madcap

Our shop doesn't have a compressor so we go through several pumps a year, they just plain wear out. I'm wondering what you guys think of when it comes to your favorite and most durable pumps.

Wordbiker

I've had the same Silca track pump for over 20 years. If I do manage to break it, there are still rebuild parts available for it.

I like it so much I just bought a new one, just for show, in the Norwegian Wood finish.

HillRider

I've had the same Silca pump for about 15 years and the only part it's required is a presta-only head washer about every two years.

Shop use is, of course, more demanding than any home mechanic will match but the Silcas have a stellar reputation for good reason.

mx_599

can your shop ever get a compressor? they are nice

madcap

Oh yes, they are nice. But with only about 900sq.ft of space it's a pretty small shop taken up mostly by retail space for new/used complete bikes and parts/accessories. Our repair workspace is fairly small with everything imaginable crammed into it. Not much space left for a compressor, even a small one. We've agreed we'd rather not hear the thing running all the time as well. The only time a pump really sucks bad is airing up big volume tires like the 29x2.35 Schwalbe Big Apples on my personal bike.

masiman

I like my Joe Blow for ease of use and efficiency. The dual head has worked well in the 1.5 years I have had it.

Although, my goto pump is my 20 or so year old Silca. I only have to replace the leather gasket every few years. Mine does not get shop usage so the chuck gasket does not need replacing as often as Hillriders. The Joe Blow stays and the Silca goes when I travel to events, because of durability and reliability.

The Joe Blow is nice, but I know there are some parts that are not replaceable except as part of larger assemblies if they break.

geo8rge

Get a wall mount compressor.

https://www.everyaircompressor.com/Ai...rs-C25385.html

Or perhaps one of those pumps you step on.

nitropowered

We use Silca pumps. We didn't have a compressor till two years ago. We did have a portable one that we used occasionally when we inflated/set tubeless tires.

The compressor is a lifesaver

bobn

Even a small pancake compressor like the ones they use for roofing. Shove it in a closet and only use when necessary. you don't need a 20 gal tank that will run forever to fill. It will also serve other uses like blowing off parts, cleaning the crud off hard to wipe places etc.

Wordbiker

Our shop is a bit larger, but still not large enough to listen to a compressor all day.

While doing our last remodel I created a space for the compressor up in a loft on the far end of the shop, boxed it in with blue foam and ran air lines overhead in the dropped ceiling. It still does make a bit of noise, but nothing unbearable.

You might want to take a look at the shop and see if there's a niche somewhere to stick a small oilless compressor. They're typically louder than oil types, but much less maintenance.

One thing nice about air lines is there's no pressure loss no matter how many times you split it or how long the hose is. Put it as far away as possible.

Torque1st

Get a small belt driven compressor with a 2-5 gallon tank, not a direct drive unit. Direct drive compressors are incredibly noisy. Mount the belt drive compressor high on a sturdy wall in a well ventilated area. Run the air intake outside with a good size straight hose sections to isolate vibration and copper pipe elbows to make turns. The air intake produces most of the noise. Curved hoses radiate noise. If you pipe the air around the shop use iron pipe or silver brazed copper line. DO NOT USE PVC!!!! Use a section of high temp hose between the compressor and your shop air lines.

Shop air practice:
https://www.oldsmobility.com/air-compressor-piping.htm
https://www.ecompressedair.com/library/piping.shtml

BTW- There is an error in the oldsmobility article. The regulator does not have to fail in order to explode PVC. It is very dangerous and can explode and drive plastic shards all over at any time regardless of the line pressure or pressure rating it has printed on the side. The pressure rating is for liquids only, far different from compressed gases. PVC and ABS manufacturers clearly state that their pipe and fittings are not to be used with compressed gases. OSHA will shut your shop down and fine you for using PVC.

Creating an insulated space for the compressor is a NO-NO. The compressor and reservoir must be well ventilated.

Air lines do have pressure losses when the air is flowing. Use lines of the proper size as per the article above.

operator

Huh?

It runs only when the tank is depleted and it needs to recharge. Even if it's "on", doesn't mean it's charging.

Wordbiker

I'm a rebel like that...

The insulation only surrounds the sides for sound damping and is much larger than the compressor. The top is open into the space above the dropped ceiling and receives adequate ventilation. If it were used to drive air tools at high CFM I might be more concerned, but filling a bicycle tire is probably the lightest duty this compressor will ever see. It may kick on twice in one day.

nitropowered

We run like a 30 gal tank and we run it in the morning and shut it off. It'll get us through the day when its slow to moderate. If its busy, we'll have to run it again after lunch rush

Torque1st

Thanks for the clarification. With very light use people can get by with insulation like that. Unfortunately the receiver tank, motor, and compressor need airflow for cooling. Lack of airflow will cause premature failure and more water in the lines. The receiver tank is the primary cooling system for the air allowing moisture to condense out on the "cool" walls of the tank. Running the air intake outside will reduce the noise considerably, usually negating any need to insulate the compressor.

Make sure you drain the tank often. Another thing to remember is that once the wonderful world of "air power" is discovered compressor systems tend to get much more use over time.

Wordbiker

Oh yes, I am well familiar with how useful air power is. I am now a "retired" carpenter and have used plenty of pneumatic equipment, dealt with a lot of compressors. In my home shop those tools will be put to good use with a compressor driving it that has ample ventilation.

At the bike shop air use is limited to the occasional tire fill and blowgun use and a huge commercial unit would be overkill.

Mike T.

Silca. I bought mine in '75 (33 years ago) and with a few rebuilds (2-3 chucks, 1 hose, 2 leather washers, 2-3 chuck washers) it's still good to put 140psi into my track tires. Parts are readily available.

Torque1st

The limited use in a bike shop is why I suggested: "Get a small belt driven compressor with a 2-5 gallon tank". Finding a small one may be a problem. Most people look for the huge units. The units with small tanks are usually direct drive.

bmalmquist

Silca for every day use. I also have a Blackburn AirTower 5. It has dual action (pumps on both strokes), a high pressure/high volume switch, and it's pretty sturdy. Rubber grommets on the head wear out every year or so.

ang1sgt

I've got an old Zefal Husky Floor pump at home that I used for over 20 years now. One of my better investments in cycling stuff. Cast Iron Base, Wood Handle. Might not look like something new and shiny, but it works.

rodri9o

i found my Silca in 1996 in someone's curb pile in front of their house.
installed a leather washer, plastic retainer ring and it works great....im on my second gauge, though.

I lube with olive oil.