Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Secondwind Road CO2 hybrid pump

Hi all, I am an experienced rider and have known and accepted the limitations of CO2 for a long time. But I love it and in truth have had very little problems with my Innovations Microflate. But the idea of a hybrid pump does appeal to me and the Road version seems a nice pump from what I can see. I have done a search of the forums and have found some old posts of folks who had recently purchased one, but had no experience with it yet. I am hoping some of those previous posters have had an opportunity to use it by now and I would like to hear more about your experience.

Since I already have a microflate and am used to the twist style of regulation I think using the pump in CO2 mode will be very intuitive for me. The microflate does freeze my hands if I don't use my gloves, is this the case with the Secondwind Road? I am guessing the pump in reality can reasonably get to 60 or 70 psi without a Herculean effort. Which is enough to get me home if I run out of CO2. Which is the way it was designed.

Please folks, at the risk of sounding harsh .. I am only seeking remarks concerning actual experience with the Secondwind Road hybrid pump. I am not seeking advice on frame pumps or other CO2 inflators. I know you mean well when making other recommendations, but I want to keep this thread short and on point.

I have this pump on all my bikes, 5 total at the moment.. The pump does exactly what it says, use the co2 and pump if necessary if you run out of co2.. The only downside is that is uses threaded co2 cartridges, I personally don't see this as a big issue.. The mount that comes with the pump is fine, but the extra velcro is cut too long to be functional.. I found a topeak pump mount that worked better, contacted topeak and order more.. Functionally there is no difference between the carbon and aluminum models.. The Mini AL and Carbon works just fine for me, I usually carry 2 extra co2 so it is not an issue.. Having the pump feature to put a little air in the tube before fixing your flat is a big plus.. The hand freezing issue is still there just not as bad, the co2 functions by fulling screwing the co2 onto the bottom side of the pump head, then backing it off 1/4 turn and this releases the co2 into the tire.. If you buy the pump and want a better mount, call topeak and ask for a mini master blaster pump mount, the pump fits more securely and has a rubber mount that quickly pull tabs over to secure to pump 100%, I even use it with no issues on my MTB.. I think the mounts were about 5.00 each and shipping was reasonable..

TOPEAK:
To order small parts and pieces please call 1-800-213-4561. Press #4 for Customer Service

Thanks Socal ... Exactly the kind of review I was seeking.

I use it too. I've only run out of C02 one time and it was very difficult, but doable, to get the tire up to about 60 psi, which was barely enough to limp home. It was one of those times where I was at a group ride and loaned out all of my C02 cartridges to people with flats.

If running out of co2 is an issue, I would opt for the longer model.. It is much easier to inflate than the mini pump..

I have the carbon model. The handle needs tightening, mine fell off the first time I used it. The LBS were not surprised. Otherwise a nice little unit.

Thanks all for your answers ... and to the folks who restrained themselves from wandering off topic. My questions were answered to my satisfaction ... So let's consider this thread dead.

bicycleflyer,

you can usually find the 2nd winds on ebay for a good discount.

http://sporting-goods.search.ebay.com/second-wind_Outdoor-Sports_W0QQcatrefZC12QQdfspZ32QQfromZR40QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQsabfmtsZ1QQsacatZ159043