Floor pump suggestions
#1
Thread Starter
SuperGimp
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13,346
Likes: 65
From: Whittier, CA
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix
Floor pump suggestions
Its been a long time since I had to buy a floor pump but my current one is difficult to keep "on" the presta valve... it works well on the kids' schraeder tubes but not presta anymore.
So... all my searches turned up really old threads and I was wondering if there's anything new and shiny out there. What I'd like:
1) Presta only (not a deal breaker)
2) pressure gauge mounted high on the pump for readability
3) Easy to get 120 psi
4) sturdy
I'd rather just buy it once and be done with it, I'm not interested in getting the cheapest pump out there that will work for 3 months, or is difficult to use. Those combo heads seem to be iffy when pumping up presta tubes to high pressure, which is why I'd rather not deal with it. I'd also like a pump that doesn't mangle the presta valve over time.
Any thoughts? Thanks.
So... all my searches turned up really old threads and I was wondering if there's anything new and shiny out there. What I'd like:
1) Presta only (not a deal breaker)
2) pressure gauge mounted high on the pump for readability
3) Easy to get 120 psi
4) sturdy
I'd rather just buy it once and be done with it, I'm not interested in getting the cheapest pump out there that will work for 3 months, or is difficult to use. Those combo heads seem to be iffy when pumping up presta tubes to high pressure, which is why I'd rather not deal with it. I'd also like a pump that doesn't mangle the presta valve over time.

Any thoughts? Thanks.
#2
Tour De French Fries
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City
Bikes: 2010 Cervelo R3 SL & 2013 Airborne Goblin
I hear good things about the specialized pumps, which is what i'm about to get. My current pump sucks. It was a cheapo Nishinki pump. It won't pump up threaded presta valves, b/c it leaks at about 90psi.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Its been a long time since I had to buy a floor pump but my current one is difficult to keep "on" the presta valve... it works well on the kids' schraeder tubes but not presta anymore.
So... all my searches turned up really old threads and I was wondering if there's anything new and shiny out there. What I'd like:
1) Presta only (not a deal breaker)
2) pressure gauge mounted high on the pump for readability
3) Easy to get 120 psi
4) sturdy
I'd rather just buy it once and be done with it, I'm not interested in getting the cheapest pump out there that will work for 3 months, or is difficult to use. Those combo heads seem to be iffy when pumping up presta tubes to high pressure, which is why I'd rather not deal with it. I'd also like a pump that doesn't mangle the presta valve over time.
Any thoughts? Thanks.
So... all my searches turned up really old threads and I was wondering if there's anything new and shiny out there. What I'd like:
1) Presta only (not a deal breaker)
2) pressure gauge mounted high on the pump for readability
3) Easy to get 120 psi
4) sturdy
I'd rather just buy it once and be done with it, I'm not interested in getting the cheapest pump out there that will work for 3 months, or is difficult to use. Those combo heads seem to be iffy when pumping up presta tubes to high pressure, which is why I'd rather not deal with it. I'd also like a pump that doesn't mangle the presta valve over time.

Any thoughts? Thanks.
#4
John Wayne Toilet Paper
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke
Bikes: BH carbon, Ritchey steel, Kona aluminum
Lezyne pumps are really "nice" but the old reliable Silca Super Pista is the one that you can find parts for in every shop and will last for 30 years and work really well the whole time.
I've personally had mine for 15 years. I had to replace the rubber washer in the air chuck once and the check valve and leather washer in the body once. Total cost was like $15 for the replacement parts. The air chuck on the Silca is super easy to use (especially on non-threaded presta valves). You just slide it on the valve and you're ready to pump. Need to do a schraeder, just unscrew the presta chuck from the schraeder head. The schraeder head screws onto your valve with no fuss which is nice if you hate those levers on other pump heads.

My main beef with the Lezyne pump is the hose. The way they have you stretch it to hook it in place is very svelte but prone to cause the hose to crack as it ages.
I've personally had mine for 15 years. I had to replace the rubber washer in the air chuck once and the check valve and leather washer in the body once. Total cost was like $15 for the replacement parts. The air chuck on the Silca is super easy to use (especially on non-threaded presta valves). You just slide it on the valve and you're ready to pump. Need to do a schraeder, just unscrew the presta chuck from the schraeder head. The schraeder head screws onto your valve with no fuss which is nice if you hate those levers on other pump heads.

My main beef with the Lezyne pump is the hose. The way they have you stretch it to hook it in place is very svelte but prone to cause the hose to crack as it ages.
#5
Should Be More Popular




Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 46,194
Likes: 11,755
From: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
#6
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: Tarmac Apex
#7
Should Be More Popular




Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 46,194
Likes: 11,755
From: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
I think the issue with the Joe Blow Pumps is the head has some issues. Supposedly Topeak does a good job replacing them if/when they fail....again mine is fine but I have heard stories of problems.
#8
#9
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 2
From: Antioch, IL
Bikes: 2013 Synapse 4
i'm prolly in the minority, but I was cash strapped when I got this one : https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...51_-1___400165
had it for 2 seasons so far, has performed flawlessly.
had it for 2 seasons so far, has performed flawlessly.
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,411
Likes: 13
From: Haunchyville
Seems to me it would be pretty ease to rig up another way to store the hose if you really thought it was an issue.
#13
pan y agua

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,812
Likes: 1,234
From: Jacksonville
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
The best answer for buying once and forget is the Silca Super Pista.
As alluded to above, it will last forever. Every decade or so, you will need to put a little grease on the leather sleeve, and when you need parts in 20 years, odds are good they'll still be available.
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#14
Thread Starter
SuperGimp
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13,346
Likes: 65
From: Whittier, CA
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix
My current pump is one of the performance house brand jobs... but when I went looking for parts, all I found were scathing reviews. It tends to eat presta valves a little and as I mentioned, it's a three handed job now to keep the head on the presta valve and pump at the same time. Not tenable.
The Lezyne pumps look good but some of the review comments indicate maybe it's not for me. People gripe that the Joe Blow pumps are sometimes hard to attach with a good connection on presta valves. I'm leaning Silca I think, but I can't find anything much about them besides "they last forever" which is obviously a good thing. Feature wise, they seem to be nearly ideal.
The Lezyne pumps look good but some of the review comments indicate maybe it's not for me. People gripe that the Joe Blow pumps are sometimes hard to attach with a good connection on presta valves. I'm leaning Silca I think, but I can't find anything much about them besides "they last forever" which is obviously a good thing. Feature wise, they seem to be nearly ideal.
#17
Administrator

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,652
Likes: 2,698
From: Delaware shore
Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX
The ultimate fix is Lezyne has a new design but I don't see one advantage to the pump. It's great on a mini pump but having to twist on a head to a valve doesn't make sense. Just pushing on a Silva head (or comparable) and pulling it off when inflated is all that's needed
#18
Banned
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,585
Likes: 6,538
From: TN
Serfas from REI. I tried the Lezyne and didn't care for screwing the pump head onto the valve. The gauge broke within a week and I returned it to REI. I replaced it with a Serfas pump and have been very pleased with it. It was also some less expensive than the Lezyne. I've used it for about a year.
#20
I have an old Silca that doesn't perform as well as the newer model pumps. I keep it in my car for when I drive to a ride.
My $17 Supergo pump was great for several years before the head broke. I replaced it with a Park pump that broke after a couple months.
I plunked down $100 on a Lezyne. It looks nice but the screw-on head isn't as convenient as a press on.
My $17 Supergo pump was great for several years before the head broke. I replaced it with a Park pump that broke after a couple months.
I plunked down $100 on a Lezyne. It looks nice but the screw-on head isn't as convenient as a press on.
#21
Super Moderator

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 21,980
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From: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
For high psi, you need a small diameter barrel. One of the Joe Blow models (Max ?) is large and can barely hit 90.
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#22
I am happy with my Joe Blow Sport. Once I figured out how to position the head, it's perfect. I keep my pump in the house... with my bikes. My recommendation is to buy a pump that you can disassemble, lube and replace the O-ring.
#23
i'm prolly in the minority, but I was cash strapped when I got this one : https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...51_-1___400165
had it for 2 seasons so far, has performed flawlessly.
had it for 2 seasons so far, has performed flawlessly.
works as expected.
#24
Cycling Skier
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 620
Likes: 0
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: 2019 Moots Vamoots DR, 2008 Pedal Force ZX3, 2006 Jamis Eclipse, 1997 Marin Indian Fire Trail
I've had a Topeak Joe Blow Sport for 11 years now, and love it. The thing with the Topeaks is to get the TwinHead chuck, rather than the self-adapting head. The double-ended head is foolproof, seals well and is easily serviced. The only maintenance I've had to do to the thing is replace the hose, which dry rotted over time (many climate changes over the past 11 years). I can get really high pressures out of this pump (done 145psi, just to see if it was possible).
I also have a Specialized AirTool Comp, which is equally reliable. Had that for 4 years now.
I've had problems with the Silca press-on head - namely, I've broken many presta valve screws when removing the chuck from the valve after inflation. So I can't, in good conscience, recommend their head.
I also have a Specialized AirTool Comp, which is equally reliable. Had that for 4 years now.
I've had problems with the Silca press-on head - namely, I've broken many presta valve screws when removing the chuck from the valve after inflation. So I can't, in good conscience, recommend their head.






