LondonSkaters Speed Team - Speed Skating & Rollerblading Club in London

ed! · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 8:05 am Subject: Recommend me a bike pump (mini)

I want to replace my Decathlon bike pump with something a bit better. My current one doesn't grip round the valve well, and I've broken a couple of valves in the process.

Also, are the CO2 ones worth going for?

Note that I have a track stand pump, so the mini one is just for when I'm out and about.

Ta muchly

Mikey-two-Names · Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 4108

Pretty much all minipumps suck when it comes to 100+ psi, like for a road tyre. The one that seems to get the most consistent votes is the Topeak Road Morph.

I have a zefal carbon minipump, but I tend to rely on CO2. Fast, easy, and work very well, but when you run out of CO2 then you're stuffed if you need more air.

Xia · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 874 Location: Geneva (Suisse)

I have the expensive decathlon mini pump, will inflate my racer at 6-7bars (80-100 psi) with 40-50 strokes. Worked pretty well for me (5 years of which 3years as my main pump).
The design is collapsable so the displacement is close to a normal pump. The newer version has a manometer not sure if its a gimmick or not.

Watch out for your skin though as if used improper, it will pinch you.

dan_b · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 2428

Never used the Road Morph myself, but a lot of peopel do say nice things about it. I have the Topeak Master Blaster, which is good, but that's a frame pump so not what you really want

Tom · Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 482 Location: Holland Park

I've got one of these:

Topeak Pocket Rocket

Hard work, but is very small and light and does get my tires to 100psi+

ed! · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:48 am Subject:

Thanks - I'll do some more searching on the net tonight.

Frame pumps are a possibility, but I'll need to measure mine, unless there's a standard length to the top part.

Sparky · Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Posts: 450

BigSteev · Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Posts: 282 Location: London

The Road Morph is great - I have something similar. Just like a mini track pump can get decent enough pressure and having the valve attachment on a hose means you're not stressing the valve while pumping.

diego · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 414 Location: W2

I have the same pump as in Xia's picture, from Decathlon.

This is also my main pump and, even if it requires quite a lot of effort, it has served me well so far.

It's not light, so if you're looking for the lightest thing around there this is not what you're looking for, but it has a hose that screws on your (presta) valve and then locks into the pump's body and a plastic extension that you can put your foot on, so that it becomes a mini track pump (well, sort of obviously).

It doesn't stress or break the valve that way, and believing to its manometer it inflates my tires up to 130psi (I'm an heavy guy, after all).

I know that many people use CO2 mini pumps with satisfaction, but for some reason they don't make me feel comfortable... as Mike said, if you run out of CO2 you're on your own and need a manual pump anyway, so I'd rather save on CO2 and bring my normal pump along.

andyman · Joined: 05 Apr 2006 Posts: 1945 Location: Suffolk

No no no no no.... there is only one pump to go for (well brand anyway) and thats Lezyne

They are not only the gucciest looking ones around, but (as with those above) the removable hose means you will never break a valve.

I personally like the Road Drive Mini, but if you are wanting a raod/off road option then make sure you go for one with the dual purpose (Presta/Schrader) valve hose

They are a bit pricey but hell this is pure style AND functionality Twisted Evil

If you really are keen, you can order direct from US with many more colour options to match your trusty steed!

Mikey-two-Names · Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 4108

Lezyne stuff is very nice. I have a set of their tyre levers - highly recommended. They are small, light, alu, and thus both thin and strong, the best tyre levers I've ever owned.

Xia · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 874 Location: Geneva (Suisse)

tyre leavers.... such a vast subject..... that raise my blood pressure.

BigSteev · Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Posts: 282 Location: London

Oh and as for a 'don't get this' one - Crank Brothers. Overpriced shite - which actually fits in with the other items of theirs that I've had/tried.

Their flat pedals (50XX) are just that - flat and as a result of having no concave fail to hold your feet anywhere near as well as any other 'flat' pedal i.e. DMR V12s.