Ready to give up the Silca pump
08-09-07 | 01:57 PM
#1
Thread Starter
garth
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 116
Likes: 1
From: Miami
Bikes: 3Rensho, Team Raliegh, Colnago Arabesque, Bianchi, Lemond
Ready to give up the Silca pump
I've had this Silca pump for 20 years and now I'm ready to give it up. I've replaced the leather washer twice, the rubber gasket three times and cleaned out the release valve a bunch of times too, and replaced the air hose and the handle. For the last year, I've noticed that no matter what I do it either leaks around the chuck, or refuses to release the valve stem. I like the durability factor but now I just want something that will work more smoothly. I want a good grip on the valve stem and quick easy release. I don't care about quick or easy pressure to pump up, but I do want quality and durability and replaceable parts so I don't have to toss it in the garbage in two years.
Garth
Garth
08-09-07 | 02:19 PM
#2
feros ferio
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 22,413
Likes: 1,878
From: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Get either a Zefal HP-X or a Blackburn full-size frame-fit pump. (I have at least one of each.) You won't regret it.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
08-09-07 | 04:43 PM
#4
www.theheadbadge.com
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29,025
Likes: 5,537
From: Southern Florida
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Topeak JoeBlows are pretty nice - one of the smaller local shops uses them exclusively.
Stay away from anything Blackburn, particularly those so-called high-end TP-5s. Junk.
-Kurt
Stay away from anything Blackburn, particularly those so-called high-end TP-5s. Junk.
-Kurt
__________________
08-09-07 | 04:45 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 962
Likes: 30
My Silca roke in half after twenty odd years. I used plastic packaging tape, and taped it back together since I had no other pump, and guess what? The pump works every bit as good as it did before it broke. I just used it for a flat this past Sunday, and it pumped my tire over one hundred pounds. Imagine that, and it literally was broken in two right in the middle of the tube. I personally am very reluctant to part with my very reliable pump.
08-09-07 | 05:59 PM
#6
Dolce far niente
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10,710
Likes: 33
From: Southwest Idaho
Not mine. I LOVE it, and use the hell out of it on my personal fleet as well as all the bikes I flip. Has a lifetime warranty, too.
__________________
"Love is not the dying moan of a distant violin, it’s the triumphant twang of a bedspring."
S. J. Perelman
"Love is not the dying moan of a distant violin, it’s the triumphant twang of a bedspring."
S. J. Perelman
08-09-07 | 06:25 PM
#7
I have a collection of Silca floor pumps so I've never worn one completely out. I'd say if you want the "Cadillac" buy a Park floor pump, I'm sure they sell replacement parts for them...not a cheap item, tho. I have fornd that the original big brass presta-only "bell" shaped head is more forgiving and durable than the combo presta/shraeder head.
08-09-07 | 06:40 PM
#8
Sneaky Fast....
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Swartz Creek, Mi
Bikes: 2007 Specialized Epic Expert, 2005 Giant TCR C3, 1996 Specialized Stumpjumper M2Comp, 1986 Raleigh Capri 10spd, 1982 KHS Turbo 12spd, Wife's: 2010 Specialized Safire Comp Komen, 2007 Specialized Dolce Elite, 2005 Giant OCR3, 2000 Trek 6000 WSD
I have a Blackburn on my mt. bike, & have been very happy. It did break, but a lifetime warranty is a great thing! I also have a Topeak Joeblow Sport (yellow) & love it.
Chris
Chris
08-09-07 | 08:08 PM
#10
Campy NR / SR forever
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 399
Likes: 7
From: FL
Bikes: 1977-78 Raleigh Professional - bought new, 1987 Shogun 400 (for the lady)
You got 20 years out of a silca - that's longer than I got out of my first one.
I consider the Silca a "show" item - for looks only - and use Zefal HPs for daily topping off etc. The Silca is pretty much along for the ride so to speak- however it I have used to inflat e a spare in the past.
I consider the Silca a "show" item - for looks only - and use Zefal HPs for daily topping off etc. The Silca is pretty much along for the ride so to speak- however it I have used to inflat e a spare in the past.
08-09-07 | 08:50 PM
#12
Bottecchia fan
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 12
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 1959 Bottecchia Milano-Sanremo (frame), 1966 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1971 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1973 Bottecchia Gran Turismo, 1974 Bottecchia Special, 1977 Bottecchia Special (frame), 1974 Peugeot UO-8
I've had this Silca pump for 20 years and now I'm ready to give it up. I've replaced the leather washer twice, the rubber gasket three times and cleaned out the release valve a bunch of times too, and replaced the air hose and the handle. For the last year, I've noticed that no matter what I do it either leaks around the chuck, or refuses to release the valve stem. I like the durability factor but now I just want something that will work more smoothly. I want a good grip on the valve stem and quick easy release. I don't care about quick or easy pressure to pump up, but I do want quality and durability and replaceable parts so I don't have to toss it in the garbage in two years.
Garth
Garth
08-10-07 | 01:53 AM
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
And my darling little children DO NOT get to PLAY with this one!!
08-10-07 | 02:13 AM
#15
or tarckeemoon, depending
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,017
Likes: 2
From: the pesto of cities
Bikes: Davidson Impulse, Merckx Titanium AX, Bruce Gordon Rock & Road, Cross Check custom build, On-One Il Pomino, Shawver Cycles cross, Zion 737, Mercian Vincitore, Brompton S1L, Charge Juicer
08-10-07 | 05:10 AM
#16
The Legitimiser
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,849
Likes: 6
From: Southampton, UK
Bikes: Gazelle Trim Trophy, EG Bates Track Bike, HR Bates Cantiflex bike, Nigel Dean fixed gear conversion, Raleigh Royal, Falcon Westminster.
A pump for SHOW? I want one of those Cyclaire doo-hickeys to shove in jersey or wedge pack. I much prefer the look of most of my bikes WITHOUT a pump!
08-10-07 | 05:12 AM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,973
Likes: 145
From: Tampa, Florida
Lasting 20 years and being functional are 2 different things. I used Silcas back in my shop days. Although they are a durable pump that last years others are more user friendly.
I'd rather replace a pump thats user friendly every 5 years than deal with a more difficult pump for 20.
08-10-07 | 05:37 AM
#18
Curmudgeon
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 4
From: Nausea, New Hamster
Bikes: (see https://wildavis.smugmug.com/Bikes) Bianchi Veloce (2005), Nishiki Cascade (1992), Schwinn Super Sport (1983)
…but seriously folks, apart from the nice head, I don't think my Silca to be as nice or as easy to use as my Park Tools PFP-2
- Wil
08-10-07 | 06:59 AM
#19
www.theheadbadge.com
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29,025
Likes: 5,537
From: Southern Florida
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Blackburn sent me the current TP-5 (Edit: "Air Tower 5." They probably re-named it as to not to insult the original TP-5...) in replacement, and I've had nothing but bad experiences with it. Have a look: https://www.epinions.com/content_319661575812
Take care,
-Kurt
__________________
08-10-07 | 10:15 AM
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 0
From: Madison, Wisconsin
Bikes: 2000 Litespeed Classic, 1984 Schwinn LeTour, 1998 Gary Fisher Marlin, 1969 Hercules, 1977 Sekai 5000 Superlite, 1993 Koga-Myata TerraLiner, 2013 Trek Farley.
My 28? year old Zefal hp works better on presta than my Bell floor pump. If it ever gives out, I'll replace it with the exact same thing.
08-10-07 | 02:06 PM
#21
Boffo Bikin'
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton, IL
Bikes: '04 Litespeed Classic 9sp Dura-ace, '03 Specialized Sequoia(for the gravel trails around DuPage Cty), '75 Fuji Finest (deep navy w/mixed components), '94 Specialized Stumpjumper
08-12-07 | 10:04 AM
#22
Bottecchia fan
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 12
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 1959 Bottecchia Milano-Sanremo (frame), 1966 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1971 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1973 Bottecchia Gran Turismo, 1974 Bottecchia Special, 1977 Bottecchia Special (frame), 1974 Peugeot UO-8
I love that fancy Silca crest and my Campy pump umbrella. And it was oem on my bike. But, yeah, it's pretty clean with out the pump so I'm not in any hurry.
08-14-07 | 10:42 AM
#23
Dolce far niente
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10,710
Likes: 33
From: Southwest Idaho
Ahhh.....
Two things:
1) I have an older TP-5 "Team", that I bought used on CL over 2 years ago. Sturdy as all get-out, and works great. I had to call Blackburn to get a pump head rebuild kit, as I wore out the internal plastic nibs airing up so many bikes with it. The sent the kit cheerfully, and for free.
2) Thanks for the warning on the "Air Tower 5"!! They had offered to exchange, free of charge, my old pump for a new one. I had intended to take them up on it, but never got around to sending in my old unit because I kept getting sidetracked. Now, I don't think I will.
Thanks for the warning!!!
Two things:
1) I have an older TP-5 "Team", that I bought used on CL over 2 years ago. Sturdy as all get-out, and works great. I had to call Blackburn to get a pump head rebuild kit, as I wore out the internal plastic nibs airing up so many bikes with it. The sent the kit cheerfully, and for free.
2) Thanks for the warning on the "Air Tower 5"!! They had offered to exchange, free of charge, my old pump for a new one. I had intended to take them up on it, but never got around to sending in my old unit because I kept getting sidetracked. Now, I don't think I will.
Thanks for the warning!!!
Which one do you have? The current model, or the '05 with aluminum casing? If the latter, I have no disagreement with that - I had one, and although I didn't care for the pump head, was very pleased with it - until the seals started leaking.
Blackburn sent me the current TP-5 (Edit: "Air Tower 5." They probably re-named it as to not to insult the original TP-5...) in replacement, and I've had nothing but bad experiences with it. Have a look: https://www.epinions.com/content_319661575812
Take care,
-Kurt
Blackburn sent me the current TP-5 (Edit: "Air Tower 5." They probably re-named it as to not to insult the original TP-5...) in replacement, and I've had nothing but bad experiences with it. Have a look: https://www.epinions.com/content_319661575812
Take care,
-Kurt
__________________
"Love is not the dying moan of a distant violin, it’s the triumphant twang of a bedspring."
S. J. Perelman
"Love is not the dying moan of a distant violin, it’s the triumphant twang of a bedspring."
S. J. Perelman
08-14-07 | 10:59 AM
#24
Batüwü Creakcreak
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,802
Likes: 294
From: The illadelph
I have a blackburn TPS-2 and I have trouble pulling the head away from the valve stem on prestas. I haven't tried it on a schrader yet. Plus, the thing is hard as heck to pump up to even 120 psi! It's easier just to use my road morph...
I got it a few weeks ago on performance or nashbar for about 18 bucks and I could probably still return it but I'll spend atleast 5-10 bucks in the shipping there and back if I want to exchange it for a joe blow sport or a different topeak pump. I'll probably just sell the pump at college after using it for a bit. I figure I'll get about 10-15 bucks for it. In hindsight I wish I'd spent the 5 bucks more for the topeak pump. My loyalty is with topeak as far as pumps go.
I thought I'd get the blackburn since I have one of their multitools and it's pretty good, but I don't think I'm going to get a blackburn pump again.
Sorry for the ramble/rant.
I got it a few weeks ago on performance or nashbar for about 18 bucks and I could probably still return it but I'll spend atleast 5-10 bucks in the shipping there and back if I want to exchange it for a joe blow sport or a different topeak pump. I'll probably just sell the pump at college after using it for a bit. I figure I'll get about 10-15 bucks for it. In hindsight I wish I'd spent the 5 bucks more for the topeak pump. My loyalty is with topeak as far as pumps go.
I thought I'd get the blackburn since I have one of their multitools and it's pretty good, but I don't think I'm going to get a blackburn pump again.
Sorry for the ramble/rant.
08-14-07 | 01:21 PM
#25
Campy NR / SR forever
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 399
Likes: 7
From: FL
Bikes: 1977-78 Raleigh Professional - bought new, 1987 Shogun 400 (for the lady)