Originally Posted by
Moe Zhoost
You won't go wrong with a Zefal. I'm not sure why Silca Impero pumps cost so much. I have 3 of them bought in the 1980s and every one of them has self destructed within five years. It was either the pump head that cracked or, on one pump, the body that the head attaches to cracked. Perhaps they've improved since then, but they would have to pump themselves for me to spend that much money. Some folks equate price with quality and the market exploits this.
The new Silca Impero shares nothing with the 80s version except the leather piston. For something that was super cool and super light the old one was reasonably priced. Longevity? I use my Silca with a Campagnolo pump head that was purchased new in 1964, has always worked perfectly, is still using the original rubber gasket. It has been in continuous use all that time. The new pump is aimed at people who have $10,000 and more for a custom bike. No intention of selling a lot of them.
Correct, you will not go wrong with a Zefal.