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View Full Version : Special air pumps for Bikes? k2 curvy BS

ejohnh
14-12-06, 10:43 AM
Went to out air in the front tyre today. Couldn't get the airpump nozzle to the valve because of the discs - what to do?

John
thor
14-12-06, 10:44 AM
Take the discs off :lol: :wink:
carlos
14-12-06, 10:51 AM
The pumps at petrol stations are awkward but it can be done. You've just got to get your valve at the bottom of the wheel and approach at an angle from the front.

Otherwise, just get a decent footpump with the flexible hose.

Oh, and a decent pressure guage because those petrol stations are notoriously inaccurate.
valleyboy
14-12-06, 11:02 AM
You can also get those valve addapters that instead of point in towards the centre of the wheel, point outwards, so its far easier to get the hose onto them...
northwind
14-12-06, 11:59 AM
Take a real deep breath, and...
chazzyb
14-12-06, 12:09 PM
Otherwise, just get a decent footpump with the flexible hose.

Oh, and a decent pressure guage because those petrol stations are notoriously inaccurate.
:winner:
A foot pump and good gauge ain't a lot of sovs. I've become a bit anal about tyre pressures and do mine before riding if I haven't checked them within the past week. I've got three bikes on the road, so depending on mood, needs, weather, etc., I can go several weeks without riding one or other of them.
Kylie
14-12-06, 02:01 PM
Yep, go down to you local car parts place and get a footpump. I used to have an Argos one but that bust recently, now got a nice Michelin one from Halfords that does the job. You only need the single cylinder version, around 10 pumps will take you from 32 to 38psi on mine.
andy
14-12-06, 02:04 PM
You only need the single cylinder version

A double barrel is better simply because it is wider and therefore more stable - it also pumps quicker....
chazzyb
14-12-06, 02:08 PM
You only need the single cylinder version

A double barrel is better simply because it is wider and therefore more stable - it also pumps quicker....

Do not rely on the gauge on footpumps; they are often/usually/always wildly inaccurate. Buy a separate one.
Kylie
14-12-06, 02:15 PM
A double barrel is better simply because it is wider and therefore more stable - it also pumps quicker.
I've got one of these:
http://www.toys4cars.co.uk/images/michelin12200.jpg
and its stable and quick enough for bike and car tyres. But each to their own! :)

Do not rely on the gauge on footpumps; they are often/usually/always wildly inaccurate
The old argos one had a woeful gauge, but the one on the pump above compares pretty well to the number I get from my pen gauge thing. To be fair I don't worry too much about manufacturer's recommendeations, you get a feeling for whether a tyre feels right or not, so I only need the gauge to be consistent, not super accurate.
Heed
14-12-06, 03:18 PM
I keep one of these (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10151&productId=164201&categoryId=31465) under my bike seat for tyre pressure checking (well worth a fiver) and just fill the tyres on the air lines at work.
northwind
14-12-06, 03:24 PM
I use my old bike pump... I counted once, it takes 143 strokes to put a 160 Roadtec to 39psi.

I have a 25 litre compressor too, but I need the exercise :)
embee
15-12-06, 06:20 PM
Not quite what the OP meant, but in case anyone wants a 12v airpump to carry with them (touring etc) there's one done by "Slime", like here
http://www.worldofpower.co.uk/acatalog/Brakes_and_Tyres.html

I got a cheapo Argos 12v one and took the working bits out of the case so it's even smaller, but if you don't want the hassle and want a neat package...........
kwak zzr
15-12-06, 06:31 PM
i use one you plug into the cage.
mburnstead
17-12-06, 10:39 PM
Not quite what the OP meant, but in case anyone wants a 12v airpump to carry with them (touring etc) there's one done by "Slime", like here
http://www.worldofpower.co.uk/acatalog/Brakes_and_Tyres.html

I got a cheapo Argos 12v one and took the working bits out of the case so it's even smaller, but if you don't want the hassle and want a neat package...........

Carry an electric tyre inflator on a touring holiday? I think I'd rather use the room take another change of clothes or my sleeping bag!! Not to mention the effort of connecting it all up...

There's a little foot-pump on there which supposedly fits under the seat, though that depends on the bike I guess.

Mike
wheelnut
17-12-06, 10:50 PM
Go to Machine Mart and buy a good 2 cylinder foot pump and a decent tyre pressure gauge and forget about garage forecourts, besides you dont need to fumble about for a 20p piece