crappy air pump?

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2009-12-18 7:37 AM

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Chesapeake, VA
Subject: crappy air pump?
So I've had this airpump for about 5 years now and its always been a pain in my butt to top off my tires.  Its takes considerable effort to get the pump head on the presta valve, then once done its like a wrestling match to pull the pump back off, usually end up slamming my hand into the spokes.  I can't tell the manufacturer anymore, the names worn off the body.  Is about 14inchs long (frame mount) and has a gauge built into the head.  Its always been like this.  So, is it always a fight to get a pump on/off a presta valve or do I just have a crappy pump?

2009-12-18 7:51 AM
in reply to: #2566211

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Master
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Southwest Iowa
Subject: RE: crappy air pump?
I think they need to be a tight fit to be able force the air in.  The three different pumps I have are all tight, or the lock down tight.
2009-12-18 8:45 AM
in reply to: #2566211

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Resident Curmudgeon
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The Road Back
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Subject: RE: crappy air pump?
I also have three floor pumps, none of which I would describe as "always a fight to get a pump on/off a presta valve."
2009-12-18 9:05 AM
in reply to: #2566211

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Pro
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Vestavia Hills
Subject: RE: crappy air pump?
Life is too short for a crappy pump ... plunk down the benjamins for a decent pump that you do not have to wrestle with. 

While I normally do not opt for more expensive models of things when a cheaper variety is available to accomplish the same job, I have found that there are some items when it is worth it to pay the extra 10-20% more.  An air pump is one of those as it is something that you use on a very regular basis ... and something that can make your race day a nightmare (e.g. wrestling to get the pumphead off the presta valve leads to breaking the valve and having to change the tire).

There ought to be some pretty good sales after Christmas to take advantage of some cheaper prices on a good floor pump.

2009-12-18 9:15 AM
in reply to: #2566518

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Master
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Bellevue, WA
Subject: RE: crappy air pump?
brian - 2009-12-18 7:05 AM

Life is too short for a crappy pump ... plunk down the benjamins for a decent pump that you do not have to wrestle with. 

While I normally do not opt for more expensive models of things when a cheaper variety is available to accomplish the same job, I have found that there are some items when it is worth it to pay the extra 10-20% more.  An air pump is one of those as it is something that you use on a very regular basis ... and something that can make your race day a nightmare (e.g. wrestling to get the pumphead off the presta valve leads to breaking the valve and having to change the tire).

There ought to be some pretty good sales after Christmas to take advantage of some cheaper prices on a good floor pump.



Exactly. Sometimes you get what you pay for, and with air pumps the low end models just do not do the job and are a rip-off.

I always put equipment on my Christmas list and my kids like to get it for me. They like to see the gift they got me valued and appreciated.

I've used a Topeak JoeBlow Pro pump for five years. $70. You can go cheaper and still have a good pump. No Benjamins needed.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes//Product_10052_10551_1030978_-...




Edited by brucemorgan 2009-12-18 9:16 AM
2009-12-18 10:56 AM
in reply to: #2566211

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Veteran
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Chesapeake, VA
Subject: RE: crappy air pump?
Appreciate the info.  I was really just looking to see if this is normal to have to fight with the presta or not.  Understand the need for a good seal, but what I've going on is a major head(hand)ache.  Didn't want to fork out a bunch of money only to find that "thats the way they all are". (and yes, I've ripped a valve off a tire trying to get this thing off)

2009-12-18 11:03 AM
in reply to: #2566872

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Master
2406
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Bellevue, WA
Subject: RE: crappy air pump?
Sorry, somehow I misread and you're talking about a frame pump. Personally, I hate frame pumps and the like for flat repair, and I strongly recommend using CO2 instead . I carry a small hand pumpt to round out the tube a bit and to seat the tire. After I put in 10 lbs with the hand pump I switch to CO2. CO2 is vastly easier, faster, smaller, and no hassle.

Life is too short to hassle with pumps. As someone told me once, "you should treat yourself better than that".
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