inflation. Mini-pumps will save your chestnuts on the road or trail, but they are a big old pain to use everyday.

Dead right there RegularGuy! I recently bought a dual piston Blackburn floor pump. One piston is for volume, the other is for pressure. The booklet that came with it says it will pump an mtb tire to 40psi in 10 (TEN!) strokes. Liars! It did it in 9! I Must admit, a floor pump is just superb for home, and the one I got is absolutely effortless. I pumped one of the tires on my wifes road bike. Going from 0 - 90psi was a breeze. For the last 20psi I levered out the volume pump and switched to single piston pressure and the last 20psi was also effortless. A good pump is really worth having.

I was going to say exactly what Regular Guy said. (Seriously!!)

Glad you got it figured out, due in part to RG of course!

L8R

Well, I went to the LBS because I still couldn't get the tire to pump up. LOL Anyway, apparently when I turned it around there was another piece (the cylinder piece someone mentioned before) that I didn't turn around -- :D. He helped me. I also bought a floor pump; had my bike adjusted because my arms have been going numb while riding; bought some cycling shoes (which I've never owned) -- clipless; bought clipless pedals; and, bought a pair of socks. I'm now going to be in big trouble with my Sugar Daddy. LOL

Well, I tried to be clear. What I was calling a grommet was the cylinder you speak of.

You were clear. It's me that's foggy with this kind of stuff! :D Anyway, I like my new stuff so it all worked out fine. :)