larue

I've talked my wife into commuting to her work by bike and I've been joining her on the ride up then ride back by myself and then go back to meet her when she gets off. When we first got our bikes I bought myself a frame pump and she opted for the co2 inflator, but my pump ended up not fitting so I returned it and figured that if the two of us were riding then it would be together so we could share the pump and otherwise the one who went out could take it. Well since there is the possibility of me not wanting to meet back at her job for the ride home I've been leaving the pump with her. I was honestly going to get a 2nd pump I've just been lazy about it. Well I learnt a lesson today. She works at a hospital and it's about 7 miles from our house. I was riding back from the hospital when I heard an odd noise and felt something was wrong with the bike but I couldn't tell if it was the chain or the tire so I tried to switch gears to get the chain back on in case that was the problem but then the tire collapsed. Luckily I was on part of the road with a good shoulder so I didn't wobble into traffic at 17 mph. I flipped my bike upside down and there was a noticeable piece of glass in the tire and I was able to take it out so it wouldn't cause any more damage to the tire. I guess the kevlar tires aren't as great as I imagined. But of course I had my spare tube with me and a patch kit but no pump! I hoped someone would ride by with a pump and offer a hand but it didn't happen so I had to walk back the last 3 miles home.
I'll be buying a pump now, I want a silca frame pump but I'd have to order it so I may just settle for what they have at our LBS's. Any recommendations on a frame pump other than the silca. I've seen a topeak and a blackburn that I liked.

Guest

Sorry about that. But a CO2 inflator could work for your bike even if it doesn't work for your bike, so why not just use it for yourself and continue to use the pump system? Then you have the backup and you know you will always use the CQ2 cartrige if she's not around, and she can be happy with her pump.

Man, I just hate hand pumps.... I carry like 5 of those CO 2 cannisters around in case I have to repump or if I don't set the tire bead on the rim correctly or whatever.

Good luck with whatever you decide. We've all been there before. I have too, and I'll be gosh darned if I had the same jerks passing me by and not offering use of their pump while I dragged my bike home.

Koffee

giorgios

This summer I got the CRANKBROTHERS power pump alloy. It sells for $25. It is compact enough to fit in your jersey pocket, accepts either presta or schrader valves, and can pump up to 120 psi! It also has a pressure gauge...check it out

d2create

Co2 all the way!

Used mine the other day. Extremely Quick (inflates a tube in a second), gets good pressure, very small, and you don't look like a perv jacking off on the side of the road while using your mini hand pump.

larue

do you find that co2 get expensive having to buy refills after every flat? I at first didn't think flats would happen all that often but I got this one pretty early in the game. I assumed the fact my tires have a kevlar lining meant they wouldn't puncture as easily, but the piece of glass was so small but it still went through.

d2create

Buy cases of Co2 cartridges from wallmart in the ammo section. Never from your LBS, they're way too expensive.

karlfitt

Yes,

just make sure you bought the inflator part that uses the non threaded cartridges.

Map tester

I guess we have all been there -- tube, repair kit, but no air! I bought two of these Sigma Sport Delta Jet mini pumps (one for my wife and one for me) at Nashbar, and unfortunately, have used them alot. They can be attached to the frame with the included rubber strap, but I just keep them in my pannier. It has a t-handle, and hose to attach to the valve, and can be used as a floor pump. Not bad for $9.99. I recomend as a Best Buy.

Seanholio

I got one of these, tried to use it, and immediately returned it. It was ineffective when compared to the Topeak Morph I bought to replace it.

froze

The Barbieri Carbone pump inflates to 140psi and it's a mini pump! Cost under $30 and weighs only 59grms. I think it only fits Presta but no worry because for $1 you can buy a schrader to presta brass converter.

larue

Thanks for everyones advice but I went with a SKS Airchamp Pro (co2.) Received it today and I think it looks nice mounted to the frame.

PriO

more pics of the bike please


also, is it true that CO2 is 52% heavier than air?

catatonic

I use a topeak road morph. It's large, but it's strong and basically unfolds into a mini floor pump, which is great if your one of the guys that often damage presta valves using hand-held pumps.

It also does up to 140psi, and has a very nice QR style frame mount.

lsits

I got this one from Specialized. It's for Presta valves only. (Hence the PVO)

http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProd...0080&spid=5282

larue

Here's some more pics. It's my first bike, a Felt SR91. Next year or so I hope to move up. Co2 is about 1.4 x's heavier than air, the exact percentage I don't know.