Bicycle Mechanics - Problems With Frame Pump

have had three flats on my new bike and each time I have managed to tear the stem away from the tube while reinflating. I use a frame pump.

The first time it was just pure ignorance, not knowing about the fragility of the tubes. But, the next two times, I thought I was being very careful.

It always happened after the tube was inflated to about 80psi. As I tried to keep going to 120psi, I tore the tube right at the stem.

I don't want to carry CO2 unless there is no alternative. Is there a frame pump that works like a floor pump? One that has a folding stand and a hose?

Thanks for any help.

have had three flats on my new bike and each time I have managed to tear the stem away from the tube while reinflating. I use a frame pump.

The first time it was just pure ignorance, not knowing about the fragility of the tubes. But, the next two times, I thought I was being very careful.

It always happened after the tube was inflated to about 80psi. As I tried to keep going to 120psi, I tore the tube right at the stem.

I don't want to carry CO2 unless there is no alternative. Is there a frame pump that works like a floor pump? One that has a folding stand and a hose?

Thanks for any help.

Topeak Road Morph.

CyclingNewbie,

Bad luck there! Avoiding this problem when using a frame pump does require a little care. I was taught to hold the wheel and pump head together whilst inflating (Hook your thumb around the tire and hold the pump barrrel/head in your fingers & hand). Whilst it seems awkward at first, it gets easy with a little practice and avoids forcing or twisting the valve stem against the wheel rim. It also helps to pump steadily rather than attacking the process in a frenzy (as I always seem to :D )

Hope that helps,

Cheers,

Ed

Another vote for Topeak Road Morph. Although it's not quite as long as the one at home in the garage, built in gauge, foot peg peg folds out, the adaptor is on a hose, and there is a handle that opens up so it's a lot like using the one at home. A little clunkier looking than the Zefal frame pump I have but the design and function are tops!

I am a recent convert to the Road Morph. I tried a few other mini pumps and could not get nearly the pressure or ease of use I wanted. The Road Morph does look a bit big and bulky on my frame, but I will get used to it. I haven't had to use the pump in an actual flat situation yet, but I have tested it. I was able to get my tires to about 80psi quickly and easily. Above that it got a bit more difficult, but I was able to get my tires to 110psi before giving up. Considering I ride between 100-110psi it is perfect. Here is a link to the pump:Link (http://www.topeak.com/2004/products/pump_014.html)

Just a small anecdote, yesterday I hit a broken bottle doing about 30mph and accelerating - literally flying downhill. I missed it with the front, but the back was a goner. After patching the hole in the tube, the Road Morph and I had the rear tire to 110psi in less than 45 seconds.

I don't want to carry CO2 unless there is no alternative. Is there a frame pump that works like a floor pump? One that has a folding stand and a hose?

Thanks for any help.



Another newbie here - just bought a road morphy and used it on a friends bike - it's a revelation after using a normal mini pump....

have had three flats on my new bike and each time I have managed to tear the stem away from the tube while reinflating. I use a frame pump.The first time it was just pure ignorance, not knowing about the fragility of the tubes. But, the next two times, I thought I was being very careful.
It always happened after the tube was inflated to about 80psi. As I tried to keep going to 120psi, I tore the tube right at the stem.

I HAVE THE ANSWER

Forget all that CO2 stuff. All I do is wrap a narrow strip of sticky cloth tape (gaffa tape) a few times around the base of the valve on the tube before you put the tube in. This acts as a stopper, preventing the valve stem pulling through. I've had a 100% success with this, and I pump my 20mm Continental GPs up to 160psi!!

The only drawback is, when you need to remove the tube you have to give it a good push with the flat side of a tyre lever because some of the tape gets a bit stuck in the hole.

another vote for the road morph. Did a ride a few weeks ago, the usual equation of number of flats exponenitally increasing with number of people on the ride. Five people, 7 flats (baaaad road). My pump the hero of the day (onhe dead CO2 chuck, two other pumps that could not get above 80psi) I netted a couple cold and frosties at the end of the ride. My only complaint about the pump is that it rattles a bit much if you mount it under the top tube. Mounting on the down tube resolved the prob.

another vote for the road morph. Did a ride a few weeks ago, the usual equation of number of flats exponenitally increasing with number of people on the ride. Five people, 7 flats (baaaad road). My pump the hero of the day (onhe dead CO2 chuck, two other pumps that could not get above 80psi) I netted a couple cold and frosties at the end of the ride. My only complaint about the pump is that it rattles a bit much if you mount it under the top tube. Mounting on the down tube resolved the prob.

I have been having a bit of a problem with rattling on rough roads as well. I don't have any place to mount the pump besides under my top tube. I have a bottle cage on top of my down tube and the wheel interferes with it under my down tube.

I have been having a bit of a problem with rattling on rough roads as well. I don't have any place to mount the pump besides under my top tube. I have a bottle cage on top of my down tube and the wheel interferes with it under my down tube.


cable ties guys... :)

I bought yellow ones especially for my speed sensor, bell and pump... :)

(new BRIGHT yellow bike...)

wait a minute. i don't understand this at all. you had a flat, and you pumped it up to 80 psi? that's enough to ride on, whether it's another 10km or 100km. hit 80psi and continue riding. frame pumps are made to get you back on the road and having fun, they're not there for you to go to 120psi. that's what the big home pump is for.

sd

wait a minute. i don't understand this at all. you had a flat, and you pumped it up to 80 psi? that's enough to ride on, whether it's another 10km or 100km. hit 80psi and continue riding. frame pumps are made to get you back on the road and having fun, they're not there for you to go to 120psi. that's what the big home pump is for.

sd

Why ride on 80psi when you can ride on 120psi if you want to? Not only that, but my Road Morph is significantly easier and quicker than most other pumps to get to 80psi even. Also, 80psi may not be enough for some larger riders.

shrug. i've gone on 60psi, i'm 220lbs. just me i guess. and 80psi is fine, when u don't really need to or, in my opinion, don't want to spend more dough to get a new pump. just my 2c. for what it's worth i use a local brand (axiom) aluminum minipump, rated to 120psi, that's just fine; i just pump it till i think it's enough and i go.

sd