Originally Posted by
Geoviedo
I am setting up an early '90's Trek 7000 MTB to commute a couple or more days a week. The basic bike is an all aluminum frame and forks with 26" wheels, on which I've installed 1.5" Gatorskin tires with street tread. The rest is all original Shimano components, well maintained, probably upper mid level in it's day. No suspension. I am the original owner.
I know enough to carry tubes, patches, etc., but what about a pump or pump system? I carry a short hand pump on my road bike, but dread trying to pump up a 26" x 1.5" tire to an acceptable level with something similar. I've tried CO2 and frankly got pretty frustrated and never used it again. I'm thinking a full frame pump for volume and maybe a CO2 back up if someone can recommend a quality product.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Get the pump. You might screw up your repair and use up all the CO2 cartridges but you won't use up all the air. It's ok to make it a little one. You aren't going to use it often, so it doesn't matter how long it takes. The time you spend pumping is a rounding error compared to the time taken to swap the tube. Unless you think you need a full size one for the other traditional use of frame pumps, which is fending off pursuing canines.
I've had some trouble lately with 10yo pumps that are seldom used, snapping at the lever hinge because the plastic got brittle. I'd get one with a metal head if I could find it, or if it's plastic, carry it in a bag.