Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => The Knowledge => Topic started by: jimbhoy on 31 March, 2011, 03:40:35 pm
-
Currently i have a Topeak mini something or other with gauge, claims to get up to 100psi no problem, bull**** having been caught out again today with a p******e that once repaired, i could only get to 60-70psi which took a very very long time and much sweating and cursing from me, so time to get a new pump, so what can you recommend me ?
p.s i don't want cartridges
-
Topeak Roadmorph, though that is halfway between minipump and frame pump in size, so not ideal pocket fodder. The frame clip comes with a couple of cable ties so it can be attached to any tube if you are short of spare bottle cage bosses.
-
Road Morphe is the only one which will fit the bill. 100psi isn't easy any way you try to do it.
-
Mini pumps don't work because ? guess ?
Answer is there mini.
I don't understand why people just don't get a proper frame fit pump ? Someone will argue against my rant no doubt.
Ive had a Topeak frame fit Master Blaster for years and it does what says, or if you want something more classic go for a Zefal HPX though not as good.
-
They're right you know. There's no such thing as a mini pump which will really do the job. Sure, some will theoretically go to 100psi, but you'll be a hurty, tired mess if you get there.
The Road Morphe is the only smaller size pump I'd recommend which will actually get you back on the road. Mini pumps might get enough air in your tyre to ride home after getting a p***ture in the local park or something, but that's all they're generally good for.
Out of interest, why don't you want to carry CO2? I've not long bought one for the first time and I'm really rather impressed.
-
I don't get a frame fit pump because:
a) I can't find one to fit the seatstay mount on my Orbit
b) My Ridgeback hasn't such a mount
c) They tend to fall off when I carry my bike. I have to carry it over a bridge at a level crossing about half the time, and keep the bike up a narrow set of stairs when I'm at work.
d) I have Marathon/Durano Plus
e) Topeak Mini Morphe has been good enough on the very rare occasions I have needed it.
-
They're right you know. There's no such thing as a mini pump which will really do the job. Sure, some will theoretically go to 100psi, but you'll be a hurty, tired mess if you get there.
The Road Morphe is the only smaller size pump I'd recommend which will actually get you back on the road. Mini pumps might get enough air in your tyre to ride home after getting a p***ture in the local park or something, but that's all they're generally good for.
Out of interest, why don't you want to carry CO2? I've not long bought one for the first time and I'm really rather impressed.
Mainly because i've already enough to carry and just want a pump that will fit on my bike and get me enough pressure to get a tyre back to where it should be.
-
The Morphe pumps are not what I would call mini.
I can get over 100psi with my puny arms + a Topeak Pocket Rocket or Barbieri CarbOne - but it takes ages and sweat with both.
You need to get over your dislike of CO2 cartridges if you want truly mini and quick easy high pressure. You can always carry a mini pump as well for backup and starting. Innovations Air Chuck recommended. It, with one 16g cartridge, takes up very little space in your bag.
Proper frame fit pumps are great, except when it comes to carrying your luggage around (and bike in some cases).
-
+1 to pocket rocket.
It'll get up to pressure.
Eventually.
Even SimonL (having initially scoffed) was impressed when he saw the results achieved with mine.
-
I'm sure some innuendo could be extracted form that somehow, but I'm too weary from finalising end of year submissions...
-
I have a Morphe of some description - the mountain one I think - about 25cm long and strapped alongside the bottle cage, and can get 100psi from it without tooo much effort.
-
there are no good mini pumps, ones are worse than the others. i carry bontrager air rush, which is a telescopic mini pump with a co2 port. i'd use co2 cartridge primarily and as a last resort i can pump 25c tyre with 400 strokes and in 5mins to 90-95psi.
-
I used a Zefal HPX mounted in the frame until it bounced out after hitting a pothole at 30mph on a descent and nearly went into the back wheel. (Yes, it was quite a tight fit but no it wasn't mounted on a pump peg).
I then used Zefal Doodads to hold it to the frame: http://www.greenbank.org/bikes/tempo/tempo6.jpg
This pump didn't fit my geared bike so I bought a Topeak Micro Rocket CB (now superseded by the CBT version). As others say, it takes a fair amount of effort but it gets there eventually, and it's tiny (and carbon).
But the saddlebag is spacious so I decided I could use something a bit bigger, but still smaller than a frame pump so I got a Topeak Peak DX II Master Blaster mini pump. Works a treat.
If I'm on a blat around the park with minimal stuff I can fit the Micro Rocket CB in the seat pack (it is that small).
If I'm commuting or on an Audax and therefore have a saddlebag/pannier/rucksack then I'll take the Master Blaster.
If I'm paranoid about entering flint land with tyres near their end of life I'll take the Zefal HPX and strap it to the frame with the Doodads, but it's a heavy beast.
-
Lezyne Road Drive - large (it's not that large - 283mm long and 106g) - works for me, though I have several friends with the Morph and it works very well (though it is quite a bulky chap).
-
I've got a Topeak Mini Morphe. I agree with Biggsy that it's not quite a mini, but it's very ood. You can set it up like a mini track pump which allows you to get your back into pumping. I have no problem blowing tyres up to 100PSI.
I bought that for a group tour last year, when I wanted a decent pump to service the lot of us. For my own personal use, I reckon it's slightly bulkier than I want. If you're interested in buying it, send me pm.
Other than that, I recently used someone's Lezyne mini drive (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lezyne-pressure-drive-mini-pump-small/) (I think) to inflate their tyre and found it to be good quality and easy to use. If you really want something small, go for one of these.
[EDIT: Oh look, I've x-posted with marcus and said effectively the same thing as he did.]
-
I don't get a frame fit pump because:
a) I can't find one to fit the seatstay mount on my Orbit
b) My Ridgeback hasn't such a mount
c) They tend to fall off when I carry my bike. I have to carry it over a bridge at a level crossing about half the time, and keep the bike up a narrow set of stairs when I'm at work.
d) I have Marathon/Durano Plus
e) Topeak Mini Morphe has been good enough on the very rare occasions I have needed it.
Mmm ? 60 miles from home with a poor pump ?
They don't fall off if you get the correct lenght pump or use the velcro wrap that some pumps come with or theres always insulation tape.
On purchasing a new bike a good pump is the first thing I think about fitting on my bikes. Though everyone has different opinions I suppose.
-
Pah! My Topeak just isn't a poor pump. It's a great bit of kit, and the hose means it breaks valves less than most long pumps.
And see point d.
-
If I were in the market for a pump, it would be the Road Morph, no question.
However, I already own a Cyclaire Plus, which is about the same weight, and is even easier to get high pressures out of, so I have no pressing desire to change. Especially as it, plus puncture tools and a CO2 cartridge all fit in one of the side pockets of my Carradice rack bag where I rarely have to think about them.
CO2 wins on compactness, if you can walk or get a taxi for the n+1th deflation.
Mini pumps are, in my limited experience of the genre, rubbish. Assuming the good ones don't fall to bits, your arm will instead.
-
I use a topeak pocket rocket dx. Weighs in at 100gm and is a good/robust pump.
Under no circumstances buy a blackburn airstick. They will fail when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere. Well, mine (plural) did.
-
I love my trusty Zefal HpX, and I like lending it to clubmates after they've struggled with a pathetic mini pump for a while.
However, I'm a minimalist when I'm on my light carbon bike, so I carry a minipump (Topeak Micro Rocket, which works surprisingly well). This works fine for me because I'm a 60kg lightweight and I can get home on 80psi safely. It's also the carry/use ratio - I only punctured once over the entire last winter (and that was an old/faulty tube that deflated overnight). It's definitely a "get me home" pump which I hopefully only have to use 2-3 times a year.
-
I have a trusty Road Morphe which I attach to the bike using the convenient brackets that you used to get with Blackburn Airstick AS1 pumps. I have bought secondhand AS1's just to get the brackets.
It's not a true mini pump but it's not a monster either and it works awfully well.
-
Pah! My Topeak just isn't a poor pump. It's a great bit of kit, and the hose means it breaks valves less than most long pumps.
And see point d.
Oh point d) noted:
Sorry Clarion. I get tunel vision sometimes thinking everyone rides round on 23mm tyres.
Had to google Marathon Plus. I see your point why you wouldnt need a frame fit pump.
:)
John
-
blackburn airstick for mild weather 200s
Topeak frame pump for everything else
:)
-
Plenty of good replies there then, seems like the road morph wins it, just checked what pump i had and it's a Mini Master Blaster with gauge, and just to check it again i'm now at home and deflated the tyre used said pump and the max i get to is 70psi, that took about 15 mins in dry warm conditions, in the rain and dark no thanks.
-
Plenty of good replies there then, seems like the road morph wins it, just checked what pump i had and it's a Mini Master Blaster with gauge, and just to check it again i'm now at home and deflated the tyre used said pump and the max i get to is 70psi, that took about 15 mins in dry warm conditions, in the rain and dark no thanks.
It occurred to me that I've never done a trial. The only meter I have is on my track pump and that's a bit questionable. I use GP4Seasons 25mm and they typically have ~80psi in them when I leave home. The reality is that I don't check the pressure before a ride. If they seem soft I give 'em a puff otherwise I'm out the door.
Anyway, using my Pocket Rocket DX I got to 45psi in two minutes (120 'pumps'), 55psi in three, 80psi in five. I'm quite happy another couple of minutes would have seen >100psi. My track pump struggles to deliver much more than that.
On the road I generally give it 3 minutes/200 'pumps' which is good enough to ride on, then maybe some more when I get to the next control/ somewhere light/warm if I can be bothered.
There's no substitute for a full size Zefal HPX though. Zefal rules.
-
Road Morphe! :thumbsup:
-
.................... I've had a Topeak frame fit Master Blaster for years and it does what says, or if you want something more classic go for a Zefal HPX though not as good.
Interesting; my experience is the opposite. I've used the Zefal for many years without complaint. Every single Topeak product I've purchased, from mini-tools, through track pumps, to luggage racks has failed or disappointed in some way. In what respect do you consider the Master Blaster superior to the Zefal HPX? (I'm not having a go; I'm genuinely curious!)
-
Pah! My Topeak just isn't a poor pump. It's a great bit of kit, and the hose means it breaks valves less than most long pumps.
And see point d.
Oh point d) noted:
Sorry Clarion. I get tunel vision sometimes thinking everyone rides round on 23mm tyres.
Had to google Marathon Plus. I see your point why you wouldnt need a frame fit pump.
:)
John
;D
The Marathon Plus is the opposite of the Pony Express - Nothing gets through!
-
You've totally jinxed it...
-
.................... I've had a Topeak frame fit Master Blaster for years and it does what says, or if you want something more classic go for a Zefal HPX though not as good.
Interesting; my experience is the opposite. I've used the Zefal for many years without complaint. Every single Topeak product I've purchased, from mini-tools, through track pumps, to luggage racks has failed or disappointed in some way. In what respect do you consider the Master Blaster superior to the Zefal HPX? (I'm not having a go; I'm genuinely curious!)
(http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/images/products/medium/Zefal-zefal-hpx-frame-fit-high-pressure-cycle-pump-with-presta-schraeder-reversible-end-IMG1132.jpg)
(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSeoyYVg8_L4a8ikRYdylGPTUXt4vQ4IzSbOaLmtTimnLOGkNTJ)
Hi PloddinPedro.
Yeah the Zefal hp X3 frame fit is a good pump (not the hp X1 as in the pic). I think Im on my third Zefal hp X3 over 30 years.
The Topeak Road frame fit Master Blaster I have is getting on for 8 years old and it's better than the classic Zefal for one reason, the reason being the Topeak Master Blaster puts in 120psi + with hardly no effort where the Zefal can get 120psi + though it needs more effort from ya arm muscles
-
Minipump = Sh1te and I couldn't recommend one. But Topeak Road Morph is good and the Park PMP5 is an excellent frame pump (adjustable for different frames)
-
+1 for the Lezyne Road Drive. :thumbsup:
-
+1 for the Lezyne Road Drive. :thumbsup:
+2
It's sheer quality (+ tiny and light)
Edit..and expensive
-
Yeah the Zefal hp X3 frame fit is a good pump (not the hp X1 as in the pic). I think Im on my third Zefal hp X3 over 30 years.
I think they're the same pump: HPX, the number is the length.
I had a Zefal HP, which was silver and I think didn't have the lock out feature. Just weighed a HPX size 2 and it's 230g.
Not sure I would recommend it but I've got a Sapo Aria mini pump. It's tiny; smaller than my hand, but it's only an emergency get home pump.
-
+1 for the Lezyne Road Drive. :thumbsup:
+2
It's sheer quality (+ tiny and light)
Edit..and expensive
One thing that really impresses me about this is the simple 'back to basics' flexible connector that allows spirited pumping without damaging the valve.
-
Another vote for the road morph. I have no problem getting over 100psi (if I want) very quickly. No more effort than using the track pump, just a bit slower.
-
... spirited pumping ...
I'm all for that.
-
I use a Blackburn airstik and it is absolutely fine as a get-home measure for the kind of riding I do (sport/fitness, loops from home, 23mm tyres with good p*ncture protection).
I also have a Zefal HPX which would be the weapon of choice if I really needed to get the tyres back to 110psi+ on a regular basis without a track pump at hand.
-
Hi PloddinPedro.
Yeah the Zefal hp X3 frame fit is a good pump (not the hp X1 as in the pic). I think Im on my third Zefal hp X3 over 30 years.
The Topeak Road frame fit Master Blaster I have is getting on for 8 years old and it's better than the classic Zefal for one reason, the reason being the Topeak Master Blaster puts in 120psi + with hardly no effort where the Zefal can get 120psi + though it needs more effort from ya arm muscles
The respective websites suggest the HPX is good for "12 bar / 174 psi" compared with the 11 bar / 160 psi of the Topeak but I guess I'll have to try a Master Blaster to see how they compare "in the real world"!
One thing I do like about the Zefal is that I can get spares for it, something that has saved my very longest serving example (over 12 years old) from being binned.
-
I shall certainly avoid anything with a "dual action" in future. Great in theory, for increasing the volume of air from each pumping cycle...but once above 50 psi the resistance increases I find my arms tire on the "pull" much quicker than on the "push".
-
Just received a Lezyne Pressure Drive mini through the post. I had to laugh because it's so small, but the build quality is fantastic and without much effort got a pair of 700 x 23's up to 110psi. One of the nicest (aesthetically and practically) bike bits bought in a while.
BTW the cheapest I could find was £23 posted from an obscure kid's site (PayPal so no security worries) - http://www.activekidsgear.co.uk/lezyne-pressure-drive-small-p-197.html (http://www.activekidsgear.co.uk/lezyne-pressure-drive-small-p-197.html)
-
I've got a Topeak Mini Morphe. I agree with Biggsy that it's not quite a mini, but it's very ood. You can set it up like a mini track pump which allows you to get your back into pumping. I have no problem blowing tyres up to 100PSI.
Ditto.
Mrs B has a Road Morph. She prefers it to my Mini Morph because it's easier to use & has a gauge. I prefer the Mini because it's smaller & lighter. I find all the Morphs much easier to use than my old Zefal HPX, & the flexible connector is much easier on valves (Didn't Clarion also say that?). Our Morphs have lasted for years with no trouble, & been lent to many faerie-visited friends, & occasionally strangers, so have had plenty of use.
If I didn't already have one, I'd definitely get a mini-track pump with flexible connector, & AFAIK that means either a Morph or a Lezyne, unless there's another decent one out there.
-
Lezyne is a luverly piece of kit.
-
Another vote for the Road Morphe :thumbsup:
...forget about a mini pump
-
I've never got on with any mini-pump and have a collection of rejects in my shed.
Give me a zéfal hp-x any time!
-
I did have old fashioned frame pumps on all the bikes but bought a Road Morph for the weekend bike. I'm planning on a Turbo Morph for the commuter, basically the Mountain Morph but with a gauge. I run 700x35 tyres and the larger volume makes sense, it may even do so for the weekend as that doesn't go below 700x28 tyres. I'll see what I think and possibly sell the Road Morph for a second Turbo Morph.
I think the Road Morph works fine but it's a bit theoretical, I bought it after having my first ever punctures, x2, on a night ride, and haven't had a puncture since. It works very well in the garage but then so does almost anything else. The commuter runs M+ tyres and punctures just haven't featured as yet, hence my lack of a hurry to get a Turbo Morph. Oh yeah, I don't put *s in the word puncture and it's a pretty annoying forum feature.
I fit the Morph to the bike under the top tube as I would a frame pump but, due to size, I can fit towards head tube and it leaves me a handy area to lift bike by hand, shoulder or put onto workstand.
-
Mac does your Road Morph have a gauge ? if so and you are going to sell give me first offer please :thumbsup:
-
The road morph has a gauge. It's the mini-morph that doesn't.
I've had maybe 5 -6 opportunities to try the road morph out on the road. In fine weather, in foul weather and in dark rainy sleet.
It's wonderful. Even when I'm really tired and fed up I can get my tyres pumped up hard. there is a design flaw - you really need to steady the pump where the shaft goes into the cylinder. IF you don't, and pump like a gorilla on a bouncy castle, you can break the pump.
-
The fold out handle on my road morph has just lost its pin, so it no longer swivels on the piston bit. Not good for a pump that has only seen action about 5 times.
Or when I am fighting an odd deflation up in NW Scotland >:(
-
Lezyne Road Drive - superbly engineered & it works.
-
My pumps, three of them, are mini master blasters from Topeak, with pressure guage. They do me for roadside repairs. I obviously use a track pump for routine stuff.
-
The fold out handle on my road morph has just lost its pin, so it no longer swivels on the piston bit. Not good for a pump that has only seen action about 5 times.
Or when I am fighting an odd deflation up in NW Scotland >:(
Yes, that is not at all useful. I've been using RoadMorphs for years - I have one attached to each bike. The only problems I've ever had are the fold-down footplate snapped on one (not at all terminal) and the piston came detached from the shaft on another. That was a pain, as I had to strip the pump down at the side of the road, but it was repairable.
I've just replaced the tyres on the bike I shall commute home on, and used a RoadMorph to put 100psi in the front, 110 in the back, no trouble.