Bike Pump Advice

[Catrin]

++1. I just carry 2 CO2 cartridges and that has worked fine - for several flats.

I think I seriously need to learn how to use these, with my hands as they are. I do have a decent pump with me but haven't needed it for myself as of yet. I know it takes a lot of pumping to air a tire and with a weak grip...I should have both.

Interesting thread. My little (well, not so little) pump that I carry in my hydration pack has a gauge on it - I like that.

[Norse]

I think I seriously need to learn how to use these, with my hands as they are. I do have a decent pump with me but haven't needed it for myself as of yet. I know it takes a lot of pumping to air a tire and with a weak grip...I should have both.

The cartridges are easy to use. I taught myself by reading the package and then experimenting with a couple of cartridges in the basement. It doesn't have a gauge, but going by feel until I can get to a pump with a gauge has always worked. I always found the mini-pumps too hard to use and I could never seem to quite get enough air in the tire. Your mileage may vary.

[Catrin]

I always have my hydration pack with me so storage isn't a problem. I've been leery of the CO2 cartridges since I've had to loan my pump to more than a few riders who had cartridges that failed on them...

[Norse]

Hmm... I've never had a cartridge fail. Maybe it's the type of pump/cartridge? I use the non-threaded version FWIW.

[tzvia]

{BUMP}
When I clicked on WindingRoad's link to this Blackburn pump I knew I had to get one for the commuter. Well I did and it's not a bad little pump. Not as bulky as the Topeak or Lezyne foot peg style pumps and it can be used as a regular or foot peg style. It's not metal but feels sturdy. I've already tried it on my MTB and road bike (has a switch for HP or volume) and it works great. I had entertained getting the Lezyne hand pump with hose, but I would have to use opposing hands to pump it, and the reality is I just can't do that because I have carpal tunnel. I had always thought, if the hose just came out the side of the pump instead of the end, I could put the pump head against the ground and get my weight behind it, why don't they just do that... Blackburn did, and a folding footpeg makes it easy to get the pressure out of it I need. I'm liking this pump. It sure beats finding a rock to rest the pump head on and hoping you don't mess up the valve stem.

[Owlie]

I always have my hydration pack with me so storage isn't a problem. I've been leery of the CO2 cartridges since I've had to loan my pump to more than a few riders who had cartridges that failed on them...

The BF has only ever had one cartridge fail on him, and I've had only one occasion to use one, so I'm not a useful sample. I carry both cartridges and a pump, because tires have a tendency to jump off the rim sometimes...

[Maye]

Bought the Lezyne today. Thanks for all the recommendations!!

[MilkMaid]

I have a "Lezyne Alloy Drive" pump, used it once when I first bought it, July of this year, then it shook apart while on my bike. Went to use it today when fixing a flat, and poof, it's not working, came apart in my hands. The other day on a ride something on the bike started rattling, stopped, thinking it was my front tire, but discovered it was the pump, couldn't figure out what was up, it was still in the mount, hadn't been bumped or anything. So pissed.

[MilkMaid]

Hey, wanted to add an update. I e-mailed the Lezyne company, they e-mailed back almost immediatly with a solution to the problem. Something vibrated loose, and they instructed on how to get it screwed in again. Bingo, it worked. Thank goodness, wasn't looking forward to having to find another pump. I put a little gorilla tape on the problem area so it won't unscrew anymore.