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#1
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Recommendation for an air pump, etc.
I'm the guy who bought the Trek 7200 last fall, and some of you folks were
kind enough then to offer suggestions on how to take care of it (which I'm trying to follow). Well now I have another question or two..... I was enjoying the nice weather today and went for a bikeride when, about 7.5 miles from home happily pedaling in an impressively high gear along on a country road out in the great outdoors [e.g., between two towns, nothing around], my back tire suddenly started making an unhappy thumping sort of noise and I stopped as soon as it was safe to see what was going on. Well, you no doubt figured it out already ---- the tire had gone flat. Lacking any better alternatives (see below), I simply turned around and walked the bike all the way home whereupon I arrived about 2 hrs. later. Now no big deal, I got to work on my suntan in the fresh air and get some exercise in nonetheless. But it wasn't exactly what I had planned for the afternoon :-( So here's the question[s]....clearly I should have some sort of pump (Schrader fitting) and replacement tube (along with a pair of tire levers) along when I ride any sort of significant distance. What really hit home is that yesterday I rode about 25 miles roundtrip in similarly rural territory, and that would've been a ***long walk*** if the air had gone its own way at the wrong place in space & time :-( (1) Without starting a religious war possibly rivaled only by whether to wear a h*lmet or not (yes I do, my wife makes me :-), what sort of pump ---please be specific if possible--- would be a good choice for me ? Unlike most of you fellows, and as you can tell from my choice of bike, I'm more of an after-work & weekend recreational cyclist as opposed to a serious enthusiast so a hand-tooled $500 titanium alloy atomic-powered microprocessor controlled unit is probably a bit of overkill (just kidding, but you get the idea). On the other hand, I just don't want to be at the mercy of the clerk at local sporting goods store or LBS (nothing against LBS, that's where I bought my bike) and end up with some piece of junk that let's me down when I need it. Within reason, $$ is not a particular concern as long as it's appropriate to my needs and worth it. (1a) Any pros or cons to the muscle-powered hand pump variety vs. CO2 cartridge thingys ? (1b) Any comments on best practices when attaching pump to frame ? (2) Where is a good place to carry a spare tube & the tire levers ? In one of those little bags under the seat ? (I looked at some of those, and wasn't real impressed but it was just an informal survey at one of the big-box sporting goods stores. Don't worry --- I didn't buy anything !). Any suggestions for a decent bag ? How does one attach it to the bike ? (3) Is it also worth carrying one of those patch kits with me if I have a spare tube ? (I suspect yes in case lightning strikes twice or I get the chance to help someone else out along the way who is as ill prepared as I was today !) Will watch newsgroup for replies. Seriously, thanks very much for sharing your insights & expertise with this somewhat mid-life beginner. |
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#2
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Recommendation for an air pump, etc.
You just need a pump that will fill your tire with air. For 5 bucks
plus shipping you can get this nice pump, comes with a great holder that goes on your water bottle braze-ons. http://www.performancebike.com/shop/....cfm?SKU=18499 Really. Any more than this is overkill. (IMHO) Steve In article , NoSpamForMe wrote: I'm the guy who bought the Trek 7200 last fall, and some of you folks were kind enough then to offer suggestions on how to take care of it (which I'm trying to follow). Well now I have another question or two..... I was enjoying the nice weather today and went for a bikeride when, about 7.5 miles from home happily pedaling in an impressively high gear along on a country road out in the great outdoors [e.g., between two towns, nothing around], my back tire suddenly started making an unhappy thumping sort of noise and I stopped as soon as it was safe to see what was going on. Well, you no doubt figured it out already ---- the tire had gone flat. Lacking any better alternatives (see below), I simply turned around and walked the bike all the way home whereupon I arrived about 2 hrs. later. Now no big deal, I got to work on my suntan in the fresh air and get some exercise in nonetheless. But it wasn't exactly what I had planned for the afternoon :-( So here's the question[s]....clearly I should have some sort of pump (Schrader fitting) and replacement tube (along with a pair of tire levers) along when I ride any sort of significant distance. What really hit home is that yesterday I rode about 25 miles roundtrip in similarly rural territory, and that would've been a ***long walk*** if the air had gone its own way at the wrong place in space & time :-( (1) Without starting a religious war possibly rivaled only by whether to wear a h*lmet or not (yes I do, my wife makes me :-), what sort of pump ---please be specific if possible--- would be a good choice for me ? Unlike most of you fellows, and as you can tell from my choice of bike, I'm more of an after-work & weekend recreational cyclist as opposed to a serious enthusiast so a hand-tooled $500 titanium alloy atomic-powered microprocessor controlled unit is probably a bit of overkill (just kidding, but you get the idea). On the other hand, I just don't want to be at the mercy of the clerk at local sporting goods store or LBS (nothing against LBS, that's where I bought my bike) and end up with some piece of junk that let's me down when I need it. Within reason, $$ is not a particular concern as long as it's appropriate to my needs and worth it. (1a) Any pros or cons to the muscle-powered hand pump variety vs. CO2 cartridge thingys ? (1b) Any comments on best practices when attaching pump to frame ? (2) Where is a good place to carry a spare tube & the tire levers ? In one of those little bags under the seat ? (I looked at some of those, and wasn't real impressed but it was just an informal survey at one of the big-box sporting goods stores. Don't worry --- I didn't buy anything !). Any suggestions for a decent bag ? How does one attach it to the bike ? (3) Is it also worth carrying one of those patch kits with me if I have a spare tube ? (I suspect yes in case lightning strikes twice or I get the chance to help someone else out along the way who is as ill prepared as I was today !) Will watch newsgroup for replies. Seriously, thanks very much for sharing your insights & expertise with this somewhat mid-life beginner. |
#3
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Recommendation for an air pump, etc.
"NoSpamForMe" writes:
(1a) Any pros or cons to the muscle-powered hand pump variety vs. CO2 cartridge thingys ? What I was told by my LBS: Don't bother with CO2. The main problem is that you only get one chance to get it right -- if you miss a thorn in your tire and get a second flat, you are out of luck, since they only hold enough air for one inflation. Also, the cartridges are not that cheap. With a patch kit and a pump, you can always just apply another patch and pump it back up to get home... I am told that CO2 is only really worth it when you are racing, and if your first repair doesn't work you are out of the race anyways. (2) Where is a good place to carry a spare tube & the tire levers ? In one of those little bags under the seat ? Works for me... (3) Is it also worth carrying one of those patch kits with me if I have a spare tube ? (I suspect yes in case lightning strikes twice or I get the chance to help someone else out along the way who is as ill prepared as I was today !) Yeah, you can get Park Super Patch kits which are about the size of 4 quarters -- they take no room at all, and weigh almost nothing. Chris -- Chris Colohan Email: PGP: finger Web: www.colohan.com Phone: (412)268-4751 |
#4
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Recommendation for an air pump, etc.
Nospamforme wrote:
I'm the guy who bought the Trek 7200 last fall, and some of you folks were kind enough then to offer suggestions on how to take care of it (which I'm trying to follow). Well now I have another question or two..... I was enjoying the nice weather today and went for a bikeride when, about 7.5 miles from home happily pedaling in an impressively high gear along on a country road out in the great outdoors [e.g., between two towns, nothing around], my back tire suddenly started making an unhappy thumping sort of noise and I stopped as soon as it was safe to see what was going on. Well, you no doubt figured it out already ---- the tire had gone flat. Lacking any better alternatives (see below), I simply turned around and walked the bike all the way home whereupon I arrived about 2 hrs. later. Now no big deal, I got to work on my suntan in the fresh air and get some exercise in nonetheless. But it wasn't exactly what I had planned for the afternoon :-( So here's the question[s]....clearly I should have some sort of pump (Schrader fitting) and replacement tube (along with a pair of tire levers) along when I ride any sort of significant distance. What really hit home is that yesterday I rode about 25 miles roundtrip in similarly rural territory, and that would've been a ***long walk*** if the air had gone its own way at the wrong place in space & time :-( (8) Without starting a religious war possibly rivaled only by whether to wear a h*lmet or not (yes I do, my wife makes me :-), what sort of pump ---please be specific if possible--- would be a good choice for me ? Unlike most of you fellows, and as you can tell from my choice of bike, I'm more of an after-work & weekend recreational cyclist as opposed to a serious enthusiast so a hand-tooled $500 titanium alloy atomic-powered microprocessor controlled unit is probably a bit of overkill (just kidding, but you get the idea). On the other hand, I just don't want to be at the mercy of the clerk at local sporting goods store or LBS (nothing against LBS, that's where I bought my bike) and end up with some piece of junk that let's me down when I need it. Within reason, $$ is not a particular concern as long as it's appropriate to my needs and worth it. (1a) Any pros or cons to the muscle-powered hand pump variety vs. CO2 cartridge thingys ? (1b) Any comments on best practices when attaching pump to frame ? (9) Where is a good place to carry a spare tube & the tire levers ? In one of those little bags under the seat ? (I looked at some of those, and wasn't real impressed but it was just an informal survey at one of the big- box sporting goods stores. Don't worry --- I didn't buy anything !). Any suggestions for a decent bag ? How does one attach it to the bike ? (10) Is it also worth carrying one of those patch kits with me if I have a spare tube ? (I suspect yes in case lightning strikes twice or I get the chance to help someone else out along the way who is as ill prepared as I was today !) Will watch newsgroup for replies. Seriously, thanks very much for sharing your insights & expertise with this somewhat mid-life beginner. I like Topeak products. They are well built and have a good understanding of what is really needed when you are on the road. They are not cheap... but you can decide the value. Pump = : http://www.topeak.com/2004/products/pump_012.html Survival Tool Wedge = : http://www.topeak.com/2004/products/bag_015.html Spare inner tube in a zip-lock baggy with a little talc goes inside the wedge as well. Might be room for a energy bar, cell phone, and first aid items. If you really are in hurry and want to deal with CO2 then I suggest you look into Innovations Ultraflate Pro. If you have a tough ride and get 2 or more flats, you will need to decide the risks and costs of more tubes or a Rema patch kit. (yes there are road hazards out there that can get you 2 flats at one time) -- |
#5
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Recommendation for an air pump, etc.
"daveornee" wrote in message ... snip I like Topeak products. They are well built and have a good understanding of what is really needed when you are on the road. They are not cheap... but you can decide the value. Pump = : http://www.topeak.com/2004/products/pump_012.html I second that. I have one and it works great ... the only (minor) complaint is that the mounting bracket seems a little week and doesn't hold the pump to the bike as securely as I want. An additional $1 Velcro strap took care of that though. C.Q.C. |
#6
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Recommendation for an air pump, etc.
NoSpamForMe wrote:
what sort of pump ---please be specific if possible--- would be a good choice for me ? Unlike most of you fellows, and as you can tell from my choice of bike, I'm more of an after-work & weekend recreational cyclist as opposed to a serious enthusiast so a hand-tooled $500 titanium alloy atomic-powered microprocessor controlled unit is probably a bit of overkill (just kidding, but you get the idea). On the other hand, I just don't want to be at the mercy of the clerk at local sporting goods store or LBS (nothing against LBS, that's where I bought my bike) and end up with some piece of junk that let's me down when I need it. Within reason, $$ is not a particular concern as long as it's appropriate to my needs and worth it. This is a very good pump IMO: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...284&Store=Bike Don't waste your time with mini-pumps they are about as much use as an ashtray on a bike IME. A spare tube, tyre levers and a patch kit in an under saddle bag is also a good idea. |
#7
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Recommendation for an air pump, etc.
Flatting is part of riding. Learning to change out a flatted tire is
a skill that is needed just like learning to corner the bicycle. If you want to minimize what you carry with you on about town rides, a tube and CO2 cartridge will do. It's not really so difficult to learn how to get tires off and on without tools. If you need a tool, a single tire plastic will do. If you are going into the boonies, a 2nd tube, a patch kit with a boot, and a pump would be more prudent. |
#8
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Recommendation for an air pump, etc.
NoSpamForMe wrote:
I'm the guy who bought the Trek 7200 last fall, and some of you folks were kind enough then to offer suggestions on how to take care of it (which I'm trying to follow). Well now I have another question or two..... I was enjoying the nice weather today and went for a bikeride when, about 7.5 miles from home happily pedaling in an impressively high gear along on a country road out in the great outdoors [e.g., between two towns, nothing around], my back tire suddenly started making an unhappy thumping sort of noise and I stopped as soon as it was safe to see what was going on. Well, you no doubt figured it out already ---- the tire had gone flat. Lacking any better alternatives (see below), I simply turned around and walked the bike all the way home whereupon I arrived about 2 hrs. later. Now no big deal, I got to work on my suntan in the fresh air and get some exercise in nonetheless. But it wasn't exactly what I had planned for the afternoon :-( So here's the question[s]....clearly I should have some sort of pump (Schrader fitting) and replacement tube (along with a pair of tire levers) along when I ride any sort of significant distance. What really hit home is that yesterday I rode about 25 miles roundtrip in similarly rural territory, and that would've been a ***long walk*** if the air had gone its own way at the wrong place in space & time :-( (1) Without starting a religious war possibly rivaled only by whether to wear a h*lmet or not (yes I do, my wife makes me :-), what sort of pump ---please be specific if possible--- would be a good choice for me ? Unlike most of you fellows, and as you can tell from my choice of bike, I'm more of an after-work & weekend recreational cyclist as opposed to a serious enthusiast so a hand-tooled $500 titanium alloy atomic-powered microprocessor controlled unit is probably a bit of overkill (just kidding, but you get the idea). On the other hand, I just don't want to be at the mercy of the clerk at local sporting goods store or LBS (nothing against LBS, that's where I bought my bike) and end up with some piece of junk that let's me down when I need it. Within reason, $$ is not a particular concern as long as it's appropriate to my needs and worth it. (1a) Any pros or cons to the muscle-powered hand pump variety vs. CO2 cartridge thingys ? (1b) Any comments on best practices when attaching pump to frame ? (2) Where is a good place to carry a spare tube & the tire levers ? In one of those little bags under the seat ? (I looked at some of those, and wasn't real impressed but it was just an informal survey at one of the big-box sporting goods stores. Don't worry --- I didn't buy anything !). Any suggestions for a decent bag ? How does one attach it to the bike ? (3) Is it also worth carrying one of those patch kits with me if I have a spare tube ? (I suspect yes in case lightning strikes twice or I get the chance to help someone else out along the way who is as ill prepared as I was today !) Will watch newsgroup for replies. Seriously, thanks very much for sharing your insights & expertise with this somewhat mid-life beginner. The Zefal hpx is the Lord of all Pumps, and will fit under the top tube if you have a pump peg (pumps generally come in sizes 1,2,3 and 4 - get the right one!). I confess to carrying a CO2 canister on my racing bike, but I haven't had a puncture for over 10 years - except for those occasions where the tube perishes round the valve and the tyre goes flat when the bike is in the garage. I'm getting good at avoiding road debris, and modern tyres are pretty resistant. CO2 canisters work on fat low pressure tyres or narrow high pressure tyres. On fat high pressure tyres - like S-Licks or Fat Boys - you won't get enough gas in, and the rim will hit the road occasionally when you go over a bump. I've been there. I carry a spare tube and levers in my jersey pocket or in the rack pack, if I'm on the touring bike. They take up little space. I should carry a patch kit but (a) my puncture record suggests the chances of me needing it on a day ride are vanishingly small and (b) my bike fits in the back of my wife's car, although I would probably have to do penance in the garden/kitchen for weeks to make up for calling her out! |
#9
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Recommendation for an air pump, etc.
Paul Kopit wrote:
Flatting is part of riding. Learning to change out a flatted tire is a skill that is needed just like learning to corner the bicycle. I always leave my bicycle in the corner. If you want to minimize what you carry with you on about town rides, a tube and CO2 cartridge will do. It's not really so difficult to learn how to get tires off and on without tools. If you need a tool, a single tire plastic will do. If you are going into the boonies, a 2nd tube, a patch kit with a boot, and a pump would be more prudent. When you get TdF feelings maybe, but a decent pump will out blow any CO2 solution, its all in the wrist. |
#10
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Recommendation for an air pump, etc.
Captain's log. On StarDate Mon, 17 May 2004 01:29:06 GMT received comm from
"NoSpamForMe" on channel rec.bicycles.tech: : (1) Without starting a religious war possibly rivaled only by whether to : wear a h*lmet or not (yes I do, my wife makes me :-), what sort of : pump ---please be specific if possible--- would be a good choice for me ? For home: get a good track pump (I like the classic steel/wood SKS pump): http://www.sks-germany.com/en/stage....te=2&star t=3 To bring: personally I like "mini versions" of track pumps, with a short hose: http://www.topeak.com/2004/products/pump_011.html : (1a) Any pros or cons to the muscle-powered hand pump variety vs. CO2 : cartridge thingys ? I have a CO2 inflator (it's so small and light that you never leave without it): http://www.innovationsaz.com/INmain....Category=power : (1b) Any comments on best practices when attaching pump to frame ? The Topeak mount who comes with the (otherwise excellent) Morph isn't very good. I will personally get some straps to be able to securely put it on the frame. I have ordered this from Nashbar (but they have problems with their support as they don't reply to any of the email I send them regarding my missing order): http://www.nashbar.com/profile_morei...= 2258&brand= : (2) Where is a good place to carry a spare tube & the tire levers ? In one : of those little bags under the seat ? (I looked at some of those, and : wasn't real impressed but it was just an informal survey at one of the : big-box sporting goods stores. Don't worry --- I didn't buy anything !). : Any suggestions for a decent bag ? How does one attach it to the bike ? I like to have it small and neat, so I favor this bag in the Micro size: http://www.topeak.com/2004/products/bag_003.html : (3) Is it also worth carrying one of those patch kits with me if I have a : spare tube ? (I suspect yes in case lightning strikes twice or I get the : chance to help someone else out along the way who is as ill prepared as I : was today !) Yes, it's a very cheap addition. In the above micro wedge bag I have: 1 new and fresh spare tube 1 patch kit (just in case) 2 tire levers (Michelin classic yellow plastic levers) 1 multi tool, including as chain tool (Topeak Power 16) 3-4 separate Allen wrenches (easier to use than some in the multi tool) 1 CO2 inflator (the above Air Chuck from Innovations In Cycling) 2 CO2 cartridges 1 brass converter from Schrader to Presta (handy if I stop by a gas station) 1 tiny map over my part of the country (more or less one carefully folded page) some extra cash (just in case) my home keys Highly recommended and takes up very little space on the bike! Best regards, martin törnsten -- http://82.182.73.126/ |
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