Floor Pumps and psi gauges...?
10-10-09, 06:09 PM
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Floor Pumps and psi gauges...?
This is my first post so please be kind!
About a month ago I went looking for a psi gauge and/or a good floor pump for a presta valve.
I went to my local Performance and bought a Spin Doctor psi gauge. I tried it out and it would not make a good seal. I ended up returning it and picked up a Planet Bike gauge from REI. The Planet Bike gauge had the same problem, it just could not make a good seal.
After striking out twice I decided to go to my local LBS and I looked at their floor pumps. I ended up getting a Bontrager Charger floor pump ($30). I took it home and it ended up having the same problem; it could not make a seal. Each time I went to pump my tire the PSI gauge would only go to 40. I returned that floor pump ended up getting the Specialized AirTool Comp floor pump ($50). When I went to use the new floor pump it had the same problem!!!!
I figured that after 4 gauges/pumps I would get a winner...Am I just unlucky? I'm pretty sure that I'm not doing anything wrong. Each time I fill up my tire I try to get the best seal as possible.
Does anyone have any suggestions on good floor pumps or gauges that seal correctly? I really just want something that will tell me the PSI of my tires.
Thanks!!!!
About a month ago I went looking for a psi gauge and/or a good floor pump for a presta valve.
I went to my local Performance and bought a Spin Doctor psi gauge. I tried it out and it would not make a good seal. I ended up returning it and picked up a Planet Bike gauge from REI. The Planet Bike gauge had the same problem, it just could not make a good seal.
After striking out twice I decided to go to my local LBS and I looked at their floor pumps. I ended up getting a Bontrager Charger floor pump ($30). I took it home and it ended up having the same problem; it could not make a seal. Each time I went to pump my tire the PSI gauge would only go to 40. I returned that floor pump ended up getting the Specialized AirTool Comp floor pump ($50). When I went to use the new floor pump it had the same problem!!!!
I figured that after 4 gauges/pumps I would get a winner...Am I just unlucky? I'm pretty sure that I'm not doing anything wrong. Each time I fill up my tire I try to get the best seal as possible.
Does anyone have any suggestions on good floor pumps or gauges that seal correctly? I really just want something that will tell me the PSI of my tires.
Thanks!!!!
10-10-09, 06:16 PM
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You have to make sure the pump head is set for the presta valve.
Open the presta valve on the tube.
Push the pump head on hard, then raise up the lock handle.
Should work at that point.
Or have someone at the bike shop show you how?
The first time I saw a presta valve I said WTF.
Open the presta valve on the tube.
Push the pump head on hard, then raise up the lock handle.
Should work at that point.
Or have someone at the bike shop show you how?
The first time I saw a presta valve I said WTF.
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10-10-09, 06:19 PM
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If you still have a floor pump that you haven't returned.. get an adapter that converts a Presta to Schraeder valve the use the Shr. end of the nozzle. Maybe you'll be able to isolate your problem. I use a Pedros and two others. Maybe at the bike shop, whoever might still have one of the "bad" pumps can test/demonstrate use on a bike there. I did have a bad guage on a pump one a long time ago. A different person I know has difficulty with a new pump, connecting it, I had her stay with the adpt. and an old pump.
10-10-09, 06:26 PM
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Thanks for the suggestions. I'll probably try getting a Presta to schrader adapter to see if I can isolate the problem. I feel stupid asking about this, but it's somewhat baffled me because....A Floor pump is not really that hard to use, and after 4 pumps/gauges I would figure that something would work.
10-10-09, 06:35 PM
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The specialized should automatically adjust to presta, mine works great and always has a good seal up to 145psi. It is possible that your valve is messed up.
10-10-09, 06:36 PM
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they are a bit pricy but the Silca with the Columbus barrel is the best on the market
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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10-10-09, 06:43 PM
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OP - I'd suggest you take your bike or front tire to the LBS and try out one of the pumps in the shop. If you are having problems, someone in the shop should be able to help you.
10-10-09, 07:25 PM
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Silca or the Specialized pumps work well.
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10-10-09, 07:26 PM
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You should have bought this one from REI instead
https://www.rei.com/product/782782
I tried Planet STX Deluxe Floor and Joeblow Sport pump and had the same problem as you described. After reading the review of this pump from REI, I went to 3 local stores and wanted to try it out before buying but none of them had it in stock. The sale lady told me to order it from the web and pick it up in store for free shipping since this item was rarely available. I ordered it and picked it up 5 days later. It's very easy to pump to 105 psi (where I need) and I have not had any leak after 5 months. Its built quality seems very good for $40 pump and it's on sale right now for $29.99.
https://www.rei.com/product/782782
I tried Planet STX Deluxe Floor and Joeblow Sport pump and had the same problem as you described. After reading the review of this pump from REI, I went to 3 local stores and wanted to try it out before buying but none of them had it in stock. The sale lady told me to order it from the web and pick it up in store for free shipping since this item was rarely available. I ordered it and picked it up 5 days later. It's very easy to pump to 105 psi (where I need) and I have not had any leak after 5 months. Its built quality seems very good for $40 pump and it's on sale right now for $29.99.
10-10-09, 07:31 PM
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I'm going to go into my LBS tomorrow with my front tire and see if: a) I'm an idiot b) my valves are broken somehow or c) I'm just unlucky
Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone!
10-10-09, 07:39 PM
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My Specialized AirTool works great and has no problem going between Schrader and Presta without any adjustment. 
Sounds like it is either your valves or technique.
Sounds like it is either your valves or technique.
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10-10-09, 07:51 PM
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you're doing it wrong.
10-10-09, 07:51 PM
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Don't mean to insult, but you are unscrewing to open the presta valve before placing the pump head on and pumping, right?
Also, it helps to release some air prior to pumping if you have a sticky valve.
Also, it helps to release some air prior to pumping if you have a sticky valve.
10-10-09, 07:58 PM
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I agree with Ms I.
Here's the protocol - maybe it'll help?
1. Unscrew locking nut on presta valve.
2. Push in the presta valve with your finger to break the seal and release a little air
3. Attach pump head, with switch in the "open" position - normally flat to the head
4. Lock pump head onto valve by moving the lever to the up position.
5. Inflate to desired psi.
6. Unlock pump head, remove and screw down presta locking nut.
Sometimes something as simple as wheel position can make a difference on some pump heads - I always inflate my tires with the valve at the 12 o'clock position. Also on my Specialized pump it can sometimes meet with quite a lot of resistance which can either be overcome with more pumping, or by removing and reattaching the head to the valve.
Here's the protocol - maybe it'll help?
1. Unscrew locking nut on presta valve.
2. Push in the presta valve with your finger to break the seal and release a little air
3. Attach pump head, with switch in the "open" position - normally flat to the head
4. Lock pump head onto valve by moving the lever to the up position.
5. Inflate to desired psi.
6. Unlock pump head, remove and screw down presta locking nut.
Sometimes something as simple as wheel position can make a difference on some pump heads - I always inflate my tires with the valve at the 12 o'clock position. Also on my Specialized pump it can sometimes meet with quite a lot of resistance which can either be overcome with more pumping, or by removing and reattaching the head to the valve.
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10-10-09, 08:32 PM
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First time I used a presta I made the mistake of not pushing hard enough. Push it IN (within reason) first few attempts resulted in leakage, but once I made the decision to really push it in. NO leaks!
10-11-09, 05:48 AM
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I've found a good tire pressure guage for Presta - the Accuguage, available from www.getaguage.com for about $16. It makes a good seal, needs no batteries, and is calibrated to plus/minus 2 psi. They make a wide range of variations, so use the website to choose exactly what you need.
10-11-09, 07:19 AM
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I don't believe in separate pressure gauges for bikes. Every 2 or 3 day, I just pump up the tires until I get the right pressure according to the gauge. It will always be at least a little low since the first step in pumping it up is to release some air (after unscrewing the valve)
10-11-09, 07:58 AM
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10-11-09, 07:58 AM
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Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
I've found a good tire pressure guage for Presta - the Accuguage, available from www.getaguage.com for about $16. It makes a good seal, needs no batteries, and is calibrated to plus/minus 2 psi. They make a wide range of variations, so use the website to choose exactly what you need.
10-11-09, 09:59 AM
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I agree with Ms I.
Here's the protocol - maybe it'll help?
1. Unscrew locking nut on presta valve.
2. Push in the presta valve with your finger to break the seal and release a little air
3. Attach pump head, with switch in the "open" position - normally flat to the head
4. Lock pump head onto valve by moving the lever to the up position.
5. Inflate to desired psi.
6. Unlock pump head, remove and screw down presta locking nut.
Sometimes something as simple as wheel position can make a difference on some pump heads - I always inflate my tires with the valve at the 12 o'clock position. Also on my Specialized pump it can sometimes meet with quite a lot of resistance which can either be overcome with more pumping, or by removing and reattaching the head to the valve.
Here's the protocol - maybe it'll help?
1. Unscrew locking nut on presta valve.
2. Push in the presta valve with your finger to break the seal and release a little air
3. Attach pump head, with switch in the "open" position - normally flat to the head
4. Lock pump head onto valve by moving the lever to the up position.
5. Inflate to desired psi.
6. Unlock pump head, remove and screw down presta locking nut.
Sometimes something as simple as wheel position can make a difference on some pump heads - I always inflate my tires with the valve at the 12 o'clock position. Also on my Specialized pump it can sometimes meet with quite a lot of resistance which can either be overcome with more pumping, or by removing and reattaching the head to the valve.
I had an idea last night so I pulled out a new tube (from a different manufacturer), and the psi gauge was still very very wrong.
I'm going to my LBS when they open in an hour or so.....I hope they don't look at me like I am crazy!
10-11-09, 10:02 AM
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I've found a good tire pressure guage for Presta - the Accuguage, available from www.getaguage.com for about $16. It makes a good seal, needs no batteries, and is calibrated to plus/minus 2 psi. They make a wide range of variations, so use the website to choose exactly what you need.
10-11-09, 11:37 AM
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After striking out twice I decided to go to my local LBS and I looked at their floor pumps. I ended up getting a Bontrager Charger floor pump ($30). I took it home and it ended up having the same problem; it could not make a seal. Each time I went to pump my tire the PSI gauge would only go to 40. I returned that floor pump ended up getting the Specialized AirTool Comp floor pump ($50). When I went to use the new floor pump it had the same problem!!!!
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