Hey guys,
So… I’ve been using a small electric pump for my bikes and e-scooters over the last few years.
They are nice, but really aren’t designed to be used as often as I do.
I’m a fan of low-tech gear, so I’m looking for a good quality floor pump that will last the next 20+ years. Obviously, it needs to be serviceable and have easily replaceable parts. And it needs to be accurate, for sure. LOL
I’m reading reviews from Wirecutter and various cycling sites, and they are all over the place with recommendations. I think a lot of their choices are driven by affiliate links, so there’s that.
Does this unicorn exist?
I think Silca is what you want. But I don’t know if you want to pay for it :D
Yeah, their prices are like <$100 to $800! LOL But the highest end ones have a pretty robust lifetime warranty.
I’ve been looking at their pumps because they have some pretty good black friday deals right now.
I bought myself their MTB pump for my birthday. It is one of the few that is accurate down to 3psi and with parts availability it should be serviceable for life.
My other is a Specialized Airtool which also has replacement parts available and so far has needed zero service for almost a decade.
I bought myself their MTB pump for my birthday.
Which pump?
After looking at more pumps, there seems to be a “sweet spot” where these are more accurate at different pressures, and “gravel pumps” seem to be what I’m after, being most accurate at <50 PSI. I’ve got small-wheeled stuff that needs to be pumped (trailers, folding bike, etc.), so a lot of the tires I’m pumping will be in the 30-40 psi range.
I believe MTB pumps are also better in these lower pressures.
The Terra is their MTB pump.
Maybe that’s why it’s the one that seems to fit my requirements the most… except that they told me that the Terra isn’t designed to be serviceable, which I’m not thrilled to hear.
It does have a lifetime warranty, so you’d be covered either way, but still. That just bugs me.
I may still consider it, though. Considering the brand, and their history, my concerns about it failing and having to replace it aren’t that bad.
I know Silca makes highly regarded floor pumps and they sell replacement parts for the internals. You could check them out. Boy are they expensive though.
I can’t believe I have to skip over their tire pumps because they aren’t vegan (leather gasket is used). That’s a bummer.
Edit: Their Terra pump does NOT use a leather gasket, but they also said that this model is their least serviceable pump, and is designed to be a closed system. ☹️
I mean, maybe it’s a non-issue if the thing lasts 15 years, and I can send it for servicing under warranty (it has a lifetime warranty based on the life of the owner), but I’d really prefer not to have to rely on luck.
Another thing to be aware of.
For what it’s worth, I’ve got a silca from the early 80s and an SKS (I believe) from the 90s. I can still get parts for both.
I like park tool products. They always last for me. I’ve never bought their floor pump because i just have a cheap no-name one that won’t die but I definitely want one for my next floor pump.
Topeak is another good brand that I like but again I don’t have a floor pump of theirs just a frame pump. I’ve read a bunch of rave reviews for their floor pump and the guys at GMBN swear by them.
I’m a Park Tool fan and own quite a few of their bike tools, but I’m not a fan of their chuck style (that lever-type chuck). It does look like they sell just about every replacement part for their home mechanic floor pump, so I’ll keep them in mind!
I’ve been using a Topeak Joeblow for more than 10 years now. I don’t exactly remember when I bought it, but I’ve thrown it around quite hard and it still works great today.
That said, it’s not possible to have a forever-pump because all pumps have seals. These seals will slowly degrade over time. What you should look for is a company that sells spare parts and rebuild kits. Ideally a company that has been around for a long time so you can have a decent expectation that they’ll still be around when you need a rebuild kit (new-old-stock doesn’t work great for rubber/leather goods). Bonus points if the rebuild kit looks like parts that you could make or find from a local hardware store; just in case the company does fold.
… it’s not possible to have a forever-pump because all pumps have seals… What you should look for is a company that sells spare parts and rebuild kits.
Yes, to me, BIFL means that it can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Rebuilding/servicing is something I’d expect to do, and I don’t mind that at all!
I like the idea of parts that could be purchased at a hardware store. I’m afraid I don’t know enough about these larger pumps to have a clue what brands or models offer something like that, but that is something to consider :)
The brands mentioned here (Topeak, Silca, and Park Tools) all have rebuild kits and they’ve been around for a long time. I wouldn’t hesitate buying any of their models.
Yes, I’m familiar with all those brands, I’ve just never owned a floor pump from any of them :) I’ll see what’s available (I’m in Canada) and how easy the parts/rebuild kits would be to get locally.
The 50 year old Japanese one at my grandparent’s place while I was over there still works, it uses a clip to hold against the Woods valve, and no pressure gauge so I have to guess when it’s filled by feel.
Looks similar to this random one I found on the internet. Maybe it’s too low tech for your needs.
That’s awesome! The only real features that I’d like to have are a gauge and a non-lever chuck.
The only floor pumps I’ve owned when my kids were learning to ride bikes were those super cheap ones you get at a department store… all plastic, and good for a handful of uses. LOL
Maybe buy a small compressor. Should be able to get parts for that just about forever. And you can do other things with it too, like fool car tires, now dust of things, use an airbrush, air tools, and more.
fool car tires
fool them into what? thinking they’re bike tires? personally I’ve never been able to deceive a tire but perhaps you’re a lot more charismatic than I am…
I don’t have a witty reply but I got a chuckle out of yours!
if I live my life with nothing to show but a few chuckles here and there, it’ll probably be worth it.
I’ve got one and also used electric pumps. For super early rides, I’d rather not wake up my family with a loud pump.
Fair point about the noise but an electric pump and a compressor are different.
I know. It’s just not an option I’m looking for.
No worries, good luck in your search!
Tru crossposting to @buyitforlife@sh.itjust.works
