Mini-pump to go

Paul D

Me again.

To continue the touring theme of my recent posts, I'm now after a mini pump
to carry with me when touring that'll get to at least 100psi, preferably
120psi, for presta valves (not fussed about schrader as well, only going to
be used on the road bike). Any recommendations? A lot of the ones i've seen
claim to get to 160psi, but I don't believe them!

Future posts are looking likely to include requests for recommendations
about panniers, racks, bar bags etc. I'm still considering my options on new
wheels (after the very good point was made about the problems with breaking
a spoke on 16-spoke wheels).

Thanks again all.

Paul

Simon Mason

"Paul D" <paul@paulster.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message
news:csrd2u$39i$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...
> Me again.
>
> To continue the touring theme of my recent posts, I'm now after a mini
> pump to carry with me when touring that'll get to at least 100psi,
> preferably 120psi, for presta valves (not fussed about schrader as well,
> only going to be used on the road bike). Any recommendations? A lot of the
> ones i've seen claim to get to 160psi, but I don't believe them!

Topeak Road Morph can handle both valve types:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/?ProductID=4000000600

--
Simon M.

Pete Biggs

Paul D wrote:
> To continue the touring theme of my recent posts, I'm now after a
> mini pump to carry with me when touring that'll get to at least
> 100psi, preferably 120psi, for presta valves (not fussed about
> schrader as well, only going to be used on the road bike). Any
> recommendations? A lot of the ones i've seen claim to get to 160psi,
> but I don't believe them!

Nor did I until I got a Topeak Pocket Rocket. I got bored and stopped
testing at 140 psi. These high pressures are possible when the barrel
diameter is very small. However, it takes (a large number of strokes) to
pump the tyre because it's so short.

I don't beleive 120 psi would be easily (comfortably) possible with a much
fatter mini pump, but why not get a full-length Zefal HPX? One can be
made to fit under the top tube using a clip-on peg or zip tie (acting as
peg from head tube).

~PB

Simon Brooke

in message <csrd2u$39i$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk>, Paul D
('paul@paulster.freeserve.co.uk') wrote:

> Me again.
>
> To continue the touring theme of my recent posts, I'm now after a mini
> pump to carry with me when touring that'll get to at least 100psi,
> preferably 120psi, for presta valves (not fussed about schrader as
> well, only going to be used on the road bike).

Blackburn Airstick. I now have three of them, on different bikes.


--
simon@jasmine.org.uk (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

The trouble with Simon is that he only opens his mouth to change feet.
;; of me, by a 'friend'

Richard Bates

On Fri, 21 Jan 2005 17:17:45 -0000, "Simon Mason"
<simon@simonmason.karoo.co.uk> wrote:

>
>"Paul D" <paul@paulster.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message
>news:csrd2u$39i$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...
>> Me again.
>>
>> To continue the touring theme of my recent posts, I'm now after a mini
>> pump to carry with me when touring that'll get to at least 100psi,
>> preferably 120psi, for presta valves (not fussed about schrader as well,
>> only going to be used on the road bike). Any recommendations? A lot of the
>> ones i've seen claim to get to 160psi, but I don't believe them!
>
>Topeak Road Morph can handle both valve types:
>
>http://www.wiggle.co.uk/?ProductID=4000000600

Road Morph gets my recommendation too, although I wouldn't actually
call it a "minipump". At 340mm length, it's half way between a
minipump and a full length frame-fitting pump. Still small enough to
fit in a pannier though...

It is the pump I used on my last day at my old job - I repaired
punctures on 14 wheelchairs.

James Annan

Paul D wrote:

> Me again.
>
> To continue the touring theme of my recent posts, I'm now after a mini pump
> to carry with me when touring that'll get to at least 100psi, preferably
> 120psi, for presta valves (not fussed about schrader as well, only going to
> be used on the road bike). Any recommendations? A lot of the ones i've seen
> claim to get to 160psi, but I don't believe them!

We have one of the Crank Bros pumps. It seems reasonable, considering
the small size. But the Topeak Morph is certainly better.

James
--
If I have seen further than others, it is
by treading on the toes of giants.
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/julesandjames/home/

Call me Bob

On Fri, 21 Jan 2005 18:41:11 +0000, Simon Brooke
<simon@jasmine.org.uk> wrote:

>Blackburn Airstick. I now have three of them, on different bikes.

Yes, I'm very happy with my Airstick and was going to suggest the
same. However, when I looked for a link at Wiggle I saw they've
changed the design.

I don't know what the new one is like, whether the new design changes
are just cosmetic or if they have tinkered with important stuff like
materials, or tube diameter etc... didn't want to recommend without
knowing.

I guess now might be a good time to see if anyone has any of the old
ones for sale at a knock down price.

--

Call me "Bob"

"More oneness, less categories,
Open hearts, no strategies"

Email address is spam trapped, to reply directly remove the beverage.

Just zis Guy, you know?

On Fri, 21 Jan 2005 17:17:45 -0000, "Simon Mason"
<simon@simonmason.karoo.co.uk> wrote in message
<TKacneohc8GlpGzcSa8jmw@karoo.co.uk>:

>Topeak Road Morph can handle both valve types:

Seconded, and it can also easily handle 120psi (for certain values of
easily - if you don't have it well grounded and it goes sideways as
you shove down, your knuckles could suffer).

Guy
--
"then came ye chavves, theyre cartes girded wyth candels
blue, and theyre beastes wyth straynge horn-lyke thyngs
onn theyre arses that theyre fartes be herde from myles
around." Chaucer, the Sheppey Tales

Tony Raven

Just zis Guy, you know? wrote:
>
> Guy

You're back!

Tony

Mike Gayler

"Paul D" <paul@paulster.freeserve.co.uk> writed in
news:csrd2u$39i$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk:

> Me again.
>
> To continue the touring theme of my recent posts, I'm now after a mini
> pump to carry with me when touring that'll get to at least 100psi,
> preferably 120psi, for presta valves (not fussed about schrader as
> well, only going to be used on the road bike). Any recommendations? A
> lot of the ones i've seen claim to get to 160psi, but I don't believe
> them!
>
> Future posts are looking likely to include requests for
> recommendations about panniers, racks, bar bags etc. I'm still
> considering my options on new wheels (after the very good point was
> made about the problems with breaking a spoke on 16-spoke wheels).
>
> Thanks again all.
>
> Paul
>
Is a CO2 cartridge 'pump' an alternative? (genuine question - I've never
used one)

Mike Gayler

"Paul D" <paul@paulster.freeserve.co.uk> writed in
news:csrd2u$39i$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk:

> Me again.
>
> To continue the touring theme of my recent posts, I'm now after a mini
> pump to carry with me when touring that'll get to at least 100psi,
> preferably 120psi, for presta valves (not fussed about schrader as
> well, only going to be used on the road bike). Any recommendations? A
> lot of the ones i've seen claim to get to 160psi, but I don't believe
> them!
>
Would a CO2 'pump' fit the bill? (Genuine question - I've never used one)
(Sorry if this appears twice)

Richard Bates

On Fri, 21 Jan 2005 17:10:52 -0000, "Paul D"
<paul@paulster.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>Future posts are looking likely to include requests for recommendations
>about panniers, racks, bar bags etc.

OK, I'll go first:

All panniers will hold stuff.

More expensive panniers will hold stuff securely without the risk of
bouncing off the luggage rack.

Most expensive panniers will hold stuff securely without the risk of
bouncing off the luggage rack and will be totally waterproof.

My personal recommendation is a pair of "Vaude Worldtramp Plus II",
available from gearshift. They are big, have secure fixings, and come
with an external pocket. The main compartment will survive being
chucked in a river, and is therefore no problem to use in torrential
rain. The pocket will also survive the worst weather possible but will
not stand up to submersion. To the rear of these panniers I have added
an ortlieb "bolt-on" pocket. These do not interfere with the
waterproof quality of the main bag.

I am led to believe that Ortlieb panniers are of a similarly excellent
spec.

If you want front panniers, the smaller Vaude Worldcycle II will do
the job. No pockets but otherwise as above. I don't recommend the
Halfords own-brand front rack (http://www.artybee.net/html/week_4.html
2nd photo down)

For a rear rack I recommend a Halfords own brand one - the Megaload.
This is the most adjustable rack I have ever used, being adjustable
for height above ground and fore-aft distance to allow "just enough"
heel clearance. The main reason for liking this rack is that on each
side, about two inches below the racktop is a horizontal rail. This
provides an alternative point to which you can fix panniers, which
then simplifies the use of a racktop bag (Vaude again ...) such as the
Topcase II. The lower mounting rails are by no means essential, but
they are a very nice touch since they make access to the panniers much
easier when the topcase is still attached.

Barbags: I had trouble deciding over these and sought advice from this
group. Recommended brands were Carradice and Altura Orkney.
Surprisingly the Vaude barbag was not mentioned.

I purchased the Orkney for several reasons: 1) The mounting system was
Click-Fix which is secure and simple. 2) The bag was a decent size for
my needs. 3) It was almost but not quite entirely waterproof (it has a
slip-over waterproof cover which unfortunately remains open at the
back). 4) The real decision-making point: It has a facility to mount
lights underneath, which would otherwise be obscured if they were
handlebar mounted.

My only gripes with the Orkney are the slightly inadequate waterproof
cover, the fact that the waterproof mapcase cannot be fitted when the
bag's cover is in place, and the fact that the glue holding the velcro
onto the mapcase melted in bright Scottish sunlight.

Hope this essay helps somewhat.

Tony Raven

Mike Gayler wrote:
>
> Is a CO2 cartridge 'pump' an alternative? (genuine question - I've never
> used one)

No. You need to carry a pump anyway for when the cartridge runs out
otherwise you'll have to walk home. So its just extra weight at the end
of the day and you might as well stick with the pump. The cartridge is
best for when you need to reinflate quickly such as during a race.

Tony

Paul D

"Richard Bates" <usenet01@artybee.net> wrote in message
news:ije4v0d15014g95p8rbluiltkugvnalk7p@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 21 Jan 2005 17:10:52 -0000, "Paul D"
> <paul@paulster.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>>Future posts are looking likely to include requests for recommendations
>>about panniers, racks, bar bags etc.
>
> OK, I'll go first:
>
> All panniers will hold stuff.
>
> More expensive panniers will hold stuff securely without the risk of
> bouncing off the luggage rack.
>
> Most expensive panniers will hold stuff securely without the risk of
> bouncing off the luggage rack and will be totally waterproof.
>
> My personal recommendation is a pair of "Vaude Worldtramp Plus II",
> available from gearshift. They are big, have secure fixings, and come
> with an external pocket. The main compartment will survive being
> chucked in a river, and is therefore no problem to use in torrential
> rain. The pocket will also survive the worst weather possible but will
> not stand up to submersion. To the rear of these panniers I have added
> an ortlieb "bolt-on" pocket. These do not interfere with the
> waterproof quality of the main bag.
>
> I am led to believe that Ortlieb panniers are of a similarly excellent
> spec.

I've looked at some ortlieb panniers & thought they were good but pricey, so
I was going to go down the 'cheap & functional' route with some large zip n
roll top plastic bags the local army/navy store recommended by a mate.

>
> If you want front panniers, the smaller Vaude Worldcycle II will do
> the job. No pockets but otherwise as above. I don't recommend the
> Halfords own-brand front rack (http://www.artybee.net/html/week_4.html
> 2nd photo down)
>
> For a rear rack I recommend a Halfords own brand one - the Megaload.
> This is the most adjustable rack I have ever used, being adjustable
> for height above ground and fore-aft distance to allow "just enough"
> heel clearance. The main reason for liking this rack is that on each
> side, about two inches below the racktop is a horizontal rail. This
> provides an alternative point to which you can fix panniers, which
> then simplifies the use of a racktop bag (Vaude again ...) such as the
> Topcase II. The lower mounting rails are by no means essential, but
> they are a very nice touch since they make access to the panniers much
> easier when the topcase is still attached.

I shall head down to Halfords to check this out tomorrow! Another question -
do all racks fit all bikes or do you get ones specific for road/mtb (due to
the different rear spacing)?

>
> Barbags: I had trouble deciding over these and sought advice from this
> group. Recommended brands were Carradice and Altura Orkney.
> Surprisingly the Vaude barbag was not mentioned.
>
> I purchased the Orkney for several reasons: 1) The mounting system was
> Click-Fix which is secure and simple. 2) The bag was a decent size for
> my needs. 3) It was almost but not quite entirely waterproof (it has a
> slip-over waterproof cover which unfortunately remains open at the
> back). 4) The real decision-making point: It has a facility to mount
> lights underneath, which would otherwise be obscured if they were
> handlebar mounted.
>
> My only gripes with the Orkney are the slightly inadequate waterproof
> cover, the fact that the waterproof mapcase cannot be fitted when the
> bag's cover is in place, and the fact that the glue holding the velcro
> onto the mapcase melted in bright Scottish sunlight.
>

I was looking at a Karrimor one which, although not waterproof, could be
used with liner bags as mentioned before & had a click-fix & shoulder strap
with it.

> Hope this essay helps somewhat.
>

Not half! Thanks