Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
Re: Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
I have this pump brought it for £5 in clearance. If they have any more I'm going to buy a couple more as it's in clearance again.
Used it for two + years without fault.
Ideal for road bikes not so good for mtb due to its small capacity but then the pressure isn't so high.
https://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... reId=10001
Cheers James
Used it for two + years without fault.
Ideal for road bikes not so good for mtb due to its small capacity but then the pressure isn't so high.
https://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... reId=10001
Cheers James
- The utility cyclist
- Posts: 3607
- Joined: 22 Aug 2016, 12:28pm
- Location: The first garden city
Re: Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
Psamathe wrote:The utility cyclist wrote:Specialized Airtool MTB, brilliant for both road and MTB, has a solid frame fitment, I was so impressed I bought the newer version, it's subtly shorter but wider https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/air-t ... p/p/117305 I now take the newer version in my small frame fit bag.
I got one of the AirTool Mini https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/air-tool-road-mini-pump/p/117298. 16 cm long. Well made, good quality but I could never get it to pump up tyres properly. Too small or maybe it just took too long to get enough air in. I gave-up and got something bigger.
I don't know if it's still made as a few web sites from Google no longer stock it and Specialized are "Out of Stock" (which together sometimes means no longer made)
It has good qualities but from my personal experience I would not recommend it.
Ian
You're comparing the 'mini' to the full fat version, the mini has a ridiculously small capacity, the full fat MTB variant is 31cm for the first variant and the later one is 25cm. The longer one has gone with me everywhere over the last 10 years and more including the race bike with tubular tyres. I think I put up the strokes to get X pressures somewhere on here (or maybe road CC) . After trying many smaller pumps this one is by far the best I've used, I came into a Lezyne Micro floor pump last year, it probably slightly edges the Spesh but you can't put it in a back pocket, it's a proper pannier bag job though you can fit it to a frame but is properly bulky by comparison to the Spesh. It's a great pump for getting air in but it's a lot more faff fitting the head to the valve, the Spesh is superb and you don't need popeye arms to get 70PSI in a 28mm tyre
Re: Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
The utility cyclist wrote:Psamathe wrote:The utility cyclist wrote:Specialized Airtool MTB, brilliant for both road and MTB, has a solid frame fitment, I was so impressed I bought the newer version, it's subtly shorter but wider https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/air-t ... p/p/117305 I now take the newer version in my small frame fit bag.
I got one of the AirTool Mini https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/air-tool-road-mini-pump/p/117298. 16 cm long. Well made, good quality but I could never get it to pump up tyres properly. Too small or maybe it just took too long to get enough air in. I gave-up and got something bigger.
I don't know if it's still made as a few web sites from Google no longer stock it and Specialized are "Out of Stock" (which together sometimes means no longer made)
It has good qualities but from my personal experience I would not recommend it.
Ian
You're comparing the 'mini' to the full fat version, the mini has a ridiculously small capacity, the full fat MTB variant is 31cm for the first variant and the later one is 25cm. The longer one has gone with me everywhere over the last 10 years and more including the race bike with tubular tyres. I think I put up the strokes to get X pressures somewhere on here (or maybe road CC) . After trying many smaller pumps this one is by far the best I've used, I came into a Lezyne Micro floor pump last year, it probably slightly edges the Spesh but you can't put it in a back pocket, it's a proper pannier bag job though you can fit it to a frame but is properly bulky by comparison to the Spesh. It's a great pump for getting air in but it's a lot more faff fitting the head to the valve, the Spesh is superb and you don't need popeye arms to get 70PSI in a 28mm tyre
I'm not comparing anything with anything. I'm reporting my experience and opinions of the pump I purchased long time ago (AirTool Mini https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/air-tool-road-mini-pump/p/117298).
Ian
-
- Posts: 381
- Joined: 8 Jun 2018, 10:17am
- Location: Chichester, West Sussex
Re: Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
thelawnet wrote:
Well it really comes down to size Vs performance. Bigger pump works better. Smaller pump works bad.
Topeak have all the pumps you could want:
Extendable hose type:
Racerocket 18cm/85g/120psi/38cc/Smarthead
I totally get it's size vs performance but it's only as a back up in case the CO2 doesn't work for any reason so therefore it's usage will be minimal (hopefully) and so size becomes the more important consideration.
Your post reminded me I used to have one of the Racerocket's until I left the garage door open one day and that and a saddle bag went walkabouts, it was a great pump and would do a 29er relatively easily so hunted around and think I've found one of the last few left ... seems like they may be discontinuing them.
Cheers for everyone's input!!
Last edited by Witterings on 11 Apr 2019, 1:42pm, edited 1 time in total.
- The utility cyclist
- Posts: 3607
- Joined: 22 Aug 2016, 12:28pm
- Location: The first garden city
Re: Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
Psamathe wrote:The utility cyclist wrote:Psamathe wrote:I got one of the AirTool Mini https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/air-tool-road-mini-pump/p/117298. 16 cm long. Well made, good quality but I could never get it to pump up tyres properly. Too small or maybe it just took too long to get enough air in. I gave-up and got something bigger.
I don't know if it's still made as a few web sites from Google no longer stock it and Specialized are "Out of Stock" (which together sometimes means no longer made)
It has good qualities but from my personal experience I would not recommend it.
Ian
You're comparing the 'mini' to the full fat version, the mini has a ridiculously small capacity, the full fat MTB variant is 31cm for the first variant and the later one is 25cm. The longer one has gone with me everywhere over the last 10 years and more including the race bike with tubular tyres. I think I put up the strokes to get X pressures somewhere on here (or maybe road CC) . After trying many smaller pumps this one is by far the best I've used, I came into a Lezyne Micro floor pump last year, it probably slightly edges the Spesh but you can't put it in a back pocket, it's a proper pannier bag job though you can fit it to a frame but is properly bulky by comparison to the Spesh. It's a great pump for getting air in but it's a lot more faff fitting the head to the valve, the Spesh is superb and you don't need popeye arms to get 70PSI in a 28mm tyre
I'm not comparing anything with anything. I'm reporting my experience and opinions of the pump I purchased long time ago (AirTool Mini https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/air-tool-road-mini-pump/p/117298).
Ian
You said the Airtool mini wasn't much cop, I never mentioned the mini in the first instance yet you quoted my comment re the Airtool MTB, thus you are comparing your experience of a product that does not relate to the one I have had experience with that I recommended.
The mini might not be much cop but the standard version is, hence why I recommended it, s not sure why you brought up the 'mini' version when that's not the same product?
Re: Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
The utility cyclist wrote:Psamathe wrote:The utility cyclist wrote:You're comparing the 'mini' to the full fat version, the mini has a ridiculously small capacity, the full fat MTB variant is 31cm for the first variant and the later one is 25cm. The longer one has gone with me everywhere over the last 10 years and more including the race bike with tubular tyres. I think I put up the strokes to get X pressures somewhere on here (or maybe road CC) . After trying many smaller pumps this one is by far the best I've used, I came into a Lezyne Micro floor pump last year, it probably slightly edges the Spesh but you can't put it in a back pocket, it's a proper pannier bag job though you can fit it to a frame but is properly bulky by comparison to the Spesh. It's a great pump for getting air in but it's a lot more faff fitting the head to the valve, the Spesh is superb and you don't need popeye arms to get 70PSI in a 28mm tyre
I'm not comparing anything with anything. I'm reporting my experience and opinions of the pump I purchased long time ago (AirTool Mini https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/air-tool-road-mini-pump/p/117298).
Ian
You said the Airtool mini wasn't much cop, I never mentioned the mini in the first instance yet you quoted my comment re the Airtool MTB, thus you are comparing your experience of a product that does not relate to the one I have had experience with that I recommended.
The mini might not be much cop but the standard version is, hence why I recommended it, s not sure why you brought up the 'mini' version when that's not the same product?
Look the link to the pump I posted in my text.
I brought up the mini because the OP was asking about small pumps, I had a small pump and experience of it so I posted that experience in relation to the pump I had. I quoted your comment as they were both Specialized AirTool pumps. Sorry it upset you so much.
Ian
Re: Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
Out o n the road (or off it) I've mostly been carrying a Topeak Micro Rocket ALT which I bought in 2008. Whilst it only has a nominal 20cc stroke capacity. It will pump up tyres to a good pressure if needed (claimed 160 psi) & the way the handle folds to make a T helps with pumping. I've not found it a problem to either get the pressure needed for 25mm tyres (which I had when I first got the pump) or the volume for my current 40mm Voyager Hypers. When I had a flat on the way to catch a train one time the whole remove wheel, detach one tyre bead from rim, get tube out, put in fresh tube, remount tyre bead, pump up using Micro Rocket & refit wheel added about 10 minutes total to the overall journey time.
It only needs to see service on maybe a couple of days a year so it's 78g weight is hardly a burden the rest of the year. It's big advantage is that it easily fits in a small seat pack or a jersey pocket if you don't want to use the supplied bottle cage mount.
One of the few things I have ever had stolen was a frame fit pump when I left it on the bike while parked at a refreshment stop on a tour. Needless to say I got a puncture within a few miles!
It only needs to see service on maybe a couple of days a year so it's 78g weight is hardly a burden the rest of the year. It's big advantage is that it easily fits in a small seat pack or a jersey pocket if you don't want to use the supplied bottle cage mount.
One of the few things I have ever had stolen was a frame fit pump when I left it on the bike while parked at a refreshment stop on a tour. Needless to say I got a puncture within a few miles!
Former member of the Cult of the Polystyrene Head Carbuncle.
-
- Posts: 385
- Joined: 25 Sep 2017, 3:02am
- Location: Melbourne Australia
Re: Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
RickH wrote:
One of the few things I have ever had stolen was a frame fit pump when I left it on the bike while parked at a refreshment stop on a tour. Needless to say I got a puncture within a few miles!
I still carry Zefal HPX#4 frame pumps on my touring bike and touring tandem.
I reckon that these are so old fashioned that nobody would want to nick them!
Mike
Re: Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
After trying various types of "on the road pumps" small through to large, I returned to a traditional style pump with hose - the Zefal Lapize which I fit to the frame using the brazed on boss behind the head tube and a clip mounted on the top tube (on account of the pump barrel being shorter than my top tube). I also have a full length Zefal frame-fit pump (Rev 88) without a hose - which I like - but I prefer to use a pump with a hose.
Disclaimer: Treat what I say with caution and if possible, wait for someone with more knowledge and experience to contribute.
-
- Posts: 381
- Joined: 8 Jun 2018, 10:17am
- Location: Chichester, West Sussex
Re: Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
Witterings wrote:thelawnet wrote:
Well it really comes down to size Vs performance. Bigger pump works better. Smaller pump works bad.
Topeak have all the pumps you could want:
Extendable hose type:
Racerocket 18cm/85g/120psi/38cc/Smarthead
I totally get it's size vs performance but it's only as a back up in case the CO2 doesn't work for any reason so therefore it's usage will be minimal (hopefully) and so size becomes the more important consideration.
Your post reminded me I used to have one of the Racerocket's until I left the garage door open one day and that and a saddle bag and that went walkabouts, it was a great pump and would do a 29er relatively easily so hunted around and think I've found one of the last few left ... seems like they may be discontinuing them.
Cheers for everyone's input!!
-
- Posts: 381
- Joined: 8 Jun 2018, 10:17am
- Location: Chichester, West Sussex
Re: Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
My pump arrived today which was very quick!!!
I still need a CO2 inflator if anyone as recommendations for those
I still need a CO2 inflator if anyone as recommendations for those
Re: Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
I'm still unconvinced about the CO2 inflator. I've got several that I've acquired in goodie bags at events. But I've never used them or even really thought about taking one out with me - the pump works however many time I, or anyone else less prepared who may be with me, needs a tyre inflating.
Even when you encounter a thornfest - I don't get many punctures but, on a ride last summer, front went flat with no sign of the culprit, swapped tube & got going again. A short time later rear is flat, located & removed large thorn & used 2nd spare. Rear soon flat again (I later found I'd missed another tiny thorn embedded in the tyre & just poking through) so meded puncture in tube & got going again. Only to get another flat rear...
Even when you encounter a thornfest - I don't get many punctures but, on a ride last summer, front went flat with no sign of the culprit, swapped tube & got going again. A short time later rear is flat, located & removed large thorn & used 2nd spare. Rear soon flat again (I later found I'd missed another tiny thorn embedded in the tyre & just poking through) so meded puncture in tube & got going again. Only to get another flat rear...
Former member of the Cult of the Polystyrene Head Carbuncle.
-
- Posts: 21
- Joined: 15 Mar 2019, 7:11pm
Re: Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
I found a mini track pump works well , it permits you to put your weight behind the action , and it is small and light to carry.
I used the Halford version, but there are others.
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-m ... 00EALw_wcB
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Control- ... qEALw_wcB#
https://www.amazon.co.uk/YKS-Lightweigh ... way&sr=8-6
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Topeak-Mini-Mo ... ay&sr=8-21
I used the Halford version, but there are others.
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-m ... 00EALw_wcB
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Control- ... qEALw_wcB#
https://www.amazon.co.uk/YKS-Lightweigh ... way&sr=8-6
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Topeak-Mini-Mo ... ay&sr=8-21
Re: Small Pump AND CO2 Inflator Recommendations Please
RickH wrote:I don't get many punctures but, on a ride last summer, front went flat with no sign of the culprit, swapped tube & got going again. A short time later rear is flat, located & removed large thorn & used 2nd spare. Rear soon flat again (I later found I'd missed another tiny thorn embedded in the tyre & just poking through) so meded puncture in tube & got going again. Only to get another flat rear...
A little mentioned purpose for a pump is to put air in the tube (after you've removed it) in order to find where the hole in it is. With a small hole that might well be more air than you'd put in normally to inflate the tyre to full pressure.
It's often not necessary as the cause of the puncture is reasonably apparent, but if it's not, inflation of the tube can be a lot quicker (with a proper pump) than trying to minutely inspect a whole tyre for a small fragment of glass, flint or metal that's lurking within the thickness of the tread.
To find these you've got to flex the tyre at every little 1 mm cut in the tread, and maybe poke inside with something pointy, and an old tyre could have 100 such little nicks and take 15 minutes or more to check properly. If you've already found the hole in the tube (by inflation) you may only have to check 1 or 2 inches of the tyre, rather than 85.
With a micro-pump or CO2, it would be very tempting to leave the cause un-found rather than spend time checking properly, "wasting" a cartridge, or doubling your already long pumping time, and if you did, the chances are good that you'd just have a repeat puncture.