Originally Posted by
Still Pedaling
Part of the problem might be from the chuck being hung up, and any amount of air that does escape from the tube depletes the pressure quit a bit considering that we are dealing with a small tube size. I didn't notice such a problem with the 26" tubes of my MB.
I agree, those pencil gauges do present a problem and they pretty much just give you a ball park figure. I have a pretty decent gauge, but the problem I'm having is that with the cramped room on the small wheels I find it difficult to get the gauge on/off the valve without letting some air out, and some air in a small tire tends to be a lot regarding pressure. I'm thinking that having a pump where you can remove the pressure in the hose will allow for a much smoother removal of the chuck. Well at least I'm hoping.
I had a few floor pumps that were difficult to remove. So much that I tore off a few presta valves. Then I got a Specialized pump that releases very easily. The head automatically adapts to both presta and schraeder valves. There might be a problem with the
SwitchHitter II head being a little too big to get between the spokes on your smaller wheels.
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftb...-hp-floor-pump
Another thought would be to get a valve adapter with a bend in it to make it easier to get the pump on it. Maybe zip-tie it up to a spoke. Here's one made by Topeak and has a check valve in it to prevent loss of air pressure. It even says it's for small wheels!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Topeak-Press...item417215440b
Can you get presta valve tubes for that wheel? If so you could get a grommet to adapt the presta to the hole. You might have better luck with a presta valve.