Goodbye Floor Pump?
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Australia
Posts: 824
Bikes: 2002 Trek 5200 (US POSTAL), 2020 Canyon Aeroad SL
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 314 Post(s)
Liked 683 Times
in
328 Posts
Battery life is a slight downside. It is only good for around 5-6 full inflations before it needs charging (around an hour or so to charge up). Using it to top up your tyres every so often nets plenty of battery life.
It's also pretty loud, but not as loud as firing up an air compressor! Don't use it to inflate your tyres in the room next door to your sleeping wife at 4am before a ride...
Last edited by tempocyclist; 12-06-22 at 12:12 AM. Reason: added link
Likes For tempocyclist:
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 3,100
Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1401 Post(s)
Liked 1,886 Times
in
1,085 Posts
I went with DeWalt because we already had DeWalt tools / batteries
I use a presta-shraeder adapter - thread the adapter onto the presta valve - then thread the inflator hose on to the adapter
I run Aerothan tubes that have plastic presta valve stems that can be an issue - a standard Silca head will not remain on the valve stem
( I have two different Silca pumps with two different chucks/heads - installed new seals on both - and neither will remain on the Aerothan valve stems )
so I purchased a Hiro V3 chuck/head
but then began to use the portable inflator - so I never did use the Hiro head
I could attach the Hiro head to the portable inflator - but the procedure I currently follow is quick and works well
the portable inflator is probably one of my most valuable tools - if it broke I would replace it immediately
Last edited by t2p; 12-06-22 at 12:26 AM.
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 3,100
Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1401 Post(s)
Liked 1,886 Times
in
1,085 Posts
for car / truck tires
portable inflators can especially become a valuable asset during cold winter months when temps dip below freezing
most convenience store and service station hoses that sit outside can become inoperable when condensation and moisture in the hoses or heads freeze
the portable inflator does not have this issue
portable inflators can especially become a valuable asset during cold winter months when temps dip below freezing
most convenience store and service station hoses that sit outside can become inoperable when condensation and moisture in the hoses or heads freeze
the portable inflator does not have this issue
Likes For t2p:
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: reno, nv
Posts: 2,303
Bikes: yes, i have one
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1138 Post(s)
Liked 1,182 Times
in
687 Posts
I have one of these that I take on trips with me when flying with my bike, a Fumpa USB rechargeable mini-pump. A track pump is additional weight that I'd rather not carry in my bike box.
https://www.fumpapumps.com.au/
Is it totally unnecessary? Yes. Is it kinda cool? Yes.
Do I sometimes get lazy and use it at home instead of my track pump? Yes... 😂
https://www.fumpapumps.com.au/
Is it totally unnecessary? Yes. Is it kinda cool? Yes.
Do I sometimes get lazy and use it at home instead of my track pump? Yes... 😂
Likes For spelger:
#31
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,368
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6220 Post(s)
Liked 4,221 Times
in
2,367 Posts
But is there a reason to suspect that your current gauge is bad? If there is a problem with your existing analog gauge, why not replace it? Or is it just “old” and not sexy like a digital one is? Gauges don’t really wear out with use…at least not the kind of use that we cyclist put them to.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
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!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
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!
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,302
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8287 Post(s)
Liked 9,061 Times
in
4,483 Posts
But is there a reason to suspect that your current gauge is bad? If there is a problem with your existing analog gauge, why not replace it? Or is it just “old” and not sexy like a digital one is? Gauges don’t really wear out with use…at least not the kind of use that we cyclist put them to.
I was just thinking if the OP was buying a compressor the digital gauge that it came with might be more trustworthy than some older digital gauges.
And having been a car mechanic for nearly 50 years I don't find sexiness in tools or mechanical things.
#33
Palmer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,627
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, Alex Moulton AM, Dahon Curl
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1671 Post(s)
Liked 1,825 Times
in
1,062 Posts
#34
Palmer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,627
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, Alex Moulton AM, Dahon Curl
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1671 Post(s)
Liked 1,825 Times
in
1,062 Posts
https://enduro-mtb.com/en/best-tubel...flator-review/
#35
Habitual User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,997
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4957 Post(s)
Liked 8,099 Times
in
3,833 Posts
Good to know, and I appreciate the info. My challenge with a compressor - even a small one - is a place to put it in my shop, and limited mobility. I could probably figure out how to make it work, though. At the moment, I'm not seeing a compelling advantage over my cordless inflator idea.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#36
Habitual User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,997
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4957 Post(s)
Liked 8,099 Times
in
3,833 Posts
But not necessarily a powered compressor. Hand jobs are available for the tubeless crowd:
https://enduro-mtb.com/en/best-tubel...flator-review/
https://enduro-mtb.com/en/best-tubel...flator-review/
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,516
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3241 Post(s)
Liked 2,512 Times
in
1,510 Posts
If you are running tubeless, I'd get a compressor for the garage/shop and a decent hand gauge. If away from home, a hand pump or inflator and hand gauge. You could also use a Schrader to Presta adapter/hand gauge and any source of air you have access to.
BTW, I work in the construction tools industry. The pneumatic tools/compressors out there are as generic as they can be. Most of the brands are manufactured/contracted by the same companies. Black & Decker owns most every brand and they dumb down all of them to meet price points. That includes the ones listed as "Pro grade" in the Big Box Stores. There really isn't much "Pro grade" left in power tools. All are produced to go the length of the warranty and thats it. Read the fine print on the warranty also. In the case of a homeowner, that might be one season. So, basically buy the cheapest one you can find and throw it away when it quits. Here is the parts website for some of the brands until the B & D umbrella.
https://www.toolservicenet.com/
BTW, I work in the construction tools industry. The pneumatic tools/compressors out there are as generic as they can be. Most of the brands are manufactured/contracted by the same companies. Black & Decker owns most every brand and they dumb down all of them to meet price points. That includes the ones listed as "Pro grade" in the Big Box Stores. There really isn't much "Pro grade" left in power tools. All are produced to go the length of the warranty and thats it. Read the fine print on the warranty also. In the case of a homeowner, that might be one season. So, basically buy the cheapest one you can find and throw it away when it quits. Here is the parts website for some of the brands until the B & D umbrella.
https://www.toolservicenet.com/
Last edited by seypat; 12-06-22 at 10:48 AM.
Likes For seypat:
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Elevation 666m Edmonton Canada
Posts: 2,483
Bikes: 2013 Custom SA5w / Rohloff Tourster
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1237 Post(s)
Liked 324 Times
in
249 Posts
Last week I got new car tires. They put in 31 lbs while my old ones had 35 I think.
So I got out my seldom used full size floor pump out of the trunk. Only took 40 strokes to bump it 3 lbs. Easy as pie.
Would have took all day with the POS cigarette lighter plug in electric one I had 12 years ago for a Christmas present I think.
So I got out my seldom used full size floor pump out of the trunk. Only took 40 strokes to bump it 3 lbs. Easy as pie.
Would have took all day with the POS cigarette lighter plug in electric one I had 12 years ago for a Christmas present I think.
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,395
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1562 Post(s)
Liked 1,734 Times
in
974 Posts
Good to know, and I appreciate the info. My challenge with a compressor - even a small one - is a place to put it in my shop, and limited mobility. I could probably figure out how to make it work, though. At the moment, I'm not seeing a compelling advantage over my cordless inflator idea.
In any event, if you have a wood workshop, I am sure you have other occasions to use an air compressors. Air tools. Spray finish, etc.
#40
Habitual User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,997
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4957 Post(s)
Liked 8,099 Times
in
3,833 Posts
The small 'pancake air compressors' are pretty compact. Some larger ones are upright like a water heater, so the footprint is still pretty small.
In any event, if you have a wood workshop, I am sure you have other occasions to use an air compressors. Air tools. Spray finish, etc.
In any event, if you have a wood workshop, I am sure you have other occasions to use an air compressors. Air tools. Spray finish, etc.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#41
Habitual User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,997
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4957 Post(s)
Liked 8,099 Times
in
3,833 Posts
Last week I got new car tires. They put in 31 lbs while my old ones had 35 I think.
So I got out my seldom used full size floor pump out of the trunk. Only took 40 strokes to bump it 3 lbs. Easy as pie.
Would have took all day with the POS cigarette lighter plug in electric one I had 12 years ago for a Christmas present I think.
So I got out my seldom used full size floor pump out of the trunk. Only took 40 strokes to bump it 3 lbs. Easy as pie.
Would have took all day with the POS cigarette lighter plug in electric one I had 12 years ago for a Christmas present I think.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#42
Habitual User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,997
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4957 Post(s)
Liked 8,099 Times
in
3,833 Posts
If you are running tubeless, I'd get a compressor for the garage/shop and a decent hand gauge. If away from home, a hand pump or inflator and hand gauge. You could also use a Schrader to Presta adapter/hand gauge and any source of air you have access to.
BTW, I work in the construction tools industry. The pneumatic tools/compressors out there are as generic as they can be. Most of the brands are manufactured/contracted by the same companies. Black & Decker owns most every brand and they dumb down all of them to meet price points. That includes the ones listed as "Pro grade" in the Big Box Stores. There really isn't much "Pro grade" left in power tools. All are produced to go the length of the warranty and thats it. Read the fine print on the warranty also. In the case of a homeowner, that might be one season. So, basically buy the cheapest one you can find and throw it away when it quits. Here is the parts website for some of the brands until the B & D umbrella.
https://www.toolservicenet.com/
BTW, I work in the construction tools industry. The pneumatic tools/compressors out there are as generic as they can be. Most of the brands are manufactured/contracted by the same companies. Black & Decker owns most every brand and they dumb down all of them to meet price points. That includes the ones listed as "Pro grade" in the Big Box Stores. There really isn't much "Pro grade" left in power tools. All are produced to go the length of the warranty and thats it. Read the fine print on the warranty also. In the case of a homeowner, that might be one season. So, basically buy the cheapest one you can find and throw it away when it quits. Here is the parts website for some of the brands until the B & D umbrella.
https://www.toolservicenet.com/
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,516
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3241 Post(s)
Liked 2,512 Times
in
1,510 Posts
There are a lot of reasons why a compressor makes sense for my needs, but there are also some challenges with implementing it in my space. Honestly, a good floor pump would get the job done for me with minimal fuss, and would have the portability I want. That said, the comments from people who are happily using some sort of cordless inflator device have me intrigued.
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,516
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3241 Post(s)
Liked 2,512 Times
in
1,510 Posts
Not bike related, but realize that a small pancake style compressor in the 1 1/2-2HP range will not do high volume stuff like running a paint gun. Check the CFM delivery of the compressor before you buy to see that it will do what you ask of it.
Likes For seypat:
#45
Habitual User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,997
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4957 Post(s)
Liked 8,099 Times
in
3,833 Posts
I don't run tubeless. I keep my bikes(many) at my place of business. I have a full size compressor there and........................use a hand pump to air up the tires on whichever bike I'm going to ride. There is one bike at my house that my wife rides. Also a hand pump there for air purposes. I also have 3 or 4 smaller portable compressors that only get used if needed on some type of project away from my business. If anything, spend some money on a decent gauge if you want/need accurate pressure readings.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#46
Habitual User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,997
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4957 Post(s)
Liked 8,099 Times
in
3,833 Posts
I appreciate everyone's input. It has helped me think through my options and evaluate my needs with the way I use a pump. A compelling argument can be made for either a good floor pump or a small compressor, and they are definitely valid options - maybe even better options in some ways. However, I haven't come across anything that tells me a cordless inflator is a poor choice. Maybe I'll find that it was a mistake. Maybe not.
EDIT: Inflator and presta chuck ordered. Worst case scenario...Inflator idea doesn't pan out (inaccurate/inconsistent pressures, too noisy, and/or unable to provide sufficient pressure for tubeless booster), and it gets added to the rest of the cordless tool family to be used for other airy purposes. Silca chuck gets installed on the new floor pump that I would probably get to serve my inflation needs.
EDIT: Inflator and presta chuck ordered. Worst case scenario...Inflator idea doesn't pan out (inaccurate/inconsistent pressures, too noisy, and/or unable to provide sufficient pressure for tubeless booster), and it gets added to the rest of the cordless tool family to be used for other airy purposes. Silca chuck gets installed on the new floor pump that I would probably get to serve my inflation needs.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
Last edited by Eric F; 12-07-22 at 01:08 PM.
Likes For Eric F:
#47
Habitual User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,997
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4957 Post(s)
Liked 8,099 Times
in
3,833 Posts
First test with the Ridgid inflator...I topped off my MTB and road bike tires using the thread-on presta adapter that came with the inflator. As designed, it stopped automatically at the pre-set pressure, and a double-check with a separate gauge confirmed that the inflator is accurate enough. I was very pleased at how quickly it got the job done for both tires. Using the adapter is kind of irritating, and the schrader fitting on the hose is a little odd, but those issues will be remedied with the Silca presta chuck that is on the way to me. The one downside that is immediately apparent is the noise. It shouldn't be a big deal for my needs, since it will mostly be used in a detached garage, but it could be a concern for others considering this option.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 5,795
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3514 Post(s)
Liked 2,927 Times
in
1,776 Posts
(Just FYI--the chuck's rubber insert has to be "pre-loaded" using he screw on face of the chuck to get it to seal with a squeeze of the lever. If it's not pre-loaded correctly, it can slip off. Pre-loading only entail screwing the face on tighter or looser, depending on what you need. By the sound of the term, I thought it was something more complicated).
Likes For smd4:
#49
Habitual User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,997
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4957 Post(s)
Liked 8,099 Times
in
3,833 Posts
I love my Hiro. You said you had an affinity for well-made simple devices, and this is definitely one. It's appropriate that the picture you posted makes it look like a tiny work of art. It is. But its function is flawless.
(Just FYI--the chuck's rubber insert has to be "pre-loaded" using he screw on face of the chuck to get it to seal with a squeeze of the lever. If it's not pre-loaded correctly, it can slip off. Pre-loading only entail screwing the face on tighter or looser, depending on what you need. By the sound of the term, I thought it was something more complicated).
(Just FYI--the chuck's rubber insert has to be "pre-loaded" using he screw on face of the chuck to get it to seal with a squeeze of the lever. If it's not pre-loaded correctly, it can slip off. Pre-loading only entail screwing the face on tighter or looser, depending on what you need. By the sound of the term, I thought it was something more complicated).
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#50
Senior Member
I assume these hand held compressors are loud. I'm always pumping tires before early morning rides and that's a deal killer.
I went the splurge direction and bought a Silca Superpista Digital with the Hiro chuck. Yes, it's $349 but it's basically perfect, I use it daily in season and it will never wear out. Perhaps unnecessary, but it's nice to use something so well made.
Every bike I have is tubeless. For seating tubeless tires, I bought a generic 6 gal compressor and a Prestaflator Pro. This setup was less than $200 total and will seat anything from a road tire to a fatbike tire instantly. Use this setup a few times and it pays for itself vs going to a shop.
I went the splurge direction and bought a Silca Superpista Digital with the Hiro chuck. Yes, it's $349 but it's basically perfect, I use it daily in season and it will never wear out. Perhaps unnecessary, but it's nice to use something so well made.
Every bike I have is tubeless. For seating tubeless tires, I bought a generic 6 gal compressor and a Prestaflator Pro. This setup was less than $200 total and will seat anything from a road tire to a fatbike tire instantly. Use this setup a few times and it pays for itself vs going to a shop.