Bicycle Mechanics - Need an economical pump, Joe Blow, Planet Bike or other?

I really need a pump but can't afford a top of the line one, so to get by for some time I need to settle for something cheaper. This will be used on 26"presta mountain wheels, I don't run a real high pressure usually 50 psi max. I can't decide if I should get one of the cheaper Topeak Joe Blows (http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-JoeBlow-Floor-Bike-Pump/dp/B000FIE4J0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1209519796&sr=1-1) or Planet Bike pump (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RY61IE), I'm open to other suggestions as well if anyone has one.

I haven't used those two, but I will say that I'm NOT happy with my Serfas FP-200. It's "smart valve" has a hard time deciding if it wants to put air in my tubes or not.

I've had 20+ years service from a Silca pump.

Sometimes quality = economy.

I got the cheapest Topeak (Mini?) at the bike shop for about $17. It pumps my 26x1.50" tires up to 70 PSI, which is all I ask of it. It's rated for 140 PSI, but I have no idea if it will really do that.
I was using a conventional tire pump that was good to about 55 PSI (which was good enough to get me to the gas station) until I had some Slime spit back into it. It's only good for about 40 PSI now, so I use it for airing up a new/flat tube up to about 35 PSI (More volume = faster) and then switch to the Mini.

I have a Joe Blow. I bought it because the price was right. It has worked fine for over a year now. No problems. I don't know how it stacks up against other pumps, but it works for me. It has a combination Presta/Schrader head, which is an improvement over my last pump, and I really like that feature. No more screw-on adaptors.

I just bought this floor pump from pricepoint, and you can't beat the price - $9.98, originally $45. Shipping might be a little bit if you're ordering just the pump, but I threw it into an order I already had going and it didn't make a difference.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/16283-245_SET017-2-Accessories-37-Pumps/Sette-Air-2-ST-001-Floor-Pump-w_-Tri-Pod-Base.htm

Go to a Trek dealer and get a Wrench Force Air Slim. I've had the same one for years... If not go for the topeak... they warrenty anything.

I have no complains with my cheapest Joe Blow.

get the park home mechanic pump (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/PU707A01-Park+Pfp-3+Home+Mechanic+Pump.aspx) - if you ever wear out the head or break the guage they will send you new bits to make it right.

Great pump and has lasted me year of service

I just bought this floor pump from pricepoint, and you can't beat the price - $9.98, originally $45. Shipping might be a little bit if you're ordering just the pump, but I threw it into an order I already had going and it didn't make a difference.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/16283-245_SET017-2-Accessories-37-Pumps/Sette-Air-2-ST-001-Floor-Pump-w_-Tri-Pod-Base.htm
That tripod base looks kinda nice for tossing it into the car to take to races. Do you know if it really goes to 160?

That tripod base looks kinda nice for tossing it into the car to take to races. Do you know if it really goes to 160?

I haven't taken it above 125 - I don't have any tires that would allow me to try going to 160. It gets to 125 without much effort though.

I have one on sale now 24.99 Performance Bike Hurricane Essential Floor Pump which I use to 160 psi all the time this is what I take with me in car to rides, I also have a Topeak JoeBlow Pro pump and to tell you the truth they do the same job

get the park home mechanic pump (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/PU707A01-Park+Pfp-3+Home+Mechanic+Pump.aspx) - if you ever wear out the head or break the guage they will send you new bits to make it right.

Great pump and has lasted me year of service

That is the worst pump I ever used.

http://www.rei.com/product/767485?cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:trackingCode=FE1BD281-1816-DD11-AA92-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA

Blackburn makes great products and backs them well. They recently replaced a 18 year old pump for me at no charge due to their lifetime warranty. I just called them to buy replacement seals because they had worn out. They sent me a brand new pump free of charge.

Blackburn makes great products...

With exception of the new Air Tower 5. Cheezy construction in comparison to the original TP-5, overpriced, and with a completely redesigned nozzle that makes it no easier then the TP-5 to use without force.

-Kurt

I have a Zefal HP-X that works very very well, not the lightest of cheapest pumps but does the job and has enough volume to fill a 700x32C tire reasonably fast.

I use one of the original Joe Blow pumps...it's around 10 years old. So far Topeak has been very helpful when it comes to replacement parts... If I ever need to buy another pump, It will certainly be a Topeak.

get the park home mechanic pump (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/PU707A01-Park+Pfp-3+Home+Mechanic+Pump.aspx) - if you ever wear out the head or break the guage they will send you new bits to make it right.

Great pump and has lasted me year of service

+1. Good basic, solid pump. I used to have a plastic / composite floor pump, but now prefer the feel of a steel barrel. They also provide an exploded assembly diagram to help troubleshoot if necessary. I tend to like products that are repairable, if the need arises.

I have Nashbar's basic floor pump. Works fine, except on fat prestas sometimes.

Worst pump I've ever tried: Crank Bros. mini. It is now a toy for my 2 year old.

Wal-mart has the best small bike pump available anywhere, and it's not even sold as a bike pump! look at the board where they sell sports ball pumps for pumping up basketballs and footballs. look for the pump made of aluminum with a cost of $8.88. They come in several anodized colors. In the package is a short hose with a needle attached used for pumping up sports balls. Ditch the needle (unless you need to pump up a basketball or football) and use a Presta adapter if required. It screws on Schrader valves directly. The other end screws in the pump head. That short hose prevents tearing the tube stem while pumping. This pump is double acting so it's pumping in both directions. It's good for 80 psi when new, mine is several years old and max pressure is now 70 psi. If you unscrew the head you'll find Schrader and Presta adapters but the head included does not allow using the pump without the short hose. It's small in size and weight and works great. If you don't like it just return and get your money back. Here is a photo of mine.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r154/n4zou/HPIM0410.jpg

I've been using my Topeak Joe Blow every 2-3 days for the past 12 years. Always reliable service, and works well.

I have this SKS pump http://www.sks-germany.com/sks.php?l=en&a=product&i=2197204661
When it works it works alright but it likes to "feedback" where it shoots the pump handle up when you're pumping. The dual head also sometimes doesn't "catch". After using it for a while you start to get a feel for it

I'm looking for a better one currently for my shop though

I haven't used those two, but I will say that I'm NOT happy with my Serfas FP-200. It's "smart valve" has a hard time deciding if it wants to put air in my tubes or not.

+1 Mine pumps OK but, the stupid valve is....

Lately I have been using a 12 volt inflator I got at Wal-Mart for $10. It does a great job. Get one with a switch on it. The gage may not be completely accurate, so check the results to know how to compensate on the gage reading.

The hose fitting is for Schrader valves. Get one of the little brass adapters for Presta valves.

That is the worst pump I ever used.

The Park consumer pump works fine for me, but I use it only for lowish pressures. It sure beats the crud out of department store-quality pumps, which I'd used exclusively until I got the Park. The gauge works, the pump dispenses air easily, and the adaptor seals positively with the valves...all I need for now. Now that I'm acquainted with the fancy stuff, I'll get a Silca once my Park dies.

Just my two cents.

Go with the Joe Blow cheap models(about $30.00)...they work fine and last a long time.(dual head/not the auto "smart head")

Performance's "Hurricane Essential" floor pump has been very satisfactory for me. Inexpensive, reliable and more than adequate for MTB tires. $25 on sale right now but I have seen it at $20. Here is a link:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=21099&subcategory_ID=4360

I just purchased the Team Hurricane floor pump at Performance Bike in Greensboro. It has the same features as the Joe Blow floor pump but was twenty bucks less. The base is much more sturdy and I easily hit 120psi for my ride this morning. Pump is good to 160psi.

Hard to beat that 160psi pump for $14.95 at Price Point. It is what it is ------ a pump. Lp

I have a Specialized pump. It seems to work ok, but I have to position it so that the tube valve is off the floor (ie, valve at about the 12' oclock position), then I lock down the pump lever to secure the pump head to tube valve. When I pump up a flat tire, I have to reposition about 2 times before I get it up to pressure. I don't know why. Anyway, it's a decent pump.