Bicycle Mechanics - Complete Newbie - Dumb PUmp Question :-)

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Chisanga
08-20-04, 03:34 AM
Hi all

I am very new to cycling. I currently have this (http://www.topeak.com/2004/products/pump_002.html) pump (Topeak Mini Masterblaster) My Giant OCR2 has (I believe) presta valves. Now it seems in the configuration I got it in the pump is not set up for this valve type. However it says on the website that this pump is easily convertable between Presta and Shraeder.

My question is thus: How do you convert? I did not receive any documentation or spare parts with the pump.

Any help would be appreciated as at the moment I have a very flat tyre onmy bike.

Thanks in advance

Retro Grouch
08-20-04, 04:14 AM
Not sure about that particular pump, but this is the way to convert most of them:

1. Unscrew the end of the chuck that attaches to your tire.
2. There will be a rubber gasket and a hard plastic part inside. Take them both out.
3. Flip both parts over and put them back where they were originally. For Presta you want the finger on the plastic part pointing in and the side of the rubber gromet that has the smaller hole pointing out.
4. Screw the cover back on.
Chisanga
08-20-04, 04:25 AM
Thanks for the quick reply - I would of sat there for ages trying to figure that one out!
Btw - are the gauges on these small pumps total crap?

khuon
08-20-04, 04:32 AM
Hi all

I am very new to cycling. I currently have this (http://www.topeak.com/2004/products/pump_002.html) pump (Topeak Mini Masterblaster) My Giant OCR2 has (I believe) presta valves. Now it seems in the configuration I got it in the pump is not set up for this valve type. However it says on the website that this pump is easily convertable between Presta and Shraeder.

Is it the base model MasterBlaster or one of the DX models? This is important because the DX models have SmartHeads and do not need to be manually converted.
Chisanga
08-20-04, 04:37 AM
It is a "MasterBlaster"
madpogue
08-20-04, 10:04 AM
Tip: when you unscrew the chuck end, the rubber grommet is usually very hard to remove. Flip the lock lever to the lock position, and it might push the grommet and plastic thingy partway out, enough for you to grab with your fingers. Just remember to flip the lock lever back before putting Humpty Dumpty back together again.