Need new pump
#2
Mad bike riding scientist




Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 29,152
Likes: 6,209
From: Denver, CO
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
For floor pumps, I haven't got a clue. I haven't found a floor pump worth a damn since my Madea from the 1980s gave up the ghost about 10 years ago. Topeak Joe Blow is okay. Not great but at least it's cheap. Park's floor pumps don't. People love Silca's but I haven't found one that is "lovable". I haven't found a multi-fit pump head yet that works as advertised.
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Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
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Stuart Black
Dreamin' of Bemidji Down the Mississippi (in part)
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#3
I have a Joe Blow Sport II. Like cyccommute said, it's okay. I would like a better one but it works. I have a Topeak Peakini Mini Pump that I carry with me. That sucks but it gets the job done and was only $15.
#4
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,285
From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#6
IMO, the pump head the makes or breaks a floor pump. I like thread-on chucks (e.g. Lezyne) for positive leak-free engagement and not preventing the presta valve from moving freely, but it can get a bit tedious to thread them on and off. I have a Topeak Twin Head lever operated chuck that works acceptably well. I used it a couple of years and had to get a replacement seal for it. It supposedly works on Schrader valves too but I've never tried it.
For a minipump carried on the bike, I stick with pumps that have a hose and thread-on chuck so as not to stress the stem and not loose any hard earned air pressure. The Topeak Race Rocket is the best I've used. I also have a Lezyne road drive which is OK but the chuck and separate non-rotating hose is not as convenient as the Topeak.
For a minipump carried on the bike, I stick with pumps that have a hose and thread-on chuck so as not to stress the stem and not loose any hard earned air pressure. The Topeak Race Rocket is the best I've used. I also have a Lezyne road drive which is OK but the chuck and separate non-rotating hose is not as convenient as the Topeak.
#7
I have the Topeak Joe Blow Max and I love it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Topeak-JoeBl...item4179c9088d
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,472
Likes: 11
From: Near St. Louis, Missouri
Bikes: Giant Defy Advanced, Breezer Doppler Team, Schwinn Twinn Tandem, Windsor Tourist, 1954 JC Higgens
I had problems messing up the presta valve with the Joe Blow. I bought a Specialized Air Tool HP floor pump and I've been very impressed. I especially like how the head automatically adapts to both schraeder and presta valves. I've had mine for 2 years now and it still works great.
#9
I'll second a specialized pump. I really like mine.
#10
Should Be More Popular




Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 46,170
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From: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
#11
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I have a joe blow and a specialized. The specialized has the better pump head of the two although I sometimes found that with a completely empty tube it didn't always work without fiddling. The joe blow wouldn't always work when just topping off a tire unless you released a little air. I then swapped the head on the Joe Blow for a KNCN head - which is now the best pump I have ever used by a long shot.
Between the two without swapping the head, I would get the specialized in a heart beat. I didn't swap the head on the specialized since it just works pretty well, all the time.
I don't like having the screw the pump head onto the valve, so never went for some of the classic "best" pumps.
Between the two without swapping the head, I would get the specialized in a heart beat. I didn't swap the head on the specialized since it just works pretty well, all the time.
I don't like having the screw the pump head onto the valve, so never went for some of the classic "best" pumps.
#12
Should Be More Popular




Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 46,170
Likes: 11,742
From: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
#16
Stand and Deliver
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 1
From: Tampa Bay
Bikes: Cannondale R1000, Giant TCR Advanced, Giant TCR Advanced SL
I've been using the JoeBlow Sprint for years. I did replace the TwinHead after it wore out with the SmartHead, which is better and easier to use, imho. I also have the Lezyne cnc and although a very solid pump, prefer to use the JoeBlow. I also prefer threadless stems which are easier on the heads.
#17
Live to ride ride to live
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,896
Likes: 1
From: Austin, Texas
Bikes: Calfee Tetra Pro
What do you like better about the Specialized? I have a Lezyne and had a Joe Blow. There is no comparison between the two. The Lezyne is built to last. I sold the Joe Blow. The Joe Blow has been rebuilt a few times. Everything that could go wrong with that pump did. I haven't have any problem with the Lezyne.
#18
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 3
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: Colnago, Cervelo, Scott
I hate spending the time screwing the pump head on with the Lezyne. I know it's petty, but the air chuck doesn't always spin independently of the hose and it can be a real PITA. Has to be lined up perfectly. It is useful on the occasions where an inline adapter fits better in tight spaces, like my 5 year old's bike tires, and my car tires. I have had one air chuck fail and blow out an o-ring around the bleed button, and it took forever and asking twice to get another one from Lezyne. Also, I can't use it on wheels with valve extenders. The Joe Blow pump head kind of sucks. It's more difficult to engage than the Specialized pump head, especially over unusual shapes like valve extenders. The pin that hinges the lever falls out the side on mine. Also, the pressure gauge reads about 10 psi higher than reality. The Specialized pump has none of these problems. The pump head engages quickly and easily over standard presta, schrader, valve extenders, whatever. The gauge is accurate to within 5 psi. All pumps are adequate with respect to the volume they output per stroke. The lezyne gauge is accurate to with 5 psi. I don't care too much about built to last. It doesn't bother me to buy a $50 pump every 8 years or so.
Last edited by Silvercivic27; 12-01-13 at 08:32 PM.
#19
another vote for lezyne. although I had a blackburn floor pump that lasted over 10 years.
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2010 Kestrel RT900SL, 800k carbon, chorus/record, speedplay, zonda
2000 litespeed Unicoi Ti, XTR,XT, Campy crank, time atac, carbon forks
2010 Kestrel RT900SL, 800k carbon, chorus/record, speedplay, zonda
2000 litespeed Unicoi Ti, XTR,XT, Campy crank, time atac, carbon forks
#20
Redefining Lazy
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 0
From: North Metro, MN
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Synapse 5 105, 2013 Giant Escape 3
I have the Specialized Air Tool Comp floor pump, and use it before EVERY ride. Had it for 8 years and no issues.
For the frame, I use a Blackburn Air Stik. I like that it mounts off to the side allowing for a second bottle cage.
S
For the frame, I use a Blackburn Air Stik. I like that it mounts off to the side allowing for a second bottle cage.
S
#21
Live to ride ride to live
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,896
Likes: 1
From: Austin, Texas
Bikes: Calfee Tetra Pro
I hate spending the time screwing the pump head on with the Lezyne. I know it's petty, but the air chuck doesn't always spin independently of the hose and it can be a real PITA. Has to be lined up perfectly. It is useful on the occasions where an inline adapter fits better in tight spaces, like my 5 year old's bike tires, and my car tires. I have had one air chuck fail and blow out an o-ring around the bleed button, and it took forever and asking twice to get another one from Lezyne. Also, I can't use it on wheels with valve extenders. The Joe Blow pump head kind of sucks. It's more difficult to engage than the Specialized pump head, especially over unusual shapes like valve extenders. The pin that hinges the lever falls out the side on mine. Also, the pressure gauge reads about 10 psi higher than reality. The Specialized pump has none of these problems. The pump head engages quickly and easily over standard presta, schrader, valve extenders, whatever. The gauge is accurate to within 5 psi. All pumps are adequate with respect to the volume they output per stroke. The lezyne gauge is accurate to with 5 psi. I don't care too much about built to last. It doesn't bother me to buy a $50 pump every 8 years or so.
#22
Thread Killer

Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,140
Likes: 2,162
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
For those considering a replacement pump head, KCNC has a very nice looking unit that's an alternative to the Hirame, although it shares the presta-only limitation: https://fairwheelbikes.com/kcnc-pump-head-p-2000.html
I've not used the KCNC, but then again I've not had any real troubles with my pumps at all over the years. I'm using a Nashbar Pro or something like that now that is at least 10 years old and has what one might think would be a troublesome, dual nozzle, auto-selecting head for presta/shraeder; just put it on, and it switches airflow to the engaged nozzle. It actually works pretty damn well, though sometimes does need a little knock on the head to get to selection'! No complaints with this pump at all, though IIRC it was about $80. Their current L'Orange (https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...23_-1___202560) looks comparable, and with what is probably a better head for some applications.
I have used others' crappy floor pumps, and I'd say that, as a purchasing tip, to go with metal barrels, metal shafts, and metal bases; if you can extend the handle and flex the shaft easily side-to-side with only light pressure on the handle, take a pass and look at others. Oh, sufficiently long hose is nice, too, especially if you want to inflate while the bike is on a stand or car rack.
I've not used the KCNC, but then again I've not had any real troubles with my pumps at all over the years. I'm using a Nashbar Pro or something like that now that is at least 10 years old and has what one might think would be a troublesome, dual nozzle, auto-selecting head for presta/shraeder; just put it on, and it switches airflow to the engaged nozzle. It actually works pretty damn well, though sometimes does need a little knock on the head to get to selection'! No complaints with this pump at all, though IIRC it was about $80. Their current L'Orange (https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...23_-1___202560) looks comparable, and with what is probably a better head for some applications.
I have used others' crappy floor pumps, and I'd say that, as a purchasing tip, to go with metal barrels, metal shafts, and metal bases; if you can extend the handle and flex the shaft easily side-to-side with only light pressure on the handle, take a pass and look at others. Oh, sufficiently long hose is nice, too, especially if you want to inflate while the bike is on a stand or car rack.
#23
Stand and Deliver
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 1
From: Tampa Bay
Bikes: Cannondale R1000, Giant TCR Advanced, Giant TCR Advanced SL
This is why I don't like the Lezyne. Otherwise, its a solid pump.
#24
Thread Killer

Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,140
Likes: 2,162
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Yeah, that would be a hassle with a floor pump, but I don't mind it for on-bike pumps which only see secondary, occasional use. In fact, I appreciate it on the Road Drive pumps I have because it keeps them compact and streamlined, which would be very difficult to do with a lever lock type head, although I think Crank Brothers did an admirable job with the Sterling SG, from a design perspective (I haven't used one).
#25
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 101
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From: none
Bikes: '78 Raleigh rebuilt to 21C...Redline Monocog cyclocross in steel redone to 8 spped trekker
Need air pump
My pump is morphing at the landfill. Topeak sez its my fault. Could be inhaled some Slime from Spec tubes.
The floor pump is…a Wal $10 barrel pump done by hand. And an early ‘50’s pump from the dumpster.
Need a Frame pump for the planned lower CDL expedition.
Maybe NRS ?
I’m still kicking myself for not buying clipon heads from Loosescrews.
Topeak is the bullet proof road pump ? A Topeak will last longer than 2 months…
Long life isn’t the problem. A gradual descent into malfunction is.
The head is the important part. I vaguely remember the road Morp’s head popping off or leaking. Maybe my error… Topeak sez….
Racks are next.
First racks are from deep discount at Nashbar. Universal Cycles has rack photos. I get the idea AL racks are designed adding struts when one section cracks out.
Does NRS sell racks ?



