Difficulties with Halford's Track Pump

Mcofferon

Here's the thing, and its a bit difficult to admit in public, but... I cant get my tyres up to pressure without a real struggle.

When I first started cycling proper about 8 months ago I picked up a basic Track pump from Halfords (metal bodied red thing) and I was OK putting 85psi into my Subway tyres. Now I'm about 25 Kg lighter and am trying to put 100+psi into road tyres and its a struggle.

I can push down with all my weight (feet off the ground) and still not get more than 90psi in. The last few pounds require lunging down full force and that can't be doing the pump, the tyre or me any good.

I suspect it's just a crappy pump and it's time to buy a JoeBlow, but thought I'd check here first.

Eamonnator

You deserve a decent track pump. Go for it.
You won't know yourself with The JoeBlow.

humbert

I have the halfords JoeBlow track pump and it's easy to get to ~120psi.

godtabh

I've the red one and find it no problem getting 110/120 psi

NeedMoreGears

Anytime I had a problem getting air into a tube it has usually been down to a valve problem.

(i) I forgot to unscrew the top of the valve. (presta)

(ii) the screw on the top of the valve re-tightened when I put on the pump ; this shouldn't happen with most track pumps as they have often have a lever device to lock onto the valve but it did happen with the old screw on connector (presta)

(iii) the valve was bit sticky. This can be resolved by letting out a little air before pumping up again. (presta and schrader type valves)

'hope this helps

NM
G

Zyzz

Get yourself some CO2 cartridges and a CO2 pump

Darkglasses

Zyzz wrote: »

Get yourself some CO2 cartridges and a CO2 pump

Co2 doesn't hold it's pressure as well as oxygen, and those little pumps really aren't as useful at home as proper track pump.

Zyzz

Darkglasses wrote: »

Co2 doesn't hold it's pressure as well as oxygen, and those little pumps really aren't as useful at home as proper track pump.

Oh I know that but if the OP was to get to the max psi with the floor pump and then use the co2 to top it up without a struggle.

Just an option tis all

Mcofferon

Thanks Zyzz

I can just about get the pressure up, but as described its a real struggle, or seems to be. I think something of the quality of a Topeak JoeBlow would be the way to go.

I suspect the Halfords pump has a wide bodied cylinder and piston and therefore needs a huge amount of effort at the higher pressures. A narrower cylinder would need less effort but a few more strokes to get there.

codie

Eamonnator wrote: »

You deserve a decent track pump. Go for it.
You won't know yourself with The JoeBlow.

Heard great things about the joeblow so bought one.Has my heart broke.Blows out at about 6-7 bar.Changed the tubes ,same thing.Got my mates one and that pumps them perfect.Brought it back to Halfords and they didn't want to know.

greenspurs

i usually just use the old "press down on it and if the tyre feels hard, tis grand" method...... Obviously im not putting enough into my tyres then ?!?!!

aFlabbyPanda

Maybe its the gauge thats reading wrong? I find with my own pump I need to deflate the tyre partially first and then pump to what ever pressure I need. If I try to simply top up the tyre the gauge only reads between 60 & 90 psi but I could be jumping on the pump.

Mcofferon

Thanks BrianjG

I will give that a try and see if it helps, I wouldn't expect the gauge is that accurate.