RubeRad

That lower left SKS one is what I got a few months ago, it's been working great for me. The lever sticking out there shows the nontraditional implementation. Sticking out allows insertion, pushing down clamps onto the valve. Much easier for one-handed operation. With all previous pump heads I had to use one hand to hold the pump, and a 2nd hand to pull the clamping lever out.

veloz

About 25 years ago I bought a Blackburn Track pump. Maybe 8 years ago it began to fail and I called Blackburn for parts. They replaced the entire pump with a new model. The replacement recently began leaking at the head. I called them and a new head is on the way. Lifetime guarantee and they stand behind it.

SJX426 

P1040757 on Flickr
P1040744 on Flickr

WaveyGravey

I just purchased a new Silca. I have trouble getting the chuck to seat properly and sometimes have difficulty removing. Have actually torn off the Presta valve removing. Any tips? Can you lubricate the chuck for easier use? Thanks

Flatforkcrown

I’d say the biggest tip is try to have non threaded valve stems. Otherwise, to seat just push onto the stem as far as you’re able to. To take off if it’s tight I just grab the rim with both hands and use both thumbs to push it off.

SJX426 

@WaveyGravey - The chuck has a removable gasket held in place with a "Cap." I have found that how tight the cap is determines how small the opening is of the gasket. Loosen it up a bit and it may go on a bit easier. Too tight and it gets smaller and harder to insert.

Threaded valve stems are rough on the gasket but with the new silicone gasket, not so bad.

WaveyGravey

Thanks so much for the response. Got my pump and can't figure out or for that matter see the cap you are referring to. I don't want to attempt using a tool to loosen anything on the chuck fearing I might damage it.

RubeRad

I don't know if this helps, but in this image


the 'cap' is the knurled part on the left, with the presta-hole in it. It screws on and off, and most importantly, when it's screwed all the way on, compresses the rubber gasket inside to squeeze onto the valve. Loosen it and the rubber is not compressed. If you loosen it all the way off, it should not be problematic to just thread it back on.

Your head might be different though.

Flatforkcrown

The end should screw off by hand

This is the gasket that is too tight on yours

WaveyGravey

THANKS!!!!!

Got it off and see exactly as pictured. I'll replace but not as tight.

RubeRad

What you want to do is leave it loose, put the valve in, then tighten it to compress the gasket and make it seal better. Loosen again to remove after pumping. It's the old-school version of the locking lever on modern pumps.

livedarklions

Max HP, $40, works great.

PJay120

I have the Serfas FP-200 that someone posted above, the red pump.
It is both Schraeder and Presta. I have had it for over ten years. It is fine.

Road Fan

That red one is what I have! It's great but I wish I had the wooden handle.

WaveyGravey

What about a drop of some type lubricant on that gasket? Thanks

WarrenC

I have a Lezyne pump, can't remember the model, but I don't like it. It has a threaded connection that I thought would work great, but I was wrong. When I first got it, the dual head they sent me was missing the O-rings inside and it took much effort for them to understand that it was defective. After 3 or 4 calls and emails, they finally agreed to send me a replacement. When screwing the hose down, it's almost impossible to not loose a bunch of air. In addition, the swivel connections don't swivel, so I end up twisting the hose. For some reason, air does not pump for the first few pumps until something pops in the valve. This is after burping the valve. You lose a bunch of air also when you unscrew. The head has a release button that you can't avoid when handling, plus the time it takes to undo, air is coming out. Wintertime I store it in the garage and it rarely works. I think the rubber gasket must shrink a bit and not seal so no air. Finally, after years of use, it finally has decided to unscrew my Presta inards when removing. Think its time for an upgrade.

zandoval 

Hope this helps. There is one pump and a pump head I would not bother to buy. I have seen others use the two devices but I have not been able to. One is the Lezine nozzle. For some reason is just to difficult to use. The other is the Crank Brothers compact pump (not floor pump). I have never been able to adequately pump up my tires then remove the pump without loosing to much air.

Sy Reene

They're all just pumps. They put air in the tire. You can spend from $50 to $450.
I do agree with the notion of the gauge at the top. Bought a Bontrager Super Charger a few years back, works well but see that this is no longer current on Trek's site. Don't know why. Current models being sold, probably would get something like the Joe Blow Pro X (https://www.topeak.com/us/en/product...-JOEBLOW-PRO-X ) or if feeling spendy, the digital version.

bontrager super charger

StanJF

I’m using a Giant Pro Control Tower. Can use with Presta or Schraeder valves without any adapters. Has a clear gauge up to 220 psi, also in BAR scale. Best one I’ve owned, ever.

roadsnakes

I`m surprised how much I like this one. It`s been 2-3 years now with once a week use year round, and so far , so good.

If it takes a dump in a few years, I`m not out a lot of money, and would probably buy another.
'

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-V...lack/418760178

dkatz1

Specialized....air tool, I think it's called. Great pump.

Sakkitfan

I tossed the Silca head in favor of the Hirame Pump Head which is arguably the best pump head ever. That said I have a small portable compressor with a Park PS1 air tool and that is my fave. No muss, no fuss.

tcs

I used the Schwinn-branded floor pump I bought in '71 for about 40 years. Somewhere along in the mid-80s I fitted it with a Silca head. I got a (now discontinued) Zefal Alaskan two-stage fitted with a Hirame head to replace it.

I dunno. Work handle up and down, air comes out other end. Most of my rides start from my house so these days I mostly use the shop air compressor.

crewdog

For me the ultimate question is will the pump work on pumping up car tires without requiring hundreds of pumps.

Flatforkcrown

that’s a weird thing to look for in a bike pump. Does fuel mileage factor into your bike tire purchases too?