hand pump and regular pump
 

I don't know if it's the pump or the presta valve adapter. But every time I pump air into the tube, I have trouble pulling the plug from the valve. It doesn't seem like a lot of air escapes. But when I plug the pump into the valve once more, the gauge would read 60 psi (I pump it up to 80-90 psi). Why?


Also, My hand pump sucks. I can barely get 40 psi on that thing. any recommendations?

I thought that when you pull the "plug" out, the pocket of air that escapes is from the pump itself and not the tube. Unless you're somehow pressing down on the "plug" to pull it out? The 60 psi reading might be from you pressing the "plug" back in. I think you might be doing this wrong somehow!

IMO, most hand pumps suck. I use a Specialized one that advertises "Up to 120 psi", but I think I need to work out more. 600 pumps = 80 psi. Beyond the first 600 pumps is another exercise in itself on a ride. Not exactly what you want in the middle of a 75 miler... :(

Co2?

Nope, I don't press down on the plug when I try to pull it out. That wouldn't make any sense now would it? But somehow, the pressure comes back to 60 psi when I put it back in

Did you unscrew the presta valve cap?

yes!

Hand pumps are good enough on the road to get you home where you can use a floor pump to get back up to normal psi. Just avoid pinch flats on your way home. Perhaps "Awwwwnald" can get a hand pump up to 100+ psi, but we sub-150 lb bike weenies can't. I doubt I ever get my Zephal full-frame pump above 65 psi. Gets me home.

Pulling the head (plug) off is easier if you don't put it on as far. That is, you want to find the balance between holding the pressure and being hard to remove. This may depend on the head, but for mine, if I push it way on, it's harder to remove.

According to the gauge on my Road Morph, I can get it up to 100 psi, but it is a lot of work.

yea. It's not that I'm weak. I just don't want to stroke a long stick on the side of the road for too long. I mean as the pressure goes up, you gotta pump more times to get the same amount of pressure increase.

Yeah, take them out to dinner first :P


But seriously, what brand/model pump are you using?

So...are you using a pump with a Schrader head and are using a separate adapter to connect to the Presta? If so, first I'd recommend getting a pump meant to pump Presta. And if I read the title right, this is happening for both your hand pump and your floor pump?

Anyone that rides regularly should have a good quality floor pump given that you should inflate your tires before every ride. $25 - $40 will get you a good pump that will last a long time. I like my Park floor pump but if I have to replace it, I'm going to get a pump that has the gauge at the top of the barrel so I can see it more easily.

As far as hand pumps are concerned, they're primarily for tire changes and aren't really good for easily getting to the high pressures of a floor pump. I have a Road Morph and the few times I've used it, have had no problem getting up to 100 lbs, which is plenty to get me home. I also have a combo CO2/hand pump...it takes a lot more effort to get to 90 lbs but I can do it.

Finally, with respects to getting the pump head onto and off of the valve, the method that works best for me is, with the bike on the ground, position the valve so it's at the top of the wheel (pointing down). While pressing down on the top of the wheel with one hand, push the head securely onto the valve (don't forget to open the valve first!) and flick the lock lever to secure. Pump up your tire to the desired pressure. To remove, open the lock lever and grab the pump head with your hand. With the other hand, straddle the wheel with your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other, placing them on the pump head. Use your thumb and finger to apply pressure straight down while gently pulling on the pump head with your other hand. Close the valve.

Also...most tubes have threaded stems...but I ended up with some tubes that have smooth stems...as soon as I release the lock lever, the pump head is basically pushed off of the stem.

Hope this helps.

the floor pump I have was bought from a warehouse sale for 10 bucks. It doesn't have a brand listed other than the word "Classic" printed vertically on the stem... Maybe that's the brand? But the gauge only reads up to 100 psi, and my tire indicates a max pressure of 100 psi as well.

^thanks dsstrong