wphamilton

You're a real cyclist, and I know the allure of cycling-specific equipment. To me it's a no-brainer the other way.

On the other question we should probably stress to OP that it doesn't really matter if his 25c tire pressure is 80-90 pounds instead of 100-115. Pinch flats are likely at lower pressures like 50-80, and the difference in rolling resistance is small between 80 and 115. This is something that many cyclists will deny and argue but ... https://velochimp.com/2006/11/21/rolling-resistance/ is typical when it has been tested.

Ikarios

I understand the physics behind a thinner barrel pump, but in all honestly it takes me about five seconds to pump up my 700x23c tires to 100PSI using a $30 Joe Blow, and I'm not a particularly strong or heavy person. I think it's a pretty nice pump for the price, unless you can get a narrow barrel pump for around the same price and quality.

bonz50

i just happen to keep my floor pump right next to my bike... by the time I go to the other side of the garage, get the airchuck from the tool box, run the hose over and then put everything back, well, its just less time for me to use the floor pump since its right there... I don't disagree that it could be much easier using the compressor, the actual act of putting in the air is so fast its scary... its everything else getting to that point that makes it less convenient for me... not always true for everyone else...

Nick Bain

how much do you weigh?

LesterOfPuppets

I could never get the hang of pinching tires to determine whether there's enough air in 'em but by leaning on the saddle and bars and putting practically all my weight on the bike I can tell if my 25s are good to go by looking at tire sidewall deflection.

I'd get a floor pump if I were you. I can get by on 25s @ 80 psi but I like to put about 95 front/ 105 rear. Plus, using a mini pump every couple days gets old REALLY quickly.

zonatandem

Buy a frame pump (not a mini) that turns into a floor pump . . . really!
We us a Topeak MasterBlaster (either the road or mt. version) and can easily pump up our tandem tires to 120lbs. Pump fits on our tandem's boob tube and converts from a regular-looking pump to a T-handle and foot rest.
Our 700x25 tires takes 120 easy pumps and will get you 120 lbs! Also has a version that has an inline pressure indicator.
Almost a pleasure to have a flat!

Looigi

Joe blow sprint works for me a 155 lb. Easy peasy. So easy, I don't bother using compressed air from my air compressor, as others have mentioned.

rat fink

The correct answer is to use your shop compressor. 150psi out to do it, since most car tires require 60psi but a on a bike, you only have two. If you bounce the wheel on the ground from about chest height, it should bounce back to at least waist height.

LesterOfPuppets

I put about 35 in my car tires. YMMV.

datlas 

Yes.

Don't pay too much attention to these silly boys, just get a floor pump with a gauge and you are set. I personally think the ones that are presta-specific will work best but get what fits your budget/preference. Most folks here swear by the Lezyne line but they are a bit pricey.

urbanknight

Our club had someone on their first group ride who always went by feel. The problem was, as the tubes lost pressure so gradually over the course of 3 months, this person didn't notice because it was always about the same as it was a few days earlier. The tires were down to about 50 psi by the time we were there to remedy the situation.


Yes, why is that? Although easier to read, the ones with the gauge at the top have more hose connections to come loose.

bianchi10

Just go get a floorpump, thats my advice.....unless....was that mentioned earlier?




I have seen some specialized floor pumps with a guage at my LBS for $25. it will be worth the investment and will last you for a looooong time.

rat fink

I see what you did there.

twobadfish

I know when fixing a flat I simply don't have the time to inflate my tires to 100psi. I mean, we're talking about HUNDREDS of strokes. I got to 60psi once (hand pump with gauge) and my arms were beat.

urbanknight

This is exactly why I carry CO2. The pump is only there for loaning to others and for if I run out of cartridges, just so I can limp home.

twobadfish

Same. Two cartridges, two tubes, and one pump (mostly for the gauge).

urbanknight

This reminded me of something. When I flat on the road, I use the thumb test to compare with the other tire to get "close enough", but getting a double flat sucks in that reference, and is the only time I've ever wanted a gauge while out on the road.

StanSeven

Besides a pump, buy tires. If the sidewalls are cracked and the tires worn where you can read recommended pressure, they might blow when you are riding.

AndyK 

Another benefit of a good floor pump - you can just top-off the pressure before you ride. So when I put my pump on the valve, I start pumping, and the gauage goes to 95 after the valve opens. 2 pumps, and I'm at 110. Done.

koke

Hi everyone!!!

So i just installed my new 700x25c slicks and new tubes!!! i wanted wider tires but the guy at the LBS told me that i needed to check if the frame had clearance, so i did and, no dice!!! the 25c fit just right anything wider would rub on the frame.

Also he had used floor pump that he used to inflate tires on bikes that customers brought, he told me that i could have it for 10 bucks!!! don't know the brand because it doesn't have any stickers or writing but the barrel is aluminium and it's in pretty good shape.

Everyone here was right, THERE IS NO HAY TO KNOW BY PINCH!!!! once i inflated to 120 psi (recommended psi on the tires) the tires were rock solid!!!!!!!!!!! even at 80-90 psi there is no way of distinguishing if they are above 100 psi!!!

Finally took it out, THE BIKE FLIES!!!!!!!!! (keep in mind that i used to ride MTB for recreation, so to me this thing feels super fast!!!)

I also put some new bar tape and front and rear lights!!! i think im in love with my bike!!!!

cheers!!!

rolliepollie

Getting the $25 floor pump was one of the best purchases for my bike. I started off by feel also, only to find out years later I was riding at 50 - 60 psi. Now I don't need to second guess my tire pressure, and check it before each ride which takes all of 30 seconds.

When I get a flat, I can get by from feel, though but only because I ride at 90/80 psi and can get close to that without a gauge. If you ride 100+ psi it'll be hard to feel the difference between say 100 and 110.

urbanknight

Are you sure that wasn't max pressure? They're not the same. fwiw I weigh 180 right now and run 105 psi in the back and 95 psi in the front of my 25mm tires. You might be making your ride harsher than you need to. Somewhere on this forum are various guides for tire pressure based on tire size and weight.

koke

Yeah it says 120 psi max on the tires, i figured if that's what it says that's what it needs, but i don't know if it's the correct psi for me, i don't know my exact weight but it's around 220 lbs, i'm not fat (but i'm not in excellent shape either) i'm 6' tall and i used to hit the gym a lot, now i'm trying to loose some bulk and get a flat stomach.

So, it's 700x25c and i'm around 220lbs, what do you guys recommend for PSI's???

urbanknight

For that weight, I'd try 105 in the front and 115 in the rear. If you start getting pinch flats, go a little higher.

Ikarios

170lbs, I'm 5'10", so about average (okay, maybe a *little* heavy). Most my weight is in my legs, though. People used to call me "Thunderthighs" ;_;