Getting tyres rock hard

Lawrie9 · Post by **Lawrie9** » 13 Jul 2008, 3:06pm

Can't seem to get the tyres on my racing bike rock hard. They are 700 x 23c. Do I need to invest in a track pump? Also I saw in a local hardware store a front and rear LED wind up light set. The cost was only £7.50 and looks an excellent buy even if to run in conjunction with a battery set.

Wildduck · Post by **Wildduck** » 13 Jul 2008, 3:12pm

A track pump is always a must for me. Not that expensive but makes it so much easier to get that maximum pressure without the sweat and acheing arms. Relegates the little pump to emergency use on the road.

Really brought it home to me yesterday when fitting two gargantuan 26x1.9 Conti Top Contacts to my Mrs.Wildduck's bike. I probably would have died half way through pumping just one! Boy they took alot of air!

jam05 · Post by **jam05** » 13 Jul 2008, 4:29pm

I use one of these:

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Zefal-Zefal-HPX-frame-fit-high-pressure-Cycle-Pump-with-presta--schraeder-reversible-end-1181.htm

and find it an excellent hand pump that gets my tyres rock hard. No gauge though and a track pump would make a nice addition to the workshop!

noonoosdad · Post by **noonoosdad** » 13 Jul 2008, 5:41pm

I have been using a Track Pump for the past six months - I wouldn't use anything else as it gets the pressures right up to maximum.
I feel sure that the secret to preventing punctures is to keep your tyres as hard as possible to ward off any instrusive material and seems to work for me....touch wood !

brianleach · Post by **brianleach** » 13 Jul 2008, 6:18pm

Re Lights. I have bought a set of lights whereby only the front one is wound up. When it is placed in the handlebar unit it operates both front and back as it is attached to the rear light by a wire. I don't know if this is the same one you saw.

However as I only bought it recently I haven't tried on the road yet although having tested it in the had it seems pretty effective.

Brian

lauriematt · Post by **lauriematt** » 13 Jul 2008, 6:20pm

i used to use a track pump but found i couldnt get enough pressure in

now i use a halfords foot pump with a valve converter, which converts from schraeder valve to a presta valve...allows you to get more pressure in with a foot pump

stoatsngroats · Post by **stoatsngroats** » 13 Jul 2008, 8:04pm

track pump for me too...a cheap Beato one is good enough....DO IT!

thirdcrank · Post by **thirdcrank** » 13 Jul 2008, 8:08pm

If you don't want to run to a track pump, have a look at the Topeak Morph series. These are made like a track pump with a built in hose but much smaller so can be carried on a bike.

(The problem with using a car foot pump is that most only have a hose suitable for car tyre pressures. Use one in an attempt to get up to 6/7/8 bar and the hose will usually burst.)

DavidT · Post by **DavidT** » 13 Jul 2008, 8:44pm

Recommend a track pump.

I laboured for years, albeit in happy ignorance, using the frame fit pump, until I bought a track pump (cheap one from Halfords), really "just for the hell of it" as I had assumed only serious road racers used these.

What a benefit!! Get one! Frame fit for punctures out on the road only.

I would recommend one with a pressure gauge.

David

lauriematt · Post by **lauriematt** » 13 Jul 2008, 9:31pm

thirdcrank wrote:If you don't want to run to a track pump, have a look at the Topeak Morph series. These are made like a track pump with a built in hose but much smaller so can be carried on a bike.

(The problem with using a car foot pump is that most only have a hose suitable for car tyre pressures. Use one in an attempt to get up to 6/7/8 bar and the hose will usually burst.)

in my experience...foot pumps are good enough for me at any rate

i pump my mtb upto about 80psi for road riding
and about 100+psi for my hybrid

Ron · Post by **Ron** » 13 Jul 2008, 10:49pm

So that's it, get a track pump, or if you wish, a foot pump but just make sure it will cope with cycle tyre pressures.
Nice to see such an agreeable thread.

Post by **Mick F** » 14 Jul 2008, 8:56am

Track pump. Had one for years. Brilliant for all the reasons mentioned above.

When I'm away, I can't get my tyres hard enough with a "portable" pump. No doubt I could buy a quality one, but instead I carry a CO2 inflater. Also still carry my pump if I'm away touring, but locally only carry CO2.

The cylinders get your tyre as hard as you like!

noonoosdad · Post by **noonoosdad** » 14 Jul 2008, 9:40am

Just to add....
Trackpumps needn't break the bank - mine was a Christmas pressie from my sons - bought from Wilkinsons for £9.99 and has pressure valve fitted and works really well !

MarySkater · Post by **MarySkater** » 14 Jul 2008, 11:34am

I use a car footpump at home for convenience, but when travelling with my Brompton I carry a Cyclaire. Compact, fairly easy to use, has a gauge. I use it up to 100psi, but it's rated to 120.
Mary

PW · Post by PW » 14 Jul 2008, 6:27pm

Track pump at home, HPX on the bike.

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Getting tyres rock hard

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