New Pump HELP!!!

vanguard09

RIght, I've just bought a new Giant Defy 3.50 2010, had it about two weeks and its undergone around 200miles.

So this weekend before taking it out for a ride I thought I'd give the tyres a bit of a boost. Not that they were particularly flat or anything, just a small top up. So I got to it with my new Giant Control Mini 1+ pump, but to no avail!!

I can't figure out how the damn thing works, it has a high pressure/volume switch at the base, and a pressure bar reader at the top, but I can't seem to put ANY air into the tyres.

Is it just me, or has someone else suffered with this pump?? Are they functional, and was it just that my tyres were already inflated enough??

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Rouge Penguin

Just buy a cheap track pump?

desweller

Put your thumb over the head and work the pump. Can you feel it pushing against your thumb? The head looks like it has ports for Schraeder and Presta valves - are you using the right port.

For road tyres it should obv. be set for high pressure.

Sorry if these suggestions are a bit condescending.

It does seem a little overcomplicated.

keef66

Are you unscrewing the tiny knurled nut on the presta valve first? It helps if you press it briefly to let some air out of the tube before attaching the pump. Seems to break the seal and make the first pump stroke easier.

vanguard09

Yea I have unscrewed the nut on the presta valve, yes I was using the right port. It SHOULD be a simple pump to use....seems not though! I didn't get a track pump because I wanted something compact to take out with me in case of a blow out or puncture.

I just can't figure out, i think it's just a gash pump. Im going to wait until the tyres are a little softer before I attempt it again!

desweller

If there is no resistance from the pump then it's just leaking. It should at least pressurise to the level of the tyre if you are using it correctly. Check to make sure that it's is actually pushing air through the port before you give up on it!

TMR

vanguard09 wrote:

Yea I have unscrewed the nut on the presta valve, yes I was using the right port. It SHOULD be a simple pump to use....seems not though! I didn't get a track pump because I wanted something compact to take out with me in case of a blow out or puncture.

I just can't figure out, i think it's just a gash pump. Im going to wait until the tyres are a little softer before I attempt it again!

Why take a pump? Just buy a CO2 adapter and some cannisters. Much better, much faster IMHO.

desweller

The Mad Rapper wrote:

Why take a pump? Just buy a CO2 adapter and some cannisters. Much better, much faster IMHO.

Although I can see the argument for CO2 cans I do tend to think that a) they're not very energy efficient and b) they're not much good when you run out, cos you've had three punctures, 50 miles from home and with no pump. Most people at this point say, 'Well, carry a min-pump as backup then', which asks the question, why carry the cans if you're gonna carry a pump anyway? It's just extra kit.

rake

if its too hard to pump it might be the volume setting on the pump. more volume=harder to pump, less volume = easier high pressure.

Roadracer123

DesWeller wrote:

The Mad Rapper wrote:

Why take a pump? Just buy a CO2 adapter and some cannisters. Much better, much faster IMHO.

Although I can see the argument for CO2 cans I do tend to think that a) they're not very energy efficient and b) they're not much good when you run out, cos you've had three punctures, 50 miles from home and with no pump. Most people at this point say, 'Well, carry a min-pump as backup then', which asks the question, why carry the cans if you're gonna carry a pump anyway? It's just extra kit.

Totally agree

ride_whenever

CO2 are great for when it's cold, worth the extra weight to get you back on the road quickly to avoid getting cold whilst fixing a puncture in the pouring rain etc.

sundog

Why bother with CO2, just get your missus or a mate to follow behind you in a car