I usually schlep my big floor pump as part of my transition baggage on race morning.
I use it to top-off my pressure to a certain psi before the start.
Since the big pump can be quiet cumbersome to transport I was wondering what a good alternative would be?
Something in between a full-size floor pump and a on-the-bike mini-pump but still offering accurate psi gauge.
Who has a good alternative?
Thx.
That Craftsman inflator is great.
We use them constantly in Cyclocross.
At that price it does not look like it comes with a battery, so be sure to get one of those too.
I know that Both Leyzne and Specialized make ‘tweener’ pumps (Others may as well).
The Lezyne Micro-drive is much smaller than a floor pump and somewhat bigger than a hand pump.
http://www.lezyne.com/product-hpumps-hp-microflrhp.php#.V2QD_vkrKaE
The Travel is a compact floor pump
http://www.lezyne.com/product-fpumps-hp-steeltrav.php#.V2QDo_krKaE
The Specialized Compak is a travel floor pump as well.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/accessories/air-tool-compak-floor-pump/105425
I usually make sure there is air at the race site. Otherwise I will air up when I unload the bike at the race site in the morning. If it is a night-before bike drop I just make sure there will be air at the site in the morning. I have not encountered a race with no air on site, even small local races.
I like that little Craftsman pump.
I too wrestle with this. I don’t want to bring a full size floor pump to transition. Mini pumps are a last resort. The Lyzene Travel Drive looks good, but really isn’t that much smaller than a full size pump.
How about this for an option: top off with a CO2 inflator (that has a gauge). Since this is only really necessary for IM races, I don’t mind the small cost of a CO2 cartridge.
I was thinking of this unit:
Portland Design Works BARkeep CO2 Inflator
Anyone have an experience with the unit?
How about this for an option: top off with a CO2 inflator (that has a gauge). Since this is only really necessary for IM races, I don’t mind the small cost of a CO2 cartridge.
One issue is that CO2 escapes more quickly, so you could use a lot of it by the time the IM bike leg is over. Particularly if you have latex tubes.
Best raceday pump is the one someone else has to bring to the race.
“Can someone give me a pomp? A pomp?! They are allowed to give me a pomp, right?”
Holy shit just realized it’s been 8 years. What???
After a little googling and following the links I decided to pick up the Lezyne Micro Drive HPG Pump (with gauge).
Seems to best fit the bill (small, light weight, gauge).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UZO7RM
Comments on the other options:
The Specialized ComPak comes in nice protective case but is almost double the price or more when adding in s&h.
The Sears accu inflator is HEAVY. Not something I want to lug around in my transition bag.
The Lezyne Steel Travel Drive seems as big as a normal floor pump just with a foldable foot.
Thx again. Will have it by Sunday and hope it works as expected.
I like the mega morph, very easy to transport (even has a carry bag with shoulder strap), pretty much as easy to pump as a big floor pump, even has an integrated pressure gauge.
http://www.topeak.com/.../Pumps/mega_morph_bk
Specialized also has a nice travel pump as well, but I tested it and would suggest you avoid it, as it will not work on the majority of tubes or valves or valve extenders because the head has to be screwed on to the valve or else it will not work. Not sure why they designed it that way, as it makes for a very limited use pump. But the mega morph above will work with everything.
Read title as race day DUMP. Totally different
Although we can give advice on that too, I’m sure. Pro tip: bring your own TP because it will run out.
and if you don’t bring your own - check for TP BEFORE you sit down.
+1 on this. Definitely like to have my own TP.
Others seem to need it too before the race. I am always very popular with fellow racers who borrow my pump before the race.
Although we can give advice on that too, I’m sure. Pro tip: bring your own TP because it will run out.
The Sears battery pump is a nice tool (since Bosch doesn’t make theirs anymore) but the bad news is that the NiCad battery is expensive crap. I got the pump because I had bought a tool set that used the same battery and had two of them already. The NiCad battery drains down very quickly just from sitting, even if it is not connected to the tool. Totally untrustworthy. The lithium battery is $80 and the charger is $50 but I don’t know about their reliability.
The Leyzene pump takes a few more strokes than a full size, but it is a great design with an accurate built in gauge, foot peg, lock on head and bleed off valve. Extremely compact and light.
The Lezyne Travel drive is a good bit smaller than a normal floor pump, but works just as effectively. It also has the versatility of the Lezyne chuck that doesn’t require a crack pipe for a disc.
I travel to IMNZ with this pump in my bike bag, carried into transition in a back pack on race morning, and then handed it off my bag to my family. Super easy to travel with this pump.
Here is the sizing compared to my old travel pump:
jake
I’m also in the market for a travel/race day pump. Needs to fit into a 22" carry-on and preferable no “tripod” type base for easy carry in race day back pack. The only pump I’ve found seems to be the Lezyne Travel but I don’t like the screw on/screw off valve. Their website sells the dual valve head with the locking lever and states it is “compatible” with the Travel model but Amazon reviews indicate you have to cut the already short hose to use it. And the dual head needs to be able to accept a “standard” disc adapter "crackpipe) for use with my Zipp 900 disc which has a very small opening (even when dremeled out). Anyone use this pump with this dual valve head and adapter or have any alternative suggestions? Thanks.
ps…getting nervous about Lezyne customer service…call customer service and/or sales at 12:25 EDT / 9:25am Monday morning their time and you can’t reach anyone. And for email, they say will get back in 3-5 days! Not the kind of customer service that’s going to attract a lot of new customers.
update…got email from customer service within same day and in process of getting questions answered including crack pipe adaptability…will provide another update
another update…customer service was responsive and knowledgeable…kudos
Does this pump work well with a crack pipe ?
Does this pump work well with a crack pipe ?
I assume you are asking about the mega morph. I have not tested that (don’t have a crack pipe or disc wheels), but the valve stem on the mega morph looks like this:
I like the mega morph, very easy to transport (even has a carry bag with shoulder strap), pretty much as easy to pump as a big floor pump, even has an integrated pressure gauge.
http://www.topeak.com/.../Pumps/mega_morph_bk
Specialized also has a nice travel pump as well, but I tested it and would suggest you avoid it, as it will not work on the majority of tubes or valves or valve extenders because the head has to be screwed on to the valve or else it will not work. Not sure why they designed it that way, as it makes for a very limited use pump. But the mega morph above will work with everything.
not exactly on the topic, but close enough: interesting you mention it, as I tried the Serfas FMP-969 Aluminum Floor Pump - and as gorgeous as it looks etc etc - it has the same issue! it worked only on 1 out of 4 tires/valves I tried… totally frustrating… returned it next day… happily sticking to the Topeak line!