hand pump recommendation

[bobdobbs]

seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?

[landotter]

On Jan 13, 2:21 pm, bobdobbs <mnite...@gmail.com> wrote:
> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?

Topeak make a range of nice little pumps and have stellar customer
service if you need small parts or warranty replacement.

[Tim McNamara]

In article
<09cb5b0c-97e1-48be-bb87-1d19ee2358ca@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
bobdobbs <mniteoil@gmail.com> wrote:

> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?

There are no good pumps like that. There is a range from poor to awful
to choose from. Keep your frame pump.

[Stephen Greenwood]

On Jan 13, 1:21*pm, bobdobbs <mnite...@gmail.com> wrote:
> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?

I agree with both other responders, in that Topeak's pumps have been
fine for me (I've got a Mountain Morph), and also that the small pumps
are never as good as frame pumps from the perspective of pumping
performance. If it's size or weight that you want to reduce, you might
consider a pump that's "in between" a frame pump and one of the small,
light, but poor-functioning models. The Topeak Mini Morph might be
worth considering. It's not clear what you mean by "rear pack", but
the Mini Morph should fit if you use a traditional saddlebag rather
than a tiny "seat wedge" that barely holds a wallet and patch kit, let
alone food, clothing, and camera. (If you don't already use a
saddlebag, I highly recommend them. To me, the extra weight is well
worth the carrying capacity, and since mine is narrower than my body I
doubt it contributes significant drag.)

Stephen Greenwood

[Pete Biggs]

bobdobbs wrote:
> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?

Topeak Pocket Rocket + a CO2 inflator.

~PB

[Jay]

On Jan 13, 2:21*pm, bobdobbs <mnite...@gmail.com> wrote:
> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
>
>
I use a Topeak Road Morph (with inline gauge) as a spare pump, which I
keep at work. Here is a link to 21 reviews, which are generally
favorable http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Pump/product_86619.shtml .

My primary (floor) pump is at home, which I use 99% of the time. I
would not even think about giving up my floor pump. If it were to
break, I would buy another one right away.

I inflate 20" tires to 90psi. The first 70lbs is not too bad, but the
last 20lbs is not easy or quick. If the alternative is walking, I
would use the pump. I am thinking about buying another floor pump for
the office, so I never need to use the Topeak.

I have never used any other mini pump, but it sounds like Topeak is
the best of the bunch. So I guess the others are real junk.

The inline gauge is not very accurate, and you need to have eagle
vision to read it at all.

This pump might be too big - here are the specs:

http://www.topeak.com/t8/products/minipumps/roadmorphg.php

I rarely get flats on the road, since I have been using Schwalbe
Marathon Plus tires.

J.

[Squat'n Dive]

On Jan 13, 2:21 pm, bobdobbs <mnite...@gmail.com> wrote:
> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?

My recommendation is to stay with the frame pump.
FP's way better than a minipump.

[bobdobbs]

On Jan 13, 3:21 pm, bobdobbs <mnite...@gmail.com> wrote:
> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?

Original poster here:

Thanks for all the input. I'm a great believer in frame (yes, not
floor - I keep that at home) pumps over the smaller hand pumps,
particularly, as one poster said, as I don't wish to get a
subscription to Gold's gym just yet. The problem is that my frame
space is taken with two water bottle braze-ons and now, an ingenious
device called a "clickstand" which holds a fully-loaded bike up much
better than a traditional kickstand - however, it attaches to the neck
of the frame where the frame pump would fit (yes, I am aware of other
frame attachment options).

Only one of you picked up on Bob Dobbs, huh. Kind of an old joke.

I'm going to try that Road Morph. Thanks. Phil

[Matt O'Toole]

On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:07:47 -0600, Tim McNamara wrote:

> In article
> <09cb5b0c-97e1-48be-bb87-1d19ee2358ca@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
> bobdobbs <mniteoil@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
>> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
>> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
>
> There are no good pumps like that. There is a range from poor to awful
> to choose from. Keep your frame pump.

I wouldn't say they're "terrible." Slower maybe. My Barbieri CarbOne
works to over 120psi, if you want to keep pumping that long. Otherwise, a
couple hundred strokes does the job just fine.

Matt O.

[David L. Johnson]

Tim McNamara wrote:
> In article
> <09cb5b0c-97e1-48be-bb87-1d19ee2358ca@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
> bobdobbs <mniteoil@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
>> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
>> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
>
> There are no good pumps like that. There is a range from poor to awful
> to choose from. Keep your frame pump.

Not so. Topeak Road Morph is much better than any frame pump. Even
includes a gauge. Use it like a floor pump, and it is easy to pump
tires to 120psi or more.

--

David L. Johnson

What is objectionable, and what is dangerous about extremists is not
that they are extreme, but that they are intolerant.
--Robert F. Kennedy

[landotter]

On Jan 13, 4:39 pm, Stephen Greenwood <stephen.greenw...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> On Jan 13, 1:21 pm, bobdobbs <mnite...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
> > pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
> > rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
>
> I agree with both other responders, in that Topeak's pumps have been
> fine for me (I've got a Mountain Morph), and also that the small pumps
> are never as good as frame pumps from the perspective of pumping
> performance.

Nope, but they're small! I've not had a single flat since I sold a
city bike that had those terrible WTB Slickasaurus tires a year and a
half ago. I only use my tiny Topeak to top up the city bike's Schrader
valves as the floor pump is presta only. If and when I do flat, an
extra couple minutes churning away with the Topeak isn't the end of
the world. If you actually do get a good number of flats, indeed stick
with a frame pump like a classic Zefal HP series

[Andrew Price]

On Mon, 14 Jan 2008 05:35:24 -0800 (PST), Jay <jbollyn@gmail.com>
wrote:

[---]

>I have never used any other mini pump, but it sounds like Topeak is
>the best of the bunch. So I guess the others are real junk.

Topeak pumps are good, but there are others. SKS also have a range of
excellent pumps. This one, for example:

<http://www.sks-germany.com/sks.php?l=en&a=product&i=1371259900>

is designed for road bikes and will pump to 10 bars (144psi).

[David L. Johnson]

Squat'n Dive wrote:
> On Jan 13, 2:21 pm, bobdobbs <mnite...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
>> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
>> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
>
> My recommendation is to stay with the frame pump.
> FP's way better than a minipump.

Have you tried the Topeak? Really. Try it. On group rides I am
usually the guy who fixes other people's flats, and people are
consistently amazed that I can pump up the spare as quickly and easily
as I can, to whatever pressure the guy wants.

--

David L. Johnson

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries,
and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove
mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. [1 Corinth. 13:2]

[Jay]

"David L. Johnson" <david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote in message
news:G6CdndybKZm8ehbanZ2dnUVZ_uHinZ2d@ptd.net...
> Tim McNamara wrote:
>> In article
>> <09cb5b0c-97e1-48be-bb87-1d19ee2358ca@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
>> bobdobbs <mniteoil@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
>>> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
>>> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
>>
>> There are no good pumps like that. There is a range from poor to awful
>> to choose from. Keep your frame pump.
>
> Not so. Topeak Road Morph is much better than any frame pump. Even
> includes a gauge. Use it like a floor pump, and it is easy to pump tires
> to 120psi or more.
>
> --
>
> David L. Johnson
>
> What is objectionable, and what is dangerous about extremists is not
> that they are extreme, but that they are intolerant.
> --Robert F. Kennedy
>
>
In a previous life, I was pretty good at physics / math word problems. If I
had not devolved into such a lazy slug, I believe I could 'prove' that a
well-designed floor pump provides a significant mechanical advantage, over
even the best mini pumps. Even if one uses the TRM in 'floor pump mode'. It
has to do with the volume of air being compressed per stroke. A
well-designed handle on a floor pump allows greater pressure to be applied.
The puny handle on the TRM is painful to use, at high pressures. A mini pump
needs to be both light weight and very compact. A

I do not need more than 90psi on my current bike.

The TRM is fine for what it is intended - emergency repairs on the road. Not
as a replacement for a proper floor pump.

I really think this issue is beyond rational debate.

J.

[Jay]

"David L. Johnson" <david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote in message
news:G6CdndybKZm8ehbanZ2dnUVZ_uHinZ2d@ptd.net...
> Tim McNamara wrote:
>> In article
>> <09cb5b0c-97e1-48be-bb87-1d19ee2358ca@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
>> bobdobbs <mniteoil@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
>>> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
>>> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
>>
>> There are no good pumps like that. There is a range from poor to awful
>> to choose from. Keep your frame pump.
>
> Not so. Topeak Road Morph is much better than any frame pump. Even
> includes a gauge. Use it like a floor pump, and it is easy to pump tires
> to 120psi or more.
>
> --
>
> David L. Johnson
>
> What is objectionable, and what is dangerous about extremists is not
> that they are extreme, but that they are intolerant.
> --Robert F. Kennedy
>
>
In a previous life, I was pretty good at physics / math word problems. If I
had not devolved into such a lazy slug, I believe I could 'prove' that a
well-designed floor pump provides a significant mechanical advantage, over
even the best mini pumps. Even if one uses the TRM in 'floor pump mode'. It
has to do with the volume of air being compressed per stroke. A
well-designed handle on a floor pump allows greater pressure to be applied.
The puny handle on the TRM is painful to use, at high pressures. A mini pump
needs to be both light weight and very compact. A floor pump does not have
these constraints.

The TRM is fine for what it is intended - emergency repairs on the road. Not
as a replacement for a proper floor pump.

I really think this issue is beyond rational debate.

J.

[Patrick Lamb]

On Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:50:09 -0500, "David L. Johnson"
<david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote:

>Tim McNamara wrote:
>> In article
>> <09cb5b0c-97e1-48be-bb87-1d19ee2358ca@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
>> bobdobbs <mniteoil@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
>>> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
>>> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
>>
>> There are no good pumps like that. There is a range from poor to awful
>> to choose from. Keep your frame pump.
>
>Not so. Topeak Road Morph is much better than any frame pump. Even
>includes a gauge. Use it like a floor pump, and it is easy to pump
>tires to 120psi or more.

Your eyes are much better than mine if you can read that gauge!

It's a good pump, and it might be possible for the OP to mount on his
chainstay, so it's probably worth looking at.

Pat

Email address works as is.

[Werehatrack]

On Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:50:09 -0500, "David L. Johnson"
<david.johnson@lehigh.edu> may have said:

>Tim McNamara wrote:
>> In article
>> <09cb5b0c-97e1-48be-bb87-1d19ee2358ca@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
>> bobdobbs <mniteoil@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
>>> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
>>> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
>>
>> There are no good pumps like that. There is a range from poor to awful
>> to choose from. Keep your frame pump.
>
>Not so. Topeak Road Morph is much better than any frame pump. Even
>includes a gauge. Use it like a floor pump, and it is easy to pump
>tires to 120psi or more.

I concur, particularly since the majority of frame pumps of my
experience lack a hose. (Some have them, and that's to be greatly
preferred IME.) The Road Morph works quite well, and has been
imitated with varying degrees of success.

--
My email address is antispammed; pull WEEDS if replying via e-mail.
Typoes are not a bug, they're a feature.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.

[Tom Sherman]

Jay Bollyn wrote:
> "David L. Johnson" <david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote in message
> news:G6CdndybKZm8ehbanZ2dnUVZ_uHinZ2d@ptd.net...
>> Tim McNamara wrote:
>>> In article
>>> <09cb5b0c-97e1-48be-bb87-1d19ee2358ca@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
>>> bobdobbs <mniteoil@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
>>>> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
>>>> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
>>> There are no good pumps like that. There is a range from poor to awful
>>> to choose from. Keep your frame pump.
>>
>> Not so. Topeak Road Morph is much better than any frame pump. Even
>> includes a gauge. Use it like a floor pump, and it is easy to pump tires
>> to 120psi or more.
>>
> In a previous life, I was pretty good at physics / math word problems. If I
> had not devolved into such a lazy slug, I believe I could 'prove' that a
> well-designed floor pump provides a significant mechanical advantage, over
> even the best mini pumps. Even if one uses the TRM in 'floor pump mode'. It
> has to do with the volume of air being compressed per stroke. A
> well-designed handle on a floor pump allows greater pressure to be applied.
> The puny handle on the TRM is painful to use, at high pressures. A mini pump
> needs to be both light weight and very compact. A
>
> I do not need more than 90psi on my current bike.
>
> The TRM is fine for what it is intended - emergency repairs on the road. Not
> as a replacement for a proper floor pump.
>
> I really think this issue is beyond rational debate.
>
I interpreted David Johnson's post to mean that the Topeak Road Morph is
USED like a floor pump when inflating tires on the road, and not a
replacement for the floor pump at home - a statement I would be in full
agreement with. I would rather use a Topeak "Morph" pump than a
traditional full-size frame pump. Many others on rec.bicycle.*,
including of course, David Johnson, agree.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"And never forget, life ultimately makes failures of all people."
- A. Derleth

[Ryan Cousineau]

In article <rO2dncOMnO_4aBbanZ2dnUVZ_tSknZ2d@comcast.com>,
"Jay" <jbollyn@gmail.com> wrote:

> "David L. Johnson" <david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote in message
> news:G6CdndybKZm8ehbanZ2dnUVZ_uHinZ2d@ptd.net...
> > Tim McNamara wrote:
> >> In article
> >> <09cb5b0c-97e1-48be-bb87-1d19ee2358ca@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
> >> bobdobbs <mniteoil@gmail.com> wrote:
> >>
> >>> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
> >>> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
> >>> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
> >>
> >> There are no good pumps like that. There is a range from poor to awful
> >> to choose from. Keep your frame pump.
> >
> > Not so. Topeak Road Morph is much better than any frame pump. Even
> > includes a gauge. Use it like a floor pump, and it is easy to pump tires
> > to 120psi or more.

> In a previous life, I was pretty good at physics / math word problems. If I
> had not devolved into such a lazy slug, I believe I could 'prove' that a
> well-designed floor pump provides a significant mechanical advantage, over
> even the best mini pumps. Even if one uses the TRM in 'floor pump mode'. It
> has to do with the volume of air being compressed per stroke. A
> well-designed handle on a floor pump allows greater pressure to be applied.
> The puny handle on the TRM is painful to use, at high pressures. A mini pump
> needs to be both light weight and very compact. A

In this life, I have turned out to be pretty good at reading
comprehension tests. If I had not devolved into a lazy slug, I would
diagram the sentence where Mr. Dobbs (perhaps not "the" Bob Dobbs) says
he is looking to replace a frame pump, not a floor pump.

> The TRM is fine for what it is intended - emergency repairs on the road. Not
> as a replacement for a proper floor pump.

Huzzah!

> I really think this issue is beyond rational debate.

I agree with you.

My own feeling has been, for some time, that with too many bikes and not
enough frame mounts for pumps, I would prefer to carry a
functional-but-slow pump that can get to 70 pounds or so at the side of
the road. The Road Morph is good and clever, though slightly larger than
the actual ridiculously tiny pump I tuck into my back pocket, or into my
saddlebag or backpack when called for.

Every 6-12 months, I curse myself to an extra five minutes at the side
of the road fixing a flat. Between those moments, I'm carrying a pump
that doesn't fall out of my back pocket, and more to the point, I'm
always carrying that pump, because it is part of my three-piece repair
kit: bag with tube, bag with patch kit and multi-tool, bike pump. All
three fit in one pocket, leaving the other two free for food and
personal effects.

It's not the only system: Jobst has only one bicycle, thus solving the
move-the-pump problem. It wouldn't be entirely crazy to commit to a pump
for each bike (though I have stuff like my CX bike where a frame pump
would cause trouble and annoyance). A road morph is a great solution for
some people.

But I know why I do what I do.

(Okay, the evil answer is that I get most of my flats on the club ride,
and my friend Kenny has a great frame pump, so my micro-pump meets the
requirement to carry such a beast, while letting me rely on Kenny's pump
for any actual reinflation.)

--
Ryan Cousineau rcousine@sfu.ca http://www.wiredcola.com/
"My scenarios may give the impression I could be an excellent crook.
Not true - I am a talented lawyer." - Sandy in rec.bicycles.racing

[David L. Johnson]

Jay wrote:
> "David L. Johnson" <david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote in message
> news:G6CdndybKZm8ehbanZ2dnUVZ_uHinZ2d@ptd.net...
>> Tim McNamara wrote:
>>> In article
>>> <09cb5b0c-97e1-48be-bb87-1d19ee2358ca@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
>>> bobdobbs <mniteoil@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
>>>> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
>>>> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
>>> There are no good pumps like that. There is a range from poor to awful
>>> to choose from. Keep your frame pump.
>> Not so. Topeak Road Morph is much better than any frame pump. Even
>> includes a gauge. Use it like a floor pump, and it is easy to pump tires
>> to 120psi or more.
>>
>> --
>>
>> David L. Johnson
>>
>> What is objectionable, and what is dangerous about extremists is not
>> that they are extreme, but that they are intolerant.
>> --Robert F. Kennedy
>>
>>
> In a previous life, I was pretty good at physics / math word problems. If I
> had not devolved into such a lazy slug, I believe I could 'prove' that a
> well-designed floor pump provides a significant mechanical advantage, over
> even the best mini pumps.

I was responding to the claim that "There are no good pumps like that.
There is a range from poor to awful to choose from. Keep your frame
pump." My claim was that the TRM is better than any _frame_ pump, not
any floor pump.

--

David L. Johnson

If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a
conclusion.
-- George Bernard Shaw

[Werehatrack]

On Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:51:06 -0600, "Jay" <jbollyn@gmail.com> may have
said:


>The TRM is fine for what it is intended - emergency repairs on the road. Not
>as a replacement for a proper floor pump.

The OP was looking for a replacement for a frame pump, specifically
one that was small enough to fit in a pack. No floor pump of my
experience meets that need, so their superiority is offset by their
irrelevance in this instance.

>I really think this issue is beyond rational debate.

No, it's just that one needs to look at the entire set of requirements
given.

--
My email address is antispammed; pull WEEDS if replying via e-mail.
Typoes are not a bug, they're a feature.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.

[Jay]

"Tom Sherman" <sunsetss0003@REMOVETHISyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:fmguj1$njr$1@registered.motzarella.org...
> Jay Bollyn wrote:
>> "David L. Johnson" <david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote in message
>> news:G6CdndybKZm8ehbanZ2dnUVZ_uHinZ2d@ptd.net...
>> (snipped)
> I interpreted David Johnson's post to mean that the Topeak Road Morph is
> USED like a floor pump when inflating tires on the road, and not a
> replacement for the floor pump at home - a statement I would be in full
> agreement with. I would rather use a Topeak "Morph" pump than a
> traditional full-size frame pump. Many others on rec.bicycle.*, including
> of course, David Johnson, agree.
>
> --
> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
> "And never forget, life ultimately makes failures of all people."
> - A. Derleth
>
(please note: I am trying to snip, to maintain rec.bicycles.* harmony)

I thought our OP was thinking of going with only a mini-pump, and no floor
pump at all.

I prefer to use a floor pump. I think tires are inflated more easily with
floor pumps.

(Have I dozed off, and woken up in the bizarro world?)

J.

[Tom Sherman]

Jay Bollyn wrote:
> "Tom Sherman" <sunsetss0003@REMOVETHISyahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:fmguj1$njr$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>> Jay Bollyn wrote:
>>> "David L. Johnson" <david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote in message
>>> news:G6CdndybKZm8ehbanZ2dnUVZ_uHinZ2d@ptd.net...
>>> (snipped)
>>
>> I interpreted David Johnson's post to mean that the Topeak Road Morph is
>> USED like a floor pump when inflating tires on the road, and not a
>> replacement for the floor pump at home - a statement I would be in full
>> agreement with. I would rather use a Topeak "Morph" pump than a
>> traditional full-size frame pump. Many others on rec.bicycle.*, including
>> of course, David Johnson, agree.
>>
>> --
>> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
>> "And never forget, life ultimately makes failures of all people."
>> - A. Derleth
>>
> (please note: I am trying to snip, to maintain rec.bicycles.* harmony)
>
You need to snip my signature then, as the "-- " line indicates. In
fact, a proper newsreader does that automatically.
>
> I thought our OP was thinking of going with only a mini-pump, and no floor
> pump at all.
>
> I prefer to use a floor pump. I think tires are inflated more easily with
> floor pumps.
>
Yes, but the floor pump is awkward to carry on the bicycle.
>
> (Have I dozed off, and woken up in the bizarro world?)
>
You are posting to rec.bicycle.tech, which certainly qualifies! ;)

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"And never forget, life ultimately makes failures of all people."
- A. Derleth

[Colin Campbell]

Ryan Cousineau wrote:
> In article <rO2dncOMnO_4aBbanZ2dnUVZ_tSknZ2d@comcast.com>,
> "Jay" <jbollyn@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> "David L. Johnson" <david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote in message
>> news:G6CdndybKZm8ehbanZ2dnUVZ_uHinZ2d@ptd.net...
>>> Tim McNamara wrote:
>>>> In article
>>>> <09cb5b0c-97e1-48be-bb87-1d19ee2358ca@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
>>>> bobdobbs <mniteoil@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
>>>>> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
>>>>> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
>>>> There are no good pumps like that. There is a range from poor to awful
>>>> to choose from. Keep your frame pump.
>>> Not so. Topeak Road Morph is much better than any frame pump. Even
>>> includes a gauge. Use it like a floor pump, and it is easy to pump tires
>>> to 120psi or more.
>
>> In a previous life, I was pretty good at physics / math word problems. If I
>> had not devolved into such a lazy slug, I believe I could 'prove' that a
>> well-designed floor pump provides a significant mechanical advantage, over
>> even the best mini pumps. Even if one uses the TRM in 'floor pump mode'. It
>> has to do with the volume of air being compressed per stroke. A
>> well-designed handle on a floor pump allows greater pressure to be applied.
>> The puny handle on the TRM is painful to use, at high pressures. A mini pump
>> needs to be both light weight and very compact. A
>
> In this life, I have turned out to be pretty good at reading
> comprehension tests. If I had not devolved into a lazy slug, I would
> diagram the sentence where Mr. Dobbs (perhaps not "the" Bob Dobbs) says
> he is looking to replace a frame pump, not a floor pump.
>
>> The TRM is fine for what it is intended - emergency repairs on the road. Not
>> as a replacement for a proper floor pump.
>
> Huzzah!
>
>> I really think this issue is beyond rational debate.
>
> I agree with you.
>
> My own feeling has been, for some time, that with too many bikes and not
> enough frame mounts for pumps, I would prefer to carry a
> functional-but-slow pump that can get to 70 pounds or so at the side of
> the road. The Road Morph is good and clever, though slightly larger than
> the actual ridiculously tiny pump I tuck into my back pocket, or into my
> saddlebag or backpack when called for.
>
> Every 6-12 months, I curse myself to an extra five minutes at the side
> of the road fixing a flat. Between those moments, I'm carrying a pump
> that doesn't fall out of my back pocket, and more to the point, I'm
> always carrying that pump, because it is part of my three-piece repair
> kit: bag with tube, bag with patch kit and multi-tool, bike pump. All
> three fit in one pocket, leaving the other two free for food and
> personal effects.
>
> It's not the only system: Jobst has only one bicycle, thus solving the
> move-the-pump problem. It wouldn't be entirely crazy to commit to a pump
> for each bike (though I have stuff like my CX bike where a frame pump
> would cause trouble and annoyance). A road morph is a great solution for
> some people.
>
> But I know why I do what I do.
>
> (Okay, the evil answer is that I get most of my flats on the club ride,
> and my friend Kenny has a great frame pump, so my micro-pump meets the
> requirement to carry such a beast, while letting me rely on Kenny's pump
> for any actual reinflation.)
>
I love it when the truth comes out!

I have an Genuine Innovations Road Air and a Wrench Force Mini Road on
my two road bikes that I ride. I couldn't find the Road Air when I
needed another good pump, but I see that G.I. now offers a Road Air 2,
which looks like the same thing, perhaps slightly shorter. At any rate,
both of these pumps are right at 13" (maybe 325 cm?) long, and have the
same diameter barrel (maybe 21 cm?). They'll both let me pump up to 100
psi (7+ bar) fairly quickly. Both mount under a water bottle cage.
Both cost around $20 - maybe less on the Internet.

I feel it is a good thing to have a good pump on the bike, since I ride
nearly every day, and half or more of the time, alone. Another strategy
I'm trying is not to let my tires wear all the way down before I replace
them; I hope this reduces the incidence of flats.

I feel it is a good thing for you to have Kenny!

[carlfogel@comcast.net]

On Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:42:25 -0800, Colin Campbell
<cmcampb@adelphia.net> wrote:

>Ryan Cousineau wrote:

[snip]

>> (Okay, the evil answer is that I get most of my flats on the club ride,
>> and my friend Kenny has a great frame pump, so my micro-pump meets the
>> requirement to carry such a beast, while letting me rely on Kenny's pump
>> for any actual reinflation.)

[snip]

>I feel it is a good thing for you to have Kenny!

Dear Ryan & Colin,

You bastards!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartman's_Silly_Hate_Crime_2000

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_McCormick

Cheers,

Carl Fogel

[Ryan Cousineau]

In article <0feoo3pdm0e67jp1evrfpj3sen7t8ree1p@4ax.com>,
carlfogel@comcast.net wrote:

> On Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:42:25 -0800, Colin Campbell
> <cmcampb@adelphia.net> wrote:
>
> >Ryan Cousineau wrote:
>
> [snip]
>
> >> (Okay, the evil answer is that I get most of my flats on the club ride,
> >> and my friend Kenny has a great frame pump, so my micro-pump meets the
> >> requirement to carry such a beast, while letting me rely on Kenny's pump
> >> for any actual reinflation.)
>
> [snip]
>
> >I feel it is a good thing for you to have Kenny!
>
> Dear Ryan & Colin,
>
> You bastards!
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartman's_Silly_Hate_Crime_2000
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_McCormick

As far as I know, our Kenny has never been killed. He does not mumble,
although his South African accent is detectable.

Being slightly more serious, I commute to work every day, occasionally
get flats (maybe one per year on my commute?) and do use whatever crappy
mini-pump (I draw the line at micro-pumps) I have most recently failed
to lose.

--
Ryan Cousineau rcousine@sfu.ca http://www.wiredcola.com/
"My scenarios may give the impression I could be an excellent crook.
Not true - I am a talented lawyer." - Sandy in rec.bicycles.racing

[Colin Campbell]

carlfogel@comcast.net wrote:
> On Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:42:25 -0800, Colin Campbell
> <cmcampb@adelphia.net> wrote:
>
>> Ryan Cousineau wrote:
>
> [snip]
>
>>> (Okay, the evil answer is that I get most of my flats on the club ride,
>>> and my friend Kenny has a great frame pump, so my micro-pump meets the
>>> requirement to carry such a beast, while letting me rely on Kenny's pump
>>> for any actual reinflation.)
>
> [snip]
>
>> I feel it is a good thing for you to have Kenny!
>
> Dear Ryan & Colin,
>
> You bastards!
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartman's_Silly_Hate_Crime_2000
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_McCormick
>
> Cheers,
>
> Carl Fogel
Carl,
I'm hopelessly out of it with regard to South Park -- sorry.
Colin

[Jay]

On Jan 15, 1:18*am, "David L. Johnson" <david.john...@lehigh.edu>
wrote:
> Jay wrote:
> > "David L. Johnson" <david.john...@lehigh.edu> wrote in message
> >news:G6CdndybKZm8ehbanZ2dnUVZ_uHinZ2d@ptd.net...
> >> Tim McNamara wrote:
> >>> In article
> >>> <09cb5b0c-97e1-48be-bb87-1d19ee235...@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
> >>> *bobdobbs <mnite...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >>>> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
> >>>> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
> >>>> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
> >>> There are no good pumps like that. *There is a range from poor to awful
> >>> to choose from. *Keep your frame pump.
> >> Not so. *Topeak Road Morph is much better than any frame pump. *Even
> >> includes a gauge. *Use it like a floor pump, and it is easy to pump tires
> >> to 120psi or more.
>
> >> --
>
> >> David L. Johnson
>
> >> What is objectionable, and what is dangerous about extremists is not
> >> that they are extreme, but that they are intolerant.
> >> --Robert F. Kennedy
>
> > In a previous life, I was pretty good at physics / math word problems. If I
> > had not devolved into such a lazy slug, I believe I could 'prove' that a
> > well-designed floor pump provides a significant mechanical advantage, over
> > even the best mini pumps.
>
> I was responding to the claim that "There are no good pumps like that.
> There is a range from poor to awful to choose from. *Keep your frame
> pump." *My claim was that the TRM is better than any _frame_ pump, not
> any floor pump.
>
> --
>
> David L. Johnson
>
> If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a
> conclusion.
> * * * * * * * * -- George Bernard Shaw- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
>
Thanks for pointing that out. I carelessly read 'frame pump', and
thought 'floor pump'.

I apologize for the confusion.

Haphazard J.

[David L. Johnson]

Patrick Lamb wrote:

>> Not so. Topeak Road Morph is much better than any frame pump. Even
>> includes a gauge. Use it like a floor pump, and it is easy to pump
>> tires to 120psi or more.
>
> Your eyes are much better than mine if you can read that gauge!

Maybe it's just that my glasses are better than yours.

--

David L. Johnson

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries,
and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove
mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. [1 Corinth. 13:2]

[Michael Press]

In article <9eqqo31g214ff24nock7g64cl4a2od8h52@4ax.com>,
Patrick Lamb <pdl678NOSPAM@comcast.net> wrote:

> On Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:50:09 -0500, "David L. Johnson"
> <david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote:
>
> >Tim McNamara wrote:
> >> In article
> >> <09cb5b0c-97e1-48be-bb87-1d19ee2358ca@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
> >> bobdobbs <mniteoil@gmail.com> wrote:
> >>
> >>> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
> >>> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
> >>> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
> >>
> >> There are no good pumps like that. There is a range from poor to awful
> >> to choose from. Keep your frame pump.
> >
> >Not so. Topeak Road Morph is much better than any frame pump. Even
> >includes a gauge. Use it like a floor pump, and it is easy to pump
> >tires to 120psi or more.
>
> Your eyes are much better than mine if you can read that gauge!
>
> It's a good pump, and it might be possible for the OP to mount on his
> chainstay, so it's probably worth looking at.

I question the utility of a pressure gauge on a road pump
since I give up before getting to full pressure. Maybe the
pump is better than those I have used.

--
Michael Press

[Patrick Lamb]

On Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:07:04 -0500, "David L. Johnson"
<david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote:
>Patrick Lamb wrote:
>
>>> Not so. Topeak Road Morph is much better than any frame pump. Even
>>> includes a gauge. Use it like a floor pump, and it is easy to pump
>>> tires to 120psi or more.
>>
>> Your eyes are much better than mine if you can read that gauge!
>
>Maybe it's just that my glasses are better than yours.

Perhaps. I'm not impressed with the gauge's usefulness, as I have to
get down on my hands and knees, and twist my head in two different
axes to try to read the thing through the bottom of my bifocals.

Pat

Email address works as is.

[John Forrest Tomlinson]

On Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:09:52 -0500, "David L. Johnson"
<david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote:

>On group rides I am
>usually the guy who fixes other people's flats,

Awwww, don't do that. Make them do it. If they don't know how, talk
them through it, but touch nothing.

[me@privacy.net]

"David L. Johnson" <david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote:

>Have you tried the Topeak? Really. Try it

I've heard good things abt the Morph version as well.

Matter of fact I bought the Topek floor model only to
learn abt the Morph one too late. I would have gotten
the Morph model over the floor model if known abt it.
Agree?

[Squat'n Dive]

On Jan 16, 12:09 am, "David L. Johnson" <david.john...@lehigh.edu>
wrote:
> Squat'n Dive wrote:
> > On Jan 13, 2:21 pm, bobdobbs <mnite...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
> >> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
> >> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
>
> > My recommendation is to stay with the frame pump.
> > FP's way better than a minipump.
>
> Have you tried the Topeak? Really. Try it. On group rides I am
> usually the guy who fixes other people's flats, and people are
> consistently amazed that I can pump up the spare as quickly and easily
> as I can, to whatever pressure the guy wants.
>

I have a 6-7 y.o. topeak minipump. Is that the type of
pump you are referring to?
It takes about 50 pumps to get 12 extra psi into a tire. Good for
people who want to get some workout for an upper body, but
I prefer more focused sessions at a gym. A frame pump is superior
to the mini pumps. At least to the old ones like the one I have.
I'll try a new fatter topeak minipump I got from my relatives
when I get a new flat but I doubt it'd surpass the Blackburn FP
performance.
Visually, the internal volume is smaller -> more pumping.
I see no reason for a minipump except for being able to hang on to it
if you carry it off the bike and the bike gets stolen (bye bye my
blackburn :[ )

[David L. Johnson]

John Forrest Tomlinson wrote:
> On Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:09:52 -0500, "David L. Johnson"
> <david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote:
>
>> On group rides I am
>> usually the guy who fixes other people's flats,
>
> Awwww, don't do that. Make them do it. If they don't know how, talk
> them through it, but touch nothing.

Sometimes that would mean waiting hours for them to finish. I want to
get home before dark.

--

David L. Johnson

If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a
conclusion.
-- George Bernard Shaw

[Werehatrack]

On Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:34:24 -0500, "David L. Johnson"
<david.johnson@lehigh.edu> may have said:

>John Forrest Tomlinson wrote:
>> On Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:09:52 -0500, "David L. Johnson"
>> <david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote:
>>
>>> On group rides I am
>>> usually the guy who fixes other people's flats,
>>
>> Awwww, don't do that. Make them do it. If they don't know how, talk
>> them through it, but touch nothing.
>
>Sometimes that would mean waiting hours for them to finish. I want to
>get home before dark.

Amen to that! OTOH, if I have the time, I'll willingly make them do
the grunt work while I supervise. OTGH, if I think there's any danger
that the flat fix will end up being a serial snakebite session due to
pinch-on-install errors, I'll DIM and insure that I can get back on
the road sooner.

--
My email address is antispammed; pull WEEDS if replying via e-mail.
Typoes are not a bug, they're a feature.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.

[Squat'n Dive]

On Jan 16, 12:08 pm, m...@privacy.net wrote:
> "David L. Johnson" <david.john...@lehigh.edu> wrote:
>
> >Have you tried the Topeak? Really. Try it
>
> I've heard good things abt the Morph version as well.
>
> Matter of fact I bought the Topek floor model only to
> learn abt the Morph one too late. I would have gotten
> the Morph model over the floor model if known abt it.
> Agree?

not really
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Pump/product_86619.shtml

I see two serious drawbacks from reading the reviews:
1. unreliable gauge
2. it's not a dualhead (and conversion from Shraeder to Presta is not
obvious)
I'm not disposing of my Joe Blow floor pump just yet.

[jobst.brandt@stanfordalumni.org]

I find the subject interesting because the lightest hand pump was the
Silca Impero, plastic tube pump, with aluminum tubular shaft. This
pump was on every racing bicycle until after the end of tubulat tire
use. Tires that needed pumping daily. Gradually more riders
complained about how hard it was to reach suitable pressure after
fixing a flat and how hard it was to operate the brakes that they felt
had too low a mechanical advantage.

The Silca pump vanished and brakes with a higher ME (dual pivot) were
introduced for riders with tender hands and micro pumps that could be
operated with less than 1/4 the force of the old Silca. Are we
getting stronger yet?

Jobst Brandt

[David L. Johnson]

Squat'n Dive wrote:

>> Have you tried the Topeak? Really. Try it. On group rides I am
>> usually the guy who fixes other people's flats, and people are
>> consistently amazed that I can pump up the spare as quickly and easily
>> as I can, to whatever pressure the guy wants.
>>
>
> I have a 6-7 y.o. topeak minipump. Is that the type of
> pump you are referring to?

Probably not. Topeak has many different models, some useless. The one
I am talking about is the Road Morph.

> It takes about 50 pumps to get 12 extra psi into a tire. Good for
> people who want to get some workout for an upper body, but
> I prefer more focused sessions at a gym. A frame pump is superior
> to the mini pumps. At least to the old ones like the one I have.

I claim the Road Morph is better than any frame pump, easier to inflate
tires quickly to a reasonable pressure. Despite Jobst's reminiscences
about the joys of the Silca Impero, I actually still have one, and the
Topeak Road Morph is better.

--

David L. Johnson

Arguing with an engineer is like mud wrestling with a pig...
You soon find out the pig likes it!

[Matt O'Toole]

On Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:35:32 -0800, Squat'n Dive wrote:

> I see no reason for a minipump except for being able to hang on to it
> if you carry it off the bike and the bike gets stolen (bye bye my
> blackburn :[ )

Actually the pump being stolen is a concern. If I leave my road bike
unattended, I remove the computer and pump, and lights if they're on
there. Any of these things can make a few bucks on eBay for a college
kid. They wouldn't dare steal the whole bike, a wheel, or anything
requiring tools to remove, but anything that pops off quickly is in
jeopardy. A mini-pump goes into my bag or even a pocket easily.

Frame pumps definitely work better but they're not the best choice for
everyone.

Matt O.

[David L. Johnson]

Squat'n Dive wrote:
> On Jan 16, 12:08 pm, m...@privacy.net wrote:
>> "David L. Johnson" <david.john...@lehigh.edu> wrote:
>>
>>> Have you tried the Topeak? Really. Try it
>> I've heard good things abt the Morph version as well.
>>
>> Matter of fact I bought the Topek floor model only to
>> learn abt the Morph one too late. I would have gotten
>> the Morph model over the floor model if known abt it.
>> Agree?
>
> not really

Me neither. I am not suggesting that the Road Morph is better than a
floor pump. It is a lot easier to carry on a ride, though, and works
better than a frame pump. No, the gauge is not well-calibrated, but in
my experience it is at least consistent. Once you know what a
particular position on the dial means, it's as good as you need.

--

David L. Johnson

Arguing with an engineer is like mud wrestling with a pig...
You soon find out the pig likes it!

[JeffWills]

On Jan 16, 12:56*pm, "David L. Johnson" <david.john...@lehigh.edu>
wrote:
>
> I claim the Road Morph is better than any frame pump, easier to inflate
> tires quickly to a reasonable pressure. *Despite Jobst's reminiscences
> about the joys of the Silca Impero, I actually still have one, and the
> Topeak Road Morph is better.
>

Add me to the chorus. I have a Silca Impero that I used for 12 years,
periodically rebuilding it. I didn't find anything better, until I
tried a Topeak Morph pump. It's superior to the Silca in every way
except perhaps rebuildability (is that a word?). I haven't had to
replace anything on any of my Morph pumps (I have 4 on various
bicycles right now), so I have no data. None of them have failed
(yet).

It doesn't fit the OP's requirements that it fit in a "smallish" seat
bag, though. It comes with a clip that holds it securely to any tube
on the bike, so that's not a problem, IMO.

Jeff

[Matt O'Toole]

On Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:56:40 -0500, David L. Johnson wrote:

> Squat'n Dive wrote:
>
>>> Have you tried the Topeak? Really. Try it. On group rides I am
>>> usually the guy who fixes other people's flats, and people are
>>> consistently amazed that I can pump up the spare as quickly and easily
>>> as I can, to whatever pressure the guy wants.
>>>
>>
>> I have a 6-7 y.o. topeak minipump. Is that the type of
>> pump you are referring to?
>
> Probably not. Topeak has many different models, some useless. The one
> I am talking about is the Road Morph.
>
>> It takes about 50 pumps to get 12 extra psi into a tire. Good for
>> people who want to get some workout for an upper body, but
>> I prefer more focused sessions at a gym. A frame pump is superior
>> to the mini pumps. At least to the old ones like the one I have.
>
> I claim the Road Morph is better than any frame pump, easier to inflate
> tires quickly to a reasonable pressure. Despite Jobst's reminiscences
> about the joys of the Silca Impero, I actually still have one, and the
> Topeak Road Morph is better.

I liked the Silca Impero for mountain biking, until the Blackburn Mammoth
came along.

All Topeak's stuff seems to be well thought out and good quality.

The first generation of mini pumps, particularly the Mt. Zefal, were crap.
But that was 15 years ago. They're a lot better now.

Unfortunately bike shops don't always do a good job bringing the best gear
to their customers. They stick with the same brand names, as bad as the
stuff is. It often takes years or decades for them to wake up to the
truly new and improved.

Matt O.

[carlfogel@comcast.net]

On Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:03:30 -0800 (PST), JeffWills
<jwills@pacifier.com> wrote:

>On Jan 16, 12:56*pm, "David L. Johnson" <david.john...@lehigh.edu>
>wrote:
>>
>> I claim the Road Morph is better than any frame pump, easier to inflate
>> tires quickly to a reasonable pressure. *Despite Jobst's reminiscences
>> about the joys of the Silca Impero, I actually still have one, and the
>> Topeak Road Morph is better.
>>
>
>Add me to the chorus. I have a Silca Impero that I used for 12 years,
>periodically rebuilding it. I didn't find anything better, until I
>tried a Topeak Morph pump. It's superior to the Silca in every way
>except perhaps rebuildability (is that a word?). I haven't had to
>replace anything on any of my Morph pumps (I have 4 on various
>bicycles right now), so I have no data. None of them have failed
>(yet).
>
>It doesn't fit the OP's requirements that it fit in a "smallish" seat
>bag, though. It comes with a clip that holds it securely to any tube
>on the bike, so that's not a problem, IMO.
>
>Jeff

Dear Jeff,

Me too.

I fix a flat tire on the road now and then.

I was delighted when I replaced my Zefal mini-pump (just a short
version of the classic frame pump) with a Topeak Road Morph. I
regretted not buying a TRM earlier, but I just didn't pay attention to
numerous RBT posters who kept praising it.

The TRM's handle folds out to make a T-handle. It's small, but you can
push on the back of one hand with the other hand. Tubular handles are
terrible compared to this, little better than broomsticks

The TRM's flip-out pedestal lets you step on it and hold it steady
while the bottom is braced against the ground, like floor pump. This
beats hell out of holding one end of a frame pump with one hand and
pushing against it with the other hand.

The TRM attaches to the tire vavle with a flexible hose, so pumping
doesn't disturb the connection--I hated bracing one end of the Zefal
mini frame-pump against my left knee and hand, leaning the tire just
so to get the end of the frame-style pump-head to clamp onto the
valve, and then having the whole rickety structure tilt a little and
leak air.

The TRM's pump-head has a thumb-latch lever angled off to one side
that somehow works better than the straight thumb-latch on my floor
pump. It's much easier to get on and off the presta valve, and it can
be unscrewed and reversed for Schrader valves.

Even through my sweaty glasses, I can see the TRM's built-in pressure
gauge with my myopic eyes. It's a nice feature. Posters with bifocals
and worse vision may not be able to see the gauge, but they're no
worse off than they were with frame pumps.

The TRM is barely short enough to fit in my frame-triangle bag, but
not in a seat bag. I stick it on the frame mount. My only complaint is
that the old frame mount was a positive engage-release plastic
doohickey, but the new version uses a velcro strap.

I wonder if there's a full-length frame pump with the T-handle,
flexible hose, and flip-out foot-pedestal? I see that some frame pumps
now offer the T-handle, but not the hose and foot-pedestal.

Cheers,

Carl Fogel

[Lou Holtman]

carlfogel@comcast.net wrote:

>
> The TRM's handle folds out to make a T-handle. It's small, but you can
> push on the back of one hand with the other hand. Tubular handles are
> terrible compared to this, little better than broomsticks

My fingers get stuck between the handle and the top of the barrel now
and then.... and that hurts.

>
> The TRM's flip-out pedestal lets you step on it and hold it steady
> while the bottom is braced against the ground, like floor pump. This
> beats hell out of holding one end of a frame pump with one hand and
> pushing against it with the other hand.

It gets unstable when you reach 7 bar and it is not easy to step on it
with your cycling shoes with speedplay cleats.

>
> The TRM attaches to the tire vavle with a flexible hose, so pumping
> doesn't disturb the connection--I hated bracing one end of the Zefal
> mini frame-pump against my left knee and hand, leaning the tire just
> so to get the end of the frame-style pump-head to clamp onto the
> valve, and then having the whole rickety structure tilt a little and
> leak air.

That is a great feature.


Lou

[Matt O'Toole]

On Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:35:16 -0700, carlfogel wrote:

> I was delighted when I replaced my Zefal mini-pump (just a short version
> of the classic frame pump) with a Topeak Road Morph. I regretted not
> buying a TRM earlier, but I just didn't pay attention to numerous RBT
> posters who kept praising it.
>
> The TRM's handle folds out to make a T-handle. It's small, but you can
> push on the back of one hand with the other hand. Tubular handles are
> terrible compared to this, little better than broomsticks
>
> The TRM's flip-out pedestal lets you step on it and hold it steady while
> the bottom is braced against the ground, like floor pump. This beats
> hell out of holding one end of a frame pump with one hand and pushing
> against it with the other hand.
>
> The TRM attaches to the tire vavle with a flexible hose, so pumping
> doesn't disturb the connection--I hated bracing one end of the Zefal
> mini frame-pump against my left knee and hand, leaning the tire just so
> to get the end of the frame-style pump-head to clamp onto the valve, and
> then having the whole rickety structure tilt a little and leak air.
>
> The TRM's pump-head has a thumb-latch lever angled off to one side that
> somehow works better than the straight thumb-latch on my floor pump.
> It's much easier to get on and off the presta valve, and it can be
> unscrewed and reversed for Schrader valves.
>
> Even through my sweaty glasses, I can see the TRM's built-in pressure
> gauge with my myopic eyes. It's a nice feature. Posters with bifocals
> and worse vision may not be able to see the gauge, but they're no worse
> off than they were with frame pumps.
>
> The TRM is barely short enough to fit in my frame-triangle bag, but not
> in a seat bag. I stick it on the frame mount. My only complaint is that
> the old frame mount was a positive engage-release plastic doohickey, but
> the new version uses a velcro strap.
>
> I wonder if there's a full-length frame pump with the T-handle, flexible
> hose, and flip-out foot-pedestal? I see that some frame pumps now offer
> the T-handle, but not the hose and foot-pedestal.


When someone flats on a group ride around here, the Topeak owners rush to
the scene, eager to show off their super-duper pumps.

Topeak makes the best valve head and hose kit too, which can be
retrofitted to any floor pump.

Matt O.

[Lou Holtman]

Michael Press wrote:
> In article <9eqqo31g214ff24nock7g64cl4a2od8h52@4ax.com>,
> Patrick Lamb <pdl678NOSPAM@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> On Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:50:09 -0500, "David L. Johnson"
>> <david.johnson@lehigh.edu> wrote:
>>
>>> Tim McNamara wrote:
>>>> In article
>>>> <09cb5b0c-97e1-48be-bb87-1d19ee2358ca@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
>>>> bobdobbs <mniteoil@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> seeking recommendation for a hand pump to replace the full-size frame
>>>>> pump I've been using, would need something that fits into a smallist
>>>>> rear pack. recommendations/experiences/alternatives?
>>>> There are no good pumps like that. There is a range from poor to awful
>>>> to choose from. Keep your frame pump.
>>> Not so. Topeak Road Morph is much better than any frame pump. Even
>>> includes a gauge. Use it like a floor pump, and it is easy to pump
>>> tires to 120psi or more.
>> Your eyes are much better than mine if you can read that gauge!
>>
>> It's a good pump, and it might be possible for the OP to mount on his
>> chainstay, so it's probably worth looking at.
>
> I question the utility of a pressure gauge on a road pump
> since I give up before getting to full pressure. Maybe the
> pump is better than those I have used.
>


You can reach 8-9 bar easy.

Lou

[carlfogel@comcast.net]

On Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:22:09 +0100, Lou Holtman
<lholremovethis@planet.nl> wrote:

>My fingers get stuck between the handle and the top of the barrel now
>and then.... and that hurts.

>It gets unstable when you reach 7 bar and it is not easy to step on it
>with your cycling shoes with speedplay cleats.

[snip]

>Lou

Dear Lou,

A) After the first time, you should learn to keep your fingers out of
the way.

B) Try the heel of your shoe.

Cheers,

Carl Fogel

[Lou Holtman]

carlfogel@comcast.net wrote:
> On Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:22:09 +0100, Lou Holtman
> <lholremovethis@planet.nl> wrote:
>
>> My fingers get stuck between the handle and the top of the barrel now
>> and then.... and that hurts.
>
>> It gets unstable when you reach 7 bar and it is not easy to step on it
>> with your cycling shoes with speedplay cleats.
>
> [snip]
>
>> Lou
>
> Dear Lou,
>
> A) After the first time, you should learn to keep your fingers out of
> the way.
>
> B) Try the heel of your shoe.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Carl Fogel


'Keep your fingers out of the way...', why didn't I think of that?
Thanks Carl ;-).

Lou

[Jay]

"Matt O'Toole" <mattotoole@letterboxes.org> wrote in message
news:pan.2008.01.19.18.25.07.776375@letterboxes.or g...
> On Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:56:40 -0500, David L. Johnson wrote:
>
>> Squat'n Dive wrote:
>>
>>>> Have you tried the Topeak? Really. Try it. On group rides I am
>>>> usually the guy who fixes other people's flats, and people are
>>>> consistently amazed that I can pump up the spare as quickly and easily
>>>> as I can, to whatever pressure the guy wants.
>>>>
>>>
>>> I have a 6-7 y.o. topeak minipump. Is that the type of
>>> pump you are referring to?
>>
>> Probably not. Topeak has many different models, some useless. The one
>> I am talking about is the Road Morph.
>>
>>> It takes about 50 pumps to get 12 extra psi into a tire. Good for
>>> people who want to get some workout for an upper body, but
>>> I prefer more focused sessions at a gym. A frame pump is superior
>>> to the mini pumps. At least to the old ones like the one I have.
>>
>> I claim the Road Morph is better than any frame pump, easier to inflate
>> tires quickly to a reasonable pressure. Despite Jobst's reminiscences
>> about the joys of the Silca Impero, I actually still have one, and the
>> Topeak Road Morph is better.
>
> I liked the Silca Impero for mountain biking, until the Blackburn Mammoth
> came along.
>
> All Topeak's stuff seems to be well thought out and good quality.
>
> The first generation of mini pumps, particularly the Mt. Zefal, were crap.
> But that was 15 years ago. They're a lot better now.
>
> Unfortunately bike shops don't always do a good job bringing the best gear
> to their customers. They stick with the same brand names, as bad as the
> stuff is. It often takes years or decades for them to wake up to the
> truly new and improved.
>
> Matt O.
>
You are absolutely correct Matt!

The LBS shops in my area...I really do not know how they stay in business.
The only shop in my general area which has consistently good service and
support is Rapid Transit Cycleshop in Wicker Park (a Chicago neighborhood)
http://www.rapidtransitcycles.com/ . But even in their case, their website
is lame, almost dead (no response). But in person, they are the best in
Chicago, in my experience. Those guys take bikes to heart, which is what one
wants, from a LBS. They built wheels for me, to my specs, which have been
outstanding.

For those who do not know, Wicker Park is a trendy area of Chicago. Don't
even try to park a car there. That is why all the locals ride bikes.

J.

[carlfogel@comcast.net]

On Sat, 19 Jan 2008 13:30:24 -0500, Matt O'Toole
<mattotoole@letterboxes.org> wrote:

>On Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:35:16 -0700, carlfogel wrote:

>> The TRM's pump-head has a thumb-latch lever angled off to one side that
>> somehow works better than the straight thumb-latch on my floor pump.
>> It's much easier to get on and off the presta valve, and it can be
>> unscrewed and reversed for Schrader valves.

>When someone flats on a group ride around here, the Topeak owners rush to
>the scene, eager to show off their super-duper pumps.
>
>Topeak makes the best valve head and hose kit too, which can be
>retrofitted to any floor pump.
>
>Matt O.

Dear Matt,

About a year ago, I mentioned how much I liked my Topeak Road Morph to
a friend, who promptly deflated me by commenting that he'd had one for
a few years.

For revenge, I plan to let him pump his own tire up if he gets a flat
when he visits and borrows the bike I don't like, but he has a knack
for getting slow-leak flats that I notice only after he heads home.

I don't know if the valve head and hose kit that you mean are the same
that come on the TRM, but I really like the angled thumb-latch. After
thinking about it, I'm guessing that the advantage is not a smoother
action or better internal leverage, but just the angle--the latch is
off to the side of the pump head, where you can really get at it, as
opposed to right next to the pump head, straight in line, where it's
hard to get your thumb under the latch with any leverage.

Cheers,

Carl Fogel