Flats and stupid mini-pumps
#1
Grumpy Old Bugga
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Adelaide, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 4,229
Bikes: Hillbrick, Malvern Star Oppy S2, Europa (R.I.P.)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
6 Posts
Flats and stupid mini-pumps
GAAARRRRRKKKKK
I can't take a trick at the moment. Sheesh.
The car's in the workshop ... again.
The workshop closes at five so I've got to leave work early.
I leap on the treddly and have a good ride ... until about 4km from the workshop when I get that sudden unsteady feeling.
Yup, rapidly deflating rear tyre.
No problem, that happens. I check the time and have about 15 minutes to get to the workshop.
Out with the rear wheel.
Off with the tyre (yes, I cheated and went straight for the tyre levers rather than use my thumbs).
Out with the tube.
Quick check for anything sharp in the tyre. No torn or bloody fingers so in with the spare tube.
This takes about 13.248 nano-seconds so I'm feeling reasonably good about getting to the workshop on time.
Then I reach for that stupid pump.
For starters, I couldn't undo the velcro strap to get it off the frame! The end was between the pump and the frame and the velcro had welded itself together, so I get a tyre lever and dig the end out.
At about this point, I could hear a parrot in the tree above practicing some of the swear words I'd been teaching him.
Pump's off the frame at last, attached to wheel. Pump pump pump pump pump flamin' pump.
Nothing.
Take pump off wheel and check if it's working. It is, so why no air in the tyre?
Pump back on wheel.
Pump pump pump bloody pump flamin' pump.
The parrot looks shocked at the language and flies away.
Still no air in the tyre, it's leaking out as fast as it's going in and this being one of those stupid mini-pumps that are all you can get these days, it's not going in all that fast.
Check for leaks in pump.
Check for leaks around the seal.
Have another go.
Pump pump pump pump pump pump.
I'm now feeling a tad cranky now so that little pump handle was really oscillating.
I stop to check the time. It's now 5. I look at my mobile phone. They've rung me during the day so their number would be recorded, but which number is it? I try two - the first didn't answer which was nice because the second number was the workshop.
I explain my problem, trying to sound calm and genteel because the lovely Kari really is a nice lass, even nicer when she offered to jump in my car and come and get me.
While I waited, I had another shot at that tyre. Nope, can barely get enough into it to hold the rim off the ground.
Bloody pump.
Kari turned up. The car's working nicely. My credit card didn't bounce so I was able to pay my bill and I got home ... about an hour late.
The hole in the tube looks like a roofing nail's gone through it. Added to that, whatever it was went through a tyre liner as well. You'd expect to see some evidence of damage on the tyre wouldn't you? Nope, not even a suggestion of a cut, let alone something resembling a harpoon sticking out of the tyre.
So I've got the tyre pumped up using my floor pump. I'm hoping that it'll either go flat really quickly or still be rock solid in the morning - I'm good at being hopelessly optimistic like that.
But that rotten mini-pump? It's USELESS. And it's a good brand (Wrench Force) that cost quite a bit. It's only been used once before as my flats have either been discovered in the convenience of my own home or been on other bikes. But I can't go riding carrying that heap of rubbish again. It puffs air but all of that seems to escape back through the head mechanism ... I think. It's probably been hanging on a bike for too long (about 2 1/2 years).
So, what new pump do I buy? I've yet to be impressed with any of these little mini-pumps you get these days (though my cheapies at least pump up the tyres). You can't get any with a decent volume any more ... well, not here in the land of the great lycra fairy you can't. It's enough to turn me to CO2 ... which is great until you run out of CO2 ... usually because you haven't found the pointy thing causing the punctures yet.
For the record, the noise in the bike is now gone (change of pedals) ... so I guess that's why the bike felt it could inflict this upon me.
The soap opera continues
Richard
I wonder if that parrot is still practicing those swear words I taught him
I can't take a trick at the moment. Sheesh.
The car's in the workshop ... again.
The workshop closes at five so I've got to leave work early.
I leap on the treddly and have a good ride ... until about 4km from the workshop when I get that sudden unsteady feeling.
Yup, rapidly deflating rear tyre.
No problem, that happens. I check the time and have about 15 minutes to get to the workshop.
Out with the rear wheel.
Off with the tyre (yes, I cheated and went straight for the tyre levers rather than use my thumbs).
Out with the tube.
Quick check for anything sharp in the tyre. No torn or bloody fingers so in with the spare tube.
This takes about 13.248 nano-seconds so I'm feeling reasonably good about getting to the workshop on time.
Then I reach for that stupid pump.
For starters, I couldn't undo the velcro strap to get it off the frame! The end was between the pump and the frame and the velcro had welded itself together, so I get a tyre lever and dig the end out.
At about this point, I could hear a parrot in the tree above practicing some of the swear words I'd been teaching him.
Pump's off the frame at last, attached to wheel. Pump pump pump pump pump flamin' pump.
Nothing.
Take pump off wheel and check if it's working. It is, so why no air in the tyre?
Pump back on wheel.
Pump pump pump bloody pump flamin' pump.
The parrot looks shocked at the language and flies away.
Still no air in the tyre, it's leaking out as fast as it's going in and this being one of those stupid mini-pumps that are all you can get these days, it's not going in all that fast.
Check for leaks in pump.
Check for leaks around the seal.
Have another go.
Pump pump pump pump pump pump.
I'm now feeling a tad cranky now so that little pump handle was really oscillating.
I stop to check the time. It's now 5. I look at my mobile phone. They've rung me during the day so their number would be recorded, but which number is it? I try two - the first didn't answer which was nice because the second number was the workshop.
I explain my problem, trying to sound calm and genteel because the lovely Kari really is a nice lass, even nicer when she offered to jump in my car and come and get me.
While I waited, I had another shot at that tyre. Nope, can barely get enough into it to hold the rim off the ground.
Bloody pump.
Kari turned up. The car's working nicely. My credit card didn't bounce so I was able to pay my bill and I got home ... about an hour late.
The hole in the tube looks like a roofing nail's gone through it. Added to that, whatever it was went through a tyre liner as well. You'd expect to see some evidence of damage on the tyre wouldn't you? Nope, not even a suggestion of a cut, let alone something resembling a harpoon sticking out of the tyre.
So I've got the tyre pumped up using my floor pump. I'm hoping that it'll either go flat really quickly or still be rock solid in the morning - I'm good at being hopelessly optimistic like that.
But that rotten mini-pump? It's USELESS. And it's a good brand (Wrench Force) that cost quite a bit. It's only been used once before as my flats have either been discovered in the convenience of my own home or been on other bikes. But I can't go riding carrying that heap of rubbish again. It puffs air but all of that seems to escape back through the head mechanism ... I think. It's probably been hanging on a bike for too long (about 2 1/2 years).
So, what new pump do I buy? I've yet to be impressed with any of these little mini-pumps you get these days (though my cheapies at least pump up the tyres). You can't get any with a decent volume any more ... well, not here in the land of the great lycra fairy you can't. It's enough to turn me to CO2 ... which is great until you run out of CO2 ... usually because you haven't found the pointy thing causing the punctures yet.
For the record, the noise in the bike is now gone (change of pedals) ... so I guess that's why the bike felt it could inflict this upon me.
The soap opera continues
Richard
I wonder if that parrot is still practicing those swear words I taught him
#2
I have senior moments...
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Woodside, CA
Posts: 2,151
Bikes: Many
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Sorry to hear about your flat from hell. Gotta say you couldn't pay me to own anything of the Wrench Force brand, just low end stuff. For mini pumps I'd go with the Topeak Mini Morph and it even has a presta valve friendly flexible hose. https://www.google.com/products?hl=en...num=1&ct=title
Likes For jwbnyc:
#4
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
I used a borrowed mini-pump once. I'm not sure what their intended purpose might be, but there is no way they ever expect anyone to actually use one to pump up a bicycle tire with one of those tiny things. Walking home would be easier.
I use a frame pump, Mtn Morph or CO2 inflator.
I use a frame pump, Mtn Morph or CO2 inflator.
#5
Boomer
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 7,214
Bikes: Diamondback Clarity II frame homebuilt.
Liked 1,457 Times
in
1,064 Posts
What ever was squeaking on the bike must have been what held air in the pump!
#7
Senior Member
I have the Topeak Mountain Morph. Like the Road Morph, it has a little foot pad that swings out, and it has a hose.
I used it with the schrader valves on my mountain bike for a couple of years. Then when I got the road bike, I reverse the little fitting inside the head and now use it for presta valves.
It will get my road tires to 120 psi without a problem.
The Mountain Morph is a little shorter and a little larger in diameter than the Road Morph.
I've had it for three years or so, and it's held up pretty well. Hasn't failed me yet. It's come to the rescue of several fellow riders who either had no pump or had CO2.
I'm sure that either the Mountain Morph or Road Morph would serve you well.
I used it with the schrader valves on my mountain bike for a couple of years. Then when I got the road bike, I reverse the little fitting inside the head and now use it for presta valves.
It will get my road tires to 120 psi without a problem.
The Mountain Morph is a little shorter and a little larger in diameter than the Road Morph.
I've had it for three years or so, and it's held up pretty well. Hasn't failed me yet. It's come to the rescue of several fellow riders who either had no pump or had CO2.
I'm sure that either the Mountain Morph or Road Morph would serve you well.
#8
Senior Member
I have the Topeak Mountain Morph. Like the Road Morph, it has a little foot pad that swings out, and it has a hose.
I used it with the schrader valves on my mountain bike for a couple of years. Then when I got the road bike, I reverse the little fitting inside the head and now use it for presta valves.
It will get my road tires to 120 psi without a problem.
The Mountain Morph is a little shorter and a little larger in diameter than the Road Morph.
I've had it for three years or so, and it's held up pretty well. Hasn't failed me yet. It's come to the rescue of several fellow riders who either had no pump or had CO2.
I'm sure that either the Mountain Morph or Road Morph would serve you well.
I used it with the schrader valves on my mountain bike for a couple of years. Then when I got the road bike, I reverse the little fitting inside the head and now use it for presta valves.
It will get my road tires to 120 psi without a problem.
The Mountain Morph is a little shorter and a little larger in diameter than the Road Morph.
I've had it for three years or so, and it's held up pretty well. Hasn't failed me yet. It's come to the rescue of several fellow riders who either had no pump or had CO2.
I'm sure that either the Mountain Morph or Road Morph would serve you well.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,489
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
I've had sucess with the Topeak Master Blaster frame pump. However, I always carry Co2 with me in case I need to fix the flat in shorter time than usual, e.g., a situation like yours.
__________________
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#10
www.ocrebels.com
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles area
Posts: 6,186
Bikes: Several bikes, Road, Mountain, Commute, etc.
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
Sorry Richard,
As noted by bikinfool above, Wrench Force is not a very good brand. To the best of my knowledge, Wrench Force pumps are made by Lopin Wang (China). And while Lopin sure is a nice guy, he is building to a price point, so the quality suffers.
Louis Chang, on the other hand, is the founder, head engineer and owner of Topeak (Taiwan). Okay, Louis can be a wild and crazy (can you say Party Animal) kind of guy. That aside, he is an absolute fanatic for quality engineering and performance of his products. I use Topeak pumps on all of my bikes.
Neal Todrys (Todson) is the U.S. agent for Topeak (with an amazing dry sense of humor), and works well with Louis regarding dealer/consumer feedback for improvements in Topeak's products, as does the rest of the crew at Topeak U.S.
Not sure who imports Topeak into Australia, but you can check out this retail link:
https://www.bicyclestore.com.au/Topeak-mid-27.html
Rick / OCRR
As noted by bikinfool above, Wrench Force is not a very good brand. To the best of my knowledge, Wrench Force pumps are made by Lopin Wang (China). And while Lopin sure is a nice guy, he is building to a price point, so the quality suffers.
Louis Chang, on the other hand, is the founder, head engineer and owner of Topeak (Taiwan). Okay, Louis can be a wild and crazy (can you say Party Animal) kind of guy. That aside, he is an absolute fanatic for quality engineering and performance of his products. I use Topeak pumps on all of my bikes.
Neal Todrys (Todson) is the U.S. agent for Topeak (with an amazing dry sense of humor), and works well with Louis regarding dealer/consumer feedback for improvements in Topeak's products, as does the rest of the crew at Topeak U.S.
Not sure who imports Topeak into Australia, but you can check out this retail link:
https://www.bicyclestore.com.au/Topeak-mid-27.html
Rick / OCRR
#11
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,975
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Liked 1,472 Times
in
912 Posts
I have always had good luck with today's full-size frame-fit pumps. I have a Blackburn which fits between the downtube pegs on the UO-8 and Zefal HP-Xs along the seat tubes of the Bianchi and Capo #1. I have a Mt. Zefal frame fit pump on the peg on the back of the Schwinn's seat tube, taking advantage of all the tire clearance.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#12
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
Out with 2 or 3 mates offroad and we are bound to get punctures. It is a joint effort to repair the puncture- except for one thing. It is always my pump that is used during the repair. Why? Because my pumps always work. Once a month- on servicing the bikes- I also check over the pumps. Sp when I do have to use it- it will work.
As to type- Blackburn Mammoth on the MTB and I also have one of these on the TCR. But have to admit that the topeak Morph pump that I have on Boreas is fantastic. Only problem is that it is the "Mini" morph and does take a lot of strokes to get it up to 120 psi. Next Pump will be a Morph again but probably the "Road" Morph.
As to type- Blackburn Mammoth on the MTB and I also have one of these on the TCR. But have to admit that the topeak Morph pump that I have on Boreas is fantastic. Only problem is that it is the "Mini" morph and does take a lot of strokes to get it up to 120 psi. Next Pump will be a Morph again but probably the "Road" Morph.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#13
Another vote for full sized frame fit pumps. Over the years I had my share of fun with mini-pumps and CO2's. In fact, I have one parts drawer full of different brands of mini-pumps I've accumulated over the years.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Liked 645 Times
in
366 Posts
After you have a flat tire you're probably already unhappy. At a time like that the convenience of CO2 is priceless.
#18
Broom Wagon Fodder
I recently got a Crank Bros. Power Pump Pro. I can't tell you how disappointed I am with it. I tested it out on the bike I keep on the training stand and wasn't able to get above 30 lbs on the high volume setting and it takes forever to move the needle on the high pressure setting. I'm talking about 100 strokes and you haven't gone up 10 lbs. It's beautifully made, but I will never take it on a bike ride. Totally useless.
#21
Palmer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,783
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, Alex Moulton AM, Dahon Curl
Liked 1,975 Times
in
1,135 Posts
If you really want a mini-pump, I'd recomend the Quicker Pro.
In full-size frame pumps, here's another vote for the Topeak Road Morph G.
Best,
tcs
In full-size frame pumps, here's another vote for the Topeak Road Morph G.
Best,
tcs
#22
Can't Re Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Wooster OH
Posts: 364
Bikes: 2009 Randonee, 2014 Bike Friday NWT
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the Topeak Mountain Morph. Like the Road Morph, it has a little foot pad that swings out, and it has a hose.
I used it with the schrader valves on my mountain bike for a couple of years. Then when I got the road bike, I reverse the little fitting inside the head and now use it for presta valves.
It will get my road tires to 120 psi without a problem.
The Mountain Morph is a little shorter and a little larger in diameter than the Road Morph.
I've had it for three years or so, and it's held up pretty well. Hasn't failed me yet. It's come to the rescue of several fellow riders who either had no pump or had CO2.
I'm sure that either the Mountain Morph or Road Morph would serve you well.
I used it with the schrader valves on my mountain bike for a couple of years. Then when I got the road bike, I reverse the little fitting inside the head and now use it for presta valves.
It will get my road tires to 120 psi without a problem.
The Mountain Morph is a little shorter and a little larger in diameter than the Road Morph.
I've had it for three years or so, and it's held up pretty well. Hasn't failed me yet. It's come to the rescue of several fellow riders who either had no pump or had CO2.
I'm sure that either the Mountain Morph or Road Morph would serve you well.
I have a topeak road morph mini (in whatever order those words are supposed to go) but I've had no flats on the road so I've never had to use it. So I decided to try it out while changing out the tires on my daughter's mountain bike, which was when I learned that the pump comes set up for presta, although I know it handles both presta and schrader. So I fiddled with it for an hour or so without solving the puzzle. I searched here--a lot--trying to figure out a search that would produce the language bolded above, to no avail. Checked the Topeak site--evidently people as clueless as me aren't supposed to buy these things. Finally a week ago I was next in line at the Coronado ferry in San Diego after a guy who obviously knew his way around his bike, so I asked him to tell me how to use my pump and he figured it out for me. And now, magically, you casually reveal the secret!
Of course, I suppose I could have called somebody at Topeak. And I still haven't used the thing.
__________________
Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.
Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.
#25
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
Functionally, I prefer the Topeak Road Morph, but it just doesn't look as classically "right" as a full frame pump peg mounted under a horizontal top tube like the Zefal HP-X.