Conference noted::bicycle

   Look again in recent catalogs.  I'm pretty sure I saw it in the Nashbar
   and (less sure) Performance catalogs.

    Nashbar catalogue #48, p.16 has a push pull pump for 17.90 built
    by Atmos (120 lbs.)

    Lechmere has a double action pump (I believe it's an Atmos) for
    about $17-$18.
    
    	Tom
    

    I mistakenly through away last month's "Bicycling" with its review of
    frame pumps.  I'm in the market for one now, can anyone recall which
    was top rated?  Personal preferences?  I think they gave one of the
    Zefal models top marks, but I'm not sure which one.
    
    Anyway, now I know how long it takes me to walk home from work while
    pushing my bike and swearing. :^)
    
    Jamie

    Jamie

>>>    I mistakenly through away last month's "Bicycling" with its review of
>>>    frame pumps.  I'm in the market for one now, can anyone recall which
>>>    was top rated?  Personal preferences?  I think they gave one of the
>>>    Zefal models top marks, but I'm not sure which one.
    
	     If you need to see the article again, let me know, I'll
	xerox a copy to you.

        Mike

  >>  Personal preferences?  I think they gave one of the
  >>  Zefal models top marks, but I'm not sure which one.

I have a Z�fal hpX. It is the best frame fit pump that I have ever used. It
doesn't let air leak out while pumping, you don't push against the spring while
pumping and it has a good volume of air in each pump.

Tom

PS I would like to try one of those new mini z�fal's

    
    I second the Z�fal hpX.  It has held up well, and you can
    easily reach high pressure in your tires, which, indeed,
    according to the brochure, "improves your personal performances."
    (I believe this is in the context of bicycling.)
    
    -john

      Now for another boring reply. I too own a Zefal HPx and think it's
      great. It fits the frame well, reaches 115 psi with little bother
      and does the dishes. Well, only if you ask nicely. I don't even
      bother with a floor pump for my presta tires. What else can I say?
      It's even boringly reliable! Before it, I had a Zefal HP4 (I
      think), so you can tell I like Zefal. In fact, I have a Mt. Zefal
      for my mountain bike. 

    I've reached over 150 lbs easily with an HPX.  Then I put a pressure
    guage to the valve.  Blew it apart!
    
    Lucky I'm still here.
    
    ed

    Thanks for the replies....looks like I'll be buying an HPx.  How well
    does the head hold up?  And, how many strokes to reach 100 PSI?  I'd
    hate to blow up a just-changed tube!  I've already got a floor pump, so
    this will be used for emergencies only.
    
    Jamie

    How many strokes depends on the tire size.
    
    ed

    	Speaking of frame pumps:  years ago "English Bikes" came with a
    pump that had a 6" or so hose extension to connect the pump and the
    valve. I miss that with the newer style. So, I got an old hose from
    Cyclopedia (they've got all kinds of hard-to-find stuff) and modified
    it slightly. Now, I connect the hose to my Zephal, connect the hose
    to my tube/valve and don't worry about keeping the pump head securely
    on the valve stem. (ps  this only works with Schrader valves). - Chris

    
    	Definately the Zefal hpx --- however I have been testing
    out a mini on my short ride bike ---- the only draw back so
    far is that I feel unarmed when attacked by dogs --- the 
    Zefal is the Bicyclist Polo Mallet when it comes to small
    animal womping (just kidding - I love my pets but respect the
    rights of others).
    						_Jerry

   >> Now, I connect the hose to my Zephal, connect the hose
   >> to my tube/valve and don't worry about keeping the pump head securely
   >> on the valve stem. 

I know what you mean. I've bent my presta valves while pumping up my tire with
a frame pump. That is until I found the "correct way" to do this.

With the pump on the wheels valve find something that you can put the end of
the pump (clamp end) against as you pump the tire up. Such as a curb, rock,
tree branch or a fence post. If done right you can push against it and no
deflection will occur on the valve. Try to get the end of the pump to touch
without the tire or rim hitting the surface.

Tom
                                    

Here's a vote for the Silca frame pumps, just to be different. I've 
never had one fail, one has been working for 18 years now. I always 
replace the Silca head with a STEEL Campag head, as the stock heads are 
pretty useless. I've reached 150 lbs on a morning when I had too much 
steroids on my Cheerios :-). Fortunately the tire held!

Sounds like Zefal has solved their q.c. problems (dating back LOOONG 
ago) but having had LOTS of experience fixing them when they broke, I'll 
probably never get around to owning one myself!

As for whoever was planning to build up the 70's 'classic' racing bike, 
the Silca is probably the only pump that would be really proper, but get 
the older style (needs a Campag pump peg rather than a frame-fit Silca).

                                    ken

    I've never had a Silca work when I needed it.  After 3 failures, I said
    so what if the bike is 100% Italian, I need a pump that works.  Even
    when I tried to use it to hit a <censored>, the head broke off.
    
    ed

>    I've never had a Silca work when I needed it.  After 3 failures, I said

How strange; didja read the fine print in the instructions that tells you 
to lubricate the pump with spaghetti sauce instead of grease? :-)

As one of our long-time racers once said, "If you just want a pump, any pump
will do. If you want to PUMP UP YOUR TIRES, get a Silca!"

                                       ken

>>As one of our long-time racers once said, "If you just want a pump, any pump
>>will do. If you want to PUMP UP YOUR TIRES, get a Silca!"
    
    	Yikes - Sounds like it's time for Franz and Hans to
    *PUMP* us up.
    						_Jerry

I am using a Zefal Doubleshot after the failure of an HPX.  The selector knob
on the end would not lock up and left the spring not working well enough to 
be sure of its staying on the frame.  The doubleshot is easier than the HPX to
get up to pressure --- only it rattles and needs a strap tightened around the
frame and barrel of the pump to reduce it.  

    I have a Zefal (blue) double-action floor pump.  It has a hose with
    a Schrader-compatible head.  It came with a Presta adapter that I've
    never found convenient.  
    
    Is it possible to replace the hose - or, better yet, just the head -
    for Presta use only?  Or are some adapters better than others?
    
    Thanks \ Erik

     Yes - To all of the above. Most good bike shops will carry the parts.
    
     Chip

    My 10 year old zefal frame pump now has a nice curve to it (as well as 
    a broken valve head), after slipping off the frame and trying to plow 
    a rut in the asphalt.  At least it did not slip into the spokes !
    
    Has anyone tried any of those smallish pumps (8-10") with the built-in 
    gauge ? Zefal or Blackburn ?  I need to inflate road tires, 110 psi,
    and want to carry the pump in a pack where it won't escape easily.

    I have a couple of mini pumps and a frame-fit (all Zefal).
    The only advantage I find to the minis is the size.  They
    require a year and a half to get to 100psi if they can make it
    at all, and the contortions required are often enuf to rip off
    a valve stem.  They also lack some of the abilities that the
    full size frame-fit Zefal metal tube dog whacker models enjoy.
    .02 K

I've started carrying the Superflate(?) "adaptor"
and CO2 cartridges. Takes about 5 seconds to hit
120psi. Sure beats the @#** out of those little
pumps and a lot less aggravation.

larry

re: CO2

And when you get flat #2, what do you do??

Frame pumps were designed for road bikes.  Mini pumps for low-pressure mountain
bikes tires.  Zefal is a good brand to go with.  Get an X3 or X4, whichever fits
your top tube best.

I carry a spare tube and a patch kit.  First flat gets the new tube.  A second
flat will get patched.  I will often take two tubes on a century ride.  I
haven't had a flat since early february (knock on computer screen) and it was my
own fault for a poor (rushed) tube installation. (1500 miles so far...)


Tim

    Funny story regarding flats. I was hammering down Rte 12 a few years
    back and flated near the Boat Repair business near the Wincendon/
    Ashburnham town line.
    
    I carry CO2s for the road pack (mini-pump for the mountain bike).
    Seeing as I was right there and I figured they would have a compressor
    I would save the $$$$ and not waste a cartridge.
    
    I ambled in and asked if I could please use their air hose. The guy
    said, "Sure thing, it's over there". I started filling the tire and
    the guy is watching me. It didn't dawn on me why was just standing
    there watching me until he (just about) screamed "HEY! HEY! What are
    you doing? Trying to kill yourself!!!????" I started chuckling a little
    and explained to him that the tires were rated at 155lbs. 
    
    He calmed down and went about his business. When I think of the
    expression on his face a smile still comes to my lips.
    
    Chip

I carry a tube, 2 CO2 cartridges, patches, and a mini pump.
Haven't had to resort to the mini pump in a long time.
And I ride Conti's too!  8^)

larry