Can someone recommend a pump? (or CO2)

alihisgreat

Need to buy a pump to take to Uni with me -> preferably small enough for jersey pocket, but with a pressure gauge?


If the above criteria cannot be fulfilled then just a good, jersey pocket pump.


(or would you guys recommend using CO2 for roadside repairs, and getting a more substantial pump for normal use?)

Thanks

northpole

I would suggest you get a full size floor pump provided you have a space to set it between uses - so much better for regular topping up of tyres.

Then a cheap small pump to mount on your frame - I have a dread about carrying pumps in shirt pockets - could cause serious injury if you come off the bike and land the wrong way. You could just use co2 cannisters if you have sufficient confidence in them - I kinda don't, but may just have been slightly unlucky/ hamfisted!

Peter

sungod

i've got a lezyne that goes in a jersey pocket easily, it has a short hose with a pen gauge which makes it much easier to use than pumps that require you to hold the head in place on the valve

it's accurate enough to get within 5-10psi, i cross checked mine against a digital gauge and my track pump, they all agree within a few psi

there are several models, to use the pen gauge you need a 'medium' size one, you also need it to be one that will do road pressure, mine is the 'road drive', the hose with the pen gauge was bought separately

if you'll only be topping up tyres once or twice a week it's tolerable with a minipump, but if your budget allows you to get a track pump too, go for it, it's much easier

Monty Dog

Lezyne Micro Floor pump with gauge should fulfill your requirements - small and durable enough to carry on the bike and yet can reach a decent pressure (unlike most mini pumps) with a reasonable amount of effort. CO2 isn't reliable enough on it's own IME, or what happens when you run out?

Mettan

I use the Microflate Nano CO2 for on-Road repairs (and a Joe Blow Max 2 at home) - the Nano CO2 is tiny, lightweight and the 16g cartridges are just about acceptable weight-wise in a jersey-pocket (admitedly I only take 1 cartridge and tube out with the Nano) - as others have alluded to, reliability can be an issue - the Nano fits onto the valve ok-ish but the times I've had to use it I've lost about ~ 10-15 % of the gas - again, that could be my poor fitting technique (not had to use it often, thankfully), or, just a budget quality 'attachment mechanism' - I'd certanly describe it as an adequate-ish 'get you home' solution though. (Use your floor pump back at home to top it up).