Pumps

[Basil.B]

Being a newbie, I'm going to get a mini pump soon. But will this do, or will I have to get a track pump as well?
I was thinking of getting a Specialized mini pump, but can't find out the max psi it inflates to.
I have Continental Gp400s, 110 psi I think they have to be inflated to. A few mini pumps that I have looked up, only have a range of up to 100 psi.

 

[accountantpete]

You want a track pump at home as it makes it far easier should you want to get the high pressures into the tyre - they should take up to 120psi.



I'd then get a smaller mini pump as a "get me home" aid mounted on the bike.

 

[HLaB]

Mini pumps don't get anything where the claim in regards of psi. Whilst a mini pump would get you by in the short term if you had low pressure hybrid or mtb tires, since you've got high pressure road bike tires, I'd recommend getting a track pump too. The advantage of having tires pumped up to near your max ( i use conti and put 105 in the rear and 100 in the front) they'll roll better and be less susceptible to p'tures. With a track pump you'll get that easily and there'll be no guessing.

 

[e-rider]

even if a mini claims 120psi it's almost impossible to get that and you'll be sweating buckets trying to!

a mini pump is really only useful out on the road when you get a puncture - I can get about 80psi with mine (it claims 120psi); which is enough to get home on.

For home use, buy a track pump.

 

[som3blok3]

I'm still fairly new to the forums but have been riding bikes for years. Imo mini pumps are an ok fix on the road but you can't beat a track pump at home.

I keep an 02 inflator and a spare tube on me at all times and a track pump at work (where my bike spends most of it's time) and thats all I need, threw the mini pump away last year!!

 

[DrSquirrel]

Well if you had to buy one now, and you need to carry it with you - mini pump.

Personally I don't like them and go for the co2 route on the road bike and some basic bontrager for the MTB. For co2, buy a box of 10-20 online with inflator (from tyre inflators) and that will suit you for a long long while and cost you just asmuch as inflator+2 cans from big name stores (also beware of co2 haters).


If/when I buy a new mini pump it will probably be the topeak morph (or mini morph) as it has a little tube (and a foot rest+good handle) on it, pumping with the pump rigidly attached to the wheel is the awkward part for me.


Track pump - I use a £5 cheapy from Aldi, and its worth the money even if people here complain about it. Will be upgrading it soon, don't regret the purchase of the cheapy though.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Topeak Pocket Rocket, 100+ without breaking your arms.

But a track pump is still an essential piece of kit for the garage.

 

[slowmotion]

Baz, I was pondering the same question earlier this year, and started a thread.....

http://www.cyclechat.net/topic/58863-mini-pump-yes-im-angry/page__hl__lezyne+road+drive

Loads of parishioners gave their advice and were incredibly helpful.

I ended up with a Lezyne Road Drive pump with a flexible hose (fantastic jobby!), and a Joe Blow track pump for home.

Good luck.

 

[cyberknight]

I'm still fairly new to the forums but have been riding bikes for years. Imo mini pumps are an ok fix on the road but you can't beat a track pump at home.

I keep an 02 inflator and a spare tube on me at all times and a track pump at work (where my bike spends most of it's time) and thats all I need, threw the mini pump away last year!!

Mini for road use and a track pump for home.

I have read that co2 inflaters are good quick fixes but obviously i would forget to carry spare cartridges and i have read that co2 goes flat if you forget to pump them up "properly" when you get home

 

[Basil.B]

Thanks for all the advice. I will be getting a Track pump and a Mini pump after Christmas.
Seasons Greetings