Pump recommendations?
#2
Non omnino gravis
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 8,552
Likes: 1,739
From: SoCal, USA!
Bikes: Nekobasu, Pandicorn, Lakitu
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 49
Bikes: 29er commuter/tourer, 26er commuter/tourer, folding mixed-mode commuter
I'd recommend buying something of reasonable quality so it will last. That doesn't mean you have to pay a lot.
#5
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 14,779
Likes: 743
From: Northwest Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 1
From: Northern San Diego
Bikes: mid 1980s De Rosa SL, 1985 Tommasini Super Prestige all Campy SR, 1992 Paramount PDG Series 7, 1997 Lemond Zurich, 1998 Trek Y-foil, 2006 Schwinn Super Sport GS, 2006 Specialized Hardrock Sport
I have a 35 year-old Silca Pista that works great. Over that time, I'm on my 3rd gasket - 2nd replacement (but I went ~25 years without riding from 1990 to 2015).
#8
Me duelen las nalgas

Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,519
Likes: 2,832
From: Texas
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Nashbar Earl Grey floor pump for $30 is a great value. Very solid. Been using one for several months. The gauge is accurate enough for my purposes, and within a couple of psi of my other pressure gauge. The lever lock head isn't as easy to use as a threaded or quick attach/detach head, but it doesn't bother me enough to replace the original head.
The Lezyne Steel Drive floor pump includes a threaded head, gauge and bleed valve, and reviewers rate it highly. Looks good for $50-$60, and might be worthwhile for a shop or folks who own several bikes.
The Lezyne Steel Drive floor pump includes a threaded head, gauge and bleed valve, and reviewers rate it highly. Looks good for $50-$60, and might be worthwhile for a shop or folks who own several bikes.
#9
Senior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 1
From: Northern San Diego
Bikes: mid 1980s De Rosa SL, 1985 Tommasini Super Prestige all Campy SR, 1992 Paramount PDG Series 7, 1997 Lemond Zurich, 1998 Trek Y-foil, 2006 Schwinn Super Sport GS, 2006 Specialized Hardrock Sport
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 4
From: North East Tennessee
Bikes: Basso Luguna, Fuji Nevada
I have a Walmart pump, I think it's a Genesis. It was $20, has a gauge and a slider selector for both kinds of valves. It works OK. My complaints are; 1) it's hard to lock it on to the valve because you have to push it down on the stem while pulling up the lock lever. 2) Over 100 PSI it's leaks and wants to blow off the stem, you have to sort of try to hold the chuck onto the valve stem with one hand. 3) Trying to hold the chuck on with 1 hand while pumping with the other cause me to bend the pump rod (was able to straighten it and I'm still using it).
I'm sure there are better pumps for the same money and much much better pumps for a little bit more. Unless you need it right then and can't wait for an online order I would recommend you buy a better pump.
I'm sure there are better pumps for the same money and much much better pumps for a little bit more. Unless you need it right then and can't wait for an online order I would recommend you buy a better pump.
#12
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,124
Likes: 111
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Bikes: Cervelo Prodigy
Dr. Isotope, how much noise does this produce? Is it that high pitch sound?
#13
Non omnino gravis
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 8,552
Likes: 1,739
From: SoCal, USA!
Bikes: Nekobasu, Pandicorn, Lakitu
I measured the inflator as 82dB, and both of my cordless drills come in at 80dB. So it's just a bit louder than a cordless drill. The sound of the pump isn't high pitched at all, it's a lower tone than a typical drill.
But the best part is that it will take a 700x25 from flat to 90psi in 20-25 seconds, while you just stand there holding the trigger. Topping off the tires from overnight pressure loss takes a few seconds. I get 2+ weeks of use per charge-- riding every day, and airing my tires before every ride.
But the best part is that it will take a 700x25 from flat to 90psi in 20-25 seconds, while you just stand there holding the trigger. Topping off the tires from overnight pressure loss takes a few seconds. I get 2+ weeks of use per charge-- riding every day, and airing my tires before every ride.
#14
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
volume .. big diameter tube, longer .. stroke .. = less time pumping up the tire.
But mini pumps are big sellers to carry on the bike to fix a flat in the bush.
Topeak® Cycling Accessories ? Products - Mountain Morph? is a good compromise.
But mini pumps are big sellers to carry on the bike to fix a flat in the bush.
Topeak® Cycling Accessories ? Products - Mountain Morph? is a good compromise.
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Panama City, FL
Bikes: 97 Schwinn Moab; 15 Surly Disc Trucker
Based on numerous recommendations from the touring forum, I purchased the Topeak Road Morph G. It has a gauge built into the hose. Does a really good job and quickly of inflating my 35mm tires to 85 pounds.
#18
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 650
From: Heart Of Texas
Bikes: '85, '86 , '87 , '88 , '89 Centurion Dave Scott Ironman.
I measured the inflator as 82dB, and both of my cordless drills come in at 80dB. So it's just a bit louder than a cordless drill. The sound of the pump isn't high pitched at all, it's a lower tone than a typical drill.
But the best part is that it will take a 700x25 from flat to 90psi in 20-25 seconds, while you just stand there holding the trigger. Topping off the tires from overnight pressure loss takes a few seconds. I get 2+ weeks of use per charge-- riding every day, and airing my tires before every ride.
But the best part is that it will take a 700x25 from flat to 90psi in 20-25 seconds, while you just stand there holding the trigger. Topping off the tires from overnight pressure loss takes a few seconds. I get 2+ weeks of use per charge-- riding every day, and airing my tires before every ride.
I was at a triathlon last weekend started to air up my racing wheels with my 30 year old pump and it just stopped at a 100 psi. I needed 180 and the pump tops out at 225 psi or so. I was in a hurry and decide to just use my training wheels and it wouldn't pump them up either. I asked a fellow competitor who was running late if I could borrow his, he said no problem. It took like 4 strokes I was at 100 psi. I was like I guess I need to upgrade. He had a summit floor pump. I was impressed.
Back in 89 or so when Greg Lemond was making his comeback, ABC did a story on him and it showed him in his garage airing up his bike using a compressor.
#19
Senior Member


Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 573
Bikes: '87-ish Pinarello Montello; '89 Nishiki Ariel; '85 Raleigh Wyoming, '16 Wabi Special, '16 Wabi Classic, '14 Kona Cinder Cone, 2023 Surly Disk Trucker
I have a twin-tank Porter Cable air compressor that takes any tire from 0 to 200 PSI in about 3 seconds or less. I don't use it. I would rather take the contemplative time to pump by hand and get the satisfaction that my 20 year old Silca (also on its 2nd or 3rd leather seal) will probably outlive me.
Last edited by drlogik; 05-27-16 at 08:31 PM.
#20
Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
That said, I have a Planet Bike floor pump w/gauge and dual head for Schrader & Presta valves. Works great, zero complaints.
#21
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,320
Likes: 215
From: Wisconsin
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Casseroll, 2009 Kona Blast
I have a Bontrager floor pump. Paid about $30 5 or 6 years ago. Works pretty well, and we have 6 bikes and 3 riders in the house, so it gets used a lot during the riding season. It did develop a problem after a couple of years, a little plastic washer inside the head went bad but I got a replacement from a Trek dealer and it has been perfect ever since.
#22
Newbie
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I use a hand pump I got at the dollar store. Probably $2. Used it for the last 12 years or so. Good as when I bought it.
Naive question...how often does anyone use a bicycle pump? Speed? Unless racing, No issue spending a couple minutes pumping up a tire.
Naive question...how often does anyone use a bicycle pump? Speed? Unless racing, No issue spending a couple minutes pumping up a tire.
#23
I use my floor pump before every ride, unless I ride on consecutive days. A couple of minutes is an exaggeration. It's much less than a minute to top off two tires. To fill a flat road tire is still well under a minute.
#24
Half way there

Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,967
Likes: 895
From: North Carolina
Bikes: Many, and the list changes frequently
I have a Nashbar L'Orange and like it very much.
#25
recently i bought cheap chinese pump and it was the least reliable thing i have ever had! It fell apart at the first attempt to pump the wheel. So I do not recoment to go for a cheapest one. Now i have BTWIN flp7000. Fully satisfied with it: easy to pump and feels robust so far.







