Mountain_Owl

Is it worth the money to have one of those tire pumps that attach to the bike frame?

Do I need a special type of pump for Presta-valve tubes?

Thank you.

SlowFlyer

I once had a double flat and had exhausted my CO2 supply. I had to walk my bike home for 6 miles. First thing I did after I got home was go to my LBS and pick up a Topeak Road Morph pump. It seems to be the preferred pump here on BF, and I love it. It connects to the valve (yes, presta) via a tube so you're not bending it like most frame pumps. It also has a gauge. Buy one.

Mountain_Owl

Thanks, SlowFlyer.

East Hill

Many (most?) floor pumps have both Schrader and Presta valve heads. You do want to make certain that the frame pump has the desired valve head. Frame pumps can be very useful... .

East Hill

Garfield Cat

Some riders prefer to attach the pump to the bike frame. I used to do that but now I don't. I ride with a small backpack that's designed for bike riding. It has no fluid bladder, just for stuff. That's where I carry my Topeak Road Morph, along with extra inner tubes. This Topeak Road Morph has both valve capabilities: presta and schrader.

I chose not to attach to the frame because: my frame has a sloping top tube and its a small frame so there is less space for the Road Morph; I have two bikes and don't want to bother with another bracket; I like the clean design of the frame and a pump just doesn't look right, especially the Road Morph.

Other factors: on rides, I often stop to help riders with flat tires and the Road Morph gets the job done pretty fast and efficient; I ride between 3,000 to 4,000 plus miles a year and that means more chances of flats; I let my daughter use the pump and the back pack on her bike rides (her bike).

By the way: the back pack cost me 14 bucks. It isn't a camelback but I use a water bottle anyways.

JanMM

I don't think you can find a quality pump that doesn't work on both kinds of valves.

old and new

Better -off with a tiny pump, yes they accomodate both style valves. I feel that frame pumps are not as handy as the small ones that can be carried in a small pack, as Garfield Cat says and packs are really great anyway. I'm able though to carry a tiny pump in the rear pocket of a jersey or a small pouch if I'm carrying that as well. Pumps have come a long way in a few years. I've used a VERY tiny pump, not even the best to fill beach cruiser tires,SIX of them in fifteen minutes. We were on vacaction at the time,it's all we had. I think that getting inventive to accomodate a pump is an example of the tail wagging the dog.

dynaryder

+ aliens for the Topeak Morphs. They come with a frame mounting bracket.

I used to carry a small Crankbrothers until I actually had to use it to pump up a friend's road tire. The Morphs have a hose so you don't have to hold it on the valve,and the T handle and foot lever make it much easier to pump.

Mountain_Owl

Thanks, everyone.