Tire pressure on a tour
 

Before each road ride I top my tires to the recommended 100 psi with a floor pump. I have a frame pump but use it only in emergencies, at which time I was able to get the tiers up to about 85 – 90 psi. That was enough to get me home but I would not want to do a multy-day tour like that.

Next summer I would like to start doing small overnight tours. What pump and what method do you experienced tourists do to keep your tire pressure topped off?

They have mini pumps now that are miniature floor pumps that I hear work very well at keeping the pressure up. Also look into CO2 pumps mine fills my road tires almost to capacity. also look for bike shops they are almost always happy to lend you a pump or top off your tires for you. If you use CO2 you do want to deflate it and refill with air as soon as you find some.

Topeak, and probably others, make a small pump that will go up to 160 lbs.

Hi,
I carry a Topeak Road Morph with me.
But mostly I don't use it. I start with pressure in the 80's (which is fine for a 28c tire)...but let it drift down over the tour. If the tire gets real bulgy, I pump it back up. But the extra comfort is nice.

For a short 2- or 3-day tour, you could overinflate your tires slightly. If your ideal pressure is 100 psi, start at 110-115 psi on day 1 and you will be at 90-95 psi on day 3. Of course, it doesn't help if you get a flat tire.

Thicker tubes loose air less rapidly than thin lightweight ones.

Finally, one of the best investments I made was a Topeak Road Morph. You put it on the ground, install the chuck, and it's fairly easy to pump the tire to full pressure without fear of breaking a valve or injuring one's arms.

One more endorsement of the Topeak Road Morph. I have no trouble using it to keep my tires at 95psi. I used to take a floor pump in the car with me on vacations, but on my recent visit to Maine I went with just the Road Morph and it was all I needed.

On the couple of occasions when I've had flats, the RM went from 0 to 95 easily and without breaking my back. It's a terrific pump.

RichC

yes the Topeak Road Morph. is my choice and have one mounted on the frame. I ride conti's top touring tire and run 80 psi the RM oump works well for me.
catfish

Thanks for your tips.
Maybe I'll ask santa for a Topeak Road Morph.

Thanks for the mini-pump suggestions. Last year I did a two week tour with tyre pressure at around 30 PSI (!) -- and lived to tell the tale. :D

thats like trying to run from a scary monster in a bad dream, but you cant move

One day I had to peak inflate my tires 4 times, with the Road Morph it was a non-event.

Millionith post of support for the road morph.