Mr. Patrick

I'm new to mountain biking and usually go online to find reviews and opinions on everything I buy and usually can make a pretty good decision based on other's comments. I was trying to decide whether to buy a mini pump or CO2 cartridges to take along in my Camelback. More of the responses leaned toward a mimi pump so I figured that's the way to go. I've looked at some like Blackburn and Crank Brothers and people either said they were awesome or complete pieces of junk, there was no middle ground. Any suggestions? Also, has anyone benefited or used creatine as a supplement? I know it's good for lifting weights but just wondered if helped with biking. Thanks for any help.

DirtPedalerB

CO2 and an extra tube ... all the minipumps I have seen are junk too.

croscoe

topeak mountain morph.

esbelch32

On the pump, I'm going with croscoe. I have a mountain morph, just used it last week and it can push a lot of air quickly. Nothing against CO2, but not having to worry about refills is nice. If you can wait a couple days for shipping, I think Nashbar has them on sale.

As for Creatine- I've never used it, tho a lot of friends have or do use it. Never been much interested in it, as I'd rather be leaner, and those guys all bulked up quickly with it- but they say they get a lot of energy from using it. I take it you're trying to bulk up? Oh, one thing they are always saying in response to 'creatine is dangerous' lectures...if you use it, drink a LOT of water.

Mr. Patrick

Yeah, I've heard that about creatine too. I wouldn't mind bulking up but it was the energy part I was interested in...Thanks for all the help everyone!

cyccommute 

None better. If your CO2 runs out, I hope you have good lungs...or good hiking shoes

avinash

I only bring CO2 if I'm running tubeless that day. Other than that, mini pump is where it's at. I use some Blackburn thing, but it works.

-Avi

junkyard

What you want is a testosterone patch on your testicles instead of creatine. That method comes right out of the Tour de France training manual.

In all seriousness, I've used creatine when lifting. While I felt results, I'm not entirely convinced that it wasn't just mental. It is true that dehydration can be an issue, so if you choose to go that route, carry plenty of water when riding. I've tended to stay away from it during the cycling season due to this. As far as increased energy levels, I can't say that I noticed that from creatine. However, I tended to use just creatine, not some of the supplement combinations that are being sold by Met-RX or the similar companies. Many of those are also high in sugar or caffiene to give that energy boost.

In regards to pumps, I had that little Crank Bros. deal that came with the pressure gauge. While repairing a flat on my road bike, I managed to rip the Presta valve apart while attempting to use the pump rendering the new tube useless. I have since switched to a CO2 setup. I do think the Crank Bros. pump would be fine on a Schraeder valve and therefore carry it in my Camelbak when on the trail.

cyccommute 

The most common problem with any handheld pump I switched over to the Morphs in 2000 and haven't looked back. It's almost impossible to rip off a valve stem...of any kind...with them.

junkyard

That's good to hear. I thought it might have to do with anger/rage issues due to the testosterone patch on my beans.

santiago

I ended up winning/getting a Topeak Mini DX pump last Christmas during an office gift exchange party. I recently had to use it and found it to be a real pain. Even though it is dual action (pumps on the down and up stroke), the travel is so short that I looked like an adolescent chimp discovering his body for the first time. I have another no name pump that has a longer travel but with single action that I find better.

So, my recommendation is to avoid the really short travel pumps and go for the longer ones. Now these Morphs are starting to look really tempting but I'll just dig out my older pump and put it into my Camelbak.

mech2o4

get both! if the mini pump you decide to go with breaks on you, you'll have a co2 pump to back you up. theyre both relatively small so you shouldnt notice them in your back or on your bike

mcoine

In 20 years of using prestas, I've never destroyed a valve.

I've been using one of the little crank bros pumps for 5+ years with no problems.

DevilsGT2

Air pumps and supplements.... I was expecting something different when I opened this thread.

junkyard

Goes back to my abonormal strength, apparently. I was referred to as a "large rider" on Saturday. It's all becoming so clear.

JonnyV

Yeah, don't take creatine before your ride. I have a few customers ask about this atleast 3 times a week during the summer. It's like taking your car to the gas pump when you already have a full tank. Take a good multi-vitamin, take in about 40 grams of protein after your ride, and I mean as soon as you're off the bike, drink a protein shake. For energy before/during a ride I take Clif Shot Blocks. Black cherry is good. Margarita is horrible. And of course, water and maybe some gatorade. Toss in a bar and you should be ready to roll. Good luck.

DirtPedalerB

I just carry enough to fix 2 flats (spare tube, patch kit for 2nd flat and inflator with 3 or 4 12G carts) if I'm that unlucky to flat twice I'm bound to crash anyway so I'll be better off walking. also if I'm riding an official montain bike trail people always offer assistance.. on my other rides on 4x4 paths etc I may carry more supplies depending on ride length..

Mr. Patrick

Now that you mention it, it does kind of sound like an section in an Adam and Eve catalog...

Bike Lover

Creatine is supposed to be helpful for short bursts of energy, such as weight lifting. A longer more endurance type event, such as biking, will see little to no advantage. I have been using Hammer products, HEED for a drink and Gels for the beginning of a race/at a lap change and the gels really seem to help a lot.

JonnyV

Yup, you get 5 or 6 little gummy cubes (sorry, no fun shapes...yet). Some have caffiene, some are a sodium replacement for when you're sweating alot, and some are just for the carbs; which all have about the same amount of anyway I think.

probable556

What a random thread.

I got a Mountain Morph recently. Haven't needed to use it, but it does look pretty. We all know that pretty stuff functions the best

No supplements for me. Just 4 slices or raisin bread and a large black coffee in the morning and then I'm off riding.

DirtPedalerB

Those gels really help me with my speed, but it's because I ride faster when I am trying to make it to the toilet before pooing on myself.

2slo2run

When I was trying to decide whether to go mini pump or CO2 my father pointed out a problem, "...with CO2 you only get one good shot, so if you mess up you could be screwed"
I went to my LBS with this in mind and found a neat little CO2 that also had the manual pumping option...
It is: Genuine Innovations, SecondWind MTB C)2 Hybrid/ Compact air pump.

Have not had to use it yet but its small and out of the way for now

probable556

And why not just use this:

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...slisearch=true

Use the CO2 for quick fill and IF you happen to use all catridges, you're not SOL.

Bike Lover

LOL!!

Fortunately, I don't have that problem...