tyre inflation

[Paul Stevenson]

Hi all,

please forgive what might seem a naive question.

I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even when
I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may be
the answer and a pressure gauge.

What do people think and what pump would be recommended?

thanks

Paul

[Lee]

"Paul Stevenson" > wrote in message
...
> Hi all,
>
> please forgive what might seem a naive question.
>
> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even
when
> I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
> bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may
be
> the answer and a pressure gauge.
>
> What do people think and what pump would be recommended?
>
> thanks
>
> Paul
>
>

What PSI are you inflating to? You really need a pressure gauge pump as its
impossible to guesstimate.

My tyres need 40psi which is a lot (they feel "rock hard" long before that!)

[Lee]

"Paul Stevenson" > wrote in message
...
> Hi all,
>
> please forgive what might seem a naive question.
>
> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even
when
> I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
> bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may
be
> the answer and a pressure gauge.
>
> What do people think and what pump would be recommended?
>
> thanks
>
> Paul
>
>

What PSI are you inflating to? You really need a pressure gauge pump as its
impossible to guesstimate.

My tyres need 40psi which is a lot (they feel "rock hard" long before that!)

[elyob]

"Paul Stevenson" > wrote in message
...
> Hi all,
>
> please forgive what might seem a naive question.
>
> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even
when
> I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
> bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may
be
> the answer and a pressure gauge.
>
> What do people think and what pump would be recommended?
>

Look at track pumps .. e.g. http://snurl.com/2dtg

[elyob]

"Paul Stevenson" > wrote in message
...
> Hi all,
>
> please forgive what might seem a naive question.
>
> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even
when
> I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
> bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may
be
> the answer and a pressure gauge.
>
> What do people think and what pump would be recommended?
>

Look at track pumps .. e.g. http://snurl.com/2dtg

[Peter Clinch]

Paul Stevenson wrote:

> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even when
> I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
> bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may be
> the answer and a pressure gauge.

There's no need for an electric pump, but I'd certainly suggest a track
pump (think ACME dynamite plunger): these will get tyres up to brick
consistency in just a few strokes, and many have a built in gauge.

Many people overestimate tyre pressures: someone posting here a while
back was sure that anything over 45 psi in a Marathon would be bound to
blow it up as it was so hard, but they're rated for 100 (which is what I
run mine at).

Also check the tyres and see how hard you can actually pump them
(usually written on the side wall): different tyres will do different
pressures, and there's a world of difference in the ride between 60 and
100 psi.

But a track pump is usually the main answer to this sort of thing.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[Peter Clinch]

Paul Stevenson wrote:

> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even when
> I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
> bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may be
> the answer and a pressure gauge.

There's no need for an electric pump, but I'd certainly suggest a track
pump (think ACME dynamite plunger): these will get tyres up to brick
consistency in just a few strokes, and many have a built in gauge.

Many people overestimate tyre pressures: someone posting here a while
back was sure that anything over 45 psi in a Marathon would be bound to
blow it up as it was so hard, but they're rated for 100 (which is what I
run mine at).

Also check the tyres and see how hard you can actually pump them
(usually written on the side wall): different tyres will do different
pressures, and there's a world of difference in the ride between 60 and
100 psi.

But a track pump is usually the main answer to this sort of thing.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[Arthur Clune]

Paul Stevenson > wrote:

: What do people think and what pump would be recommended?

What you want is not an electric pump but what is called a track
pump - like this:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/v2_product_list.asp?CategoryName=Pumps%20-%20Floor&Cat=

Arthur



--
Arthur Clune http://www.clune.org
"Technolibertarians make a philosophy out of a personality defect"
- Paulina Borsook

[Arthur Clune]

Paul Stevenson > wrote:

: What do people think and what pump would be recommended?

What you want is not an electric pump but what is called a track
pump - like this:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/v2_product_list.asp?CategoryName=Pumps%20-%20Floor&Cat=

Arthur



--
Arthur Clune http://www.clune.org
"Technolibertarians make a philosophy out of a personality defect"
- Paulina Borsook

[Peter Connolly]

> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even
when
> I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
> bulge quite a bit.

Paul,

I had the same problem; 20 stone+, and tires bulging. In common with the
other posters, I got a track pump, and found out that I was running my tyres
massively below their rated pressure. Once I got them up to the rated
pressure, the bike seemed much more responsive, and there was no bulging.

Electric pumps are ineffectual and noisy.

HTH,

Pete.
--

---------------------------
Peter Connolly
Acute Computing
Derby
UK

[Peter Connolly]

> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even
when
> I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
> bulge quite a bit.

Paul,

I had the same problem; 20 stone+, and tires bulging. In common with the
other posters, I got a track pump, and found out that I was running my tyres
massively below their rated pressure. Once I got them up to the rated
pressure, the bike seemed much more responsive, and there was no bulging.

Electric pumps are ineffectual and noisy.

HTH,

Pete.
--

---------------------------
Peter Connolly
Acute Computing
Derby
UK

[chris French]

In message >, Paul Stevenson
> writes
>Hi all,
>
>please forgive what might seem a naive question.
>
>I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
>rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even when
>I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
>bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may be
>the answer and a pressure gauge.
>
>What do people think and what pump would be recommended?
>

Firstly what sort of pump are you using now? If it is the sort of pump
that connects with the sort flexible connector, then you are unlikely to
get high enough pressures.

Secondly, yes you need a pressure gauge - judging pressure with a thumb
etc. is hard, I find that I always under estimate it. I've got a couple
of old Zefal ones somewhere in the garage but I recommend the Topeak
Smartgauge, accurate (AFAICT) and works on both Presta and Shraeder
valves. Can use it for cars as well.

<http://www.wiggle.co.uk/product_detail.asp?ProdID=-826426246>

You don't need an electric pump, but you do want a decent one.

If you just want one pump, then get a Zefal HPX, for a hand pump they
make relatively easy work of getting 100 PSI + into your tyres. Not so
god on fat MTB tyres because of the lower volume of the pump cylinder,
but I assume we are talking 700C tyres here.

However the best setup is to have a track pump at home, with another
pump for on the road use. These make it really easy to pump up your
tyres, so you are more likely to keep them pumped up. I have an old SKS
one that works well. But if I was buying a new one I'd look at one of
the better Topeak (again) ones, just because I think their Smarthead is
such a good bit of kit (I fitted one to my SKS pump).

<http://www.wiggle.co.uk/product_list.asp?CategoryName=Pumps%20-%20Floor>

If you get a track pump with a decent pressure gauge then you could pass
on the separate gauge.
--
Chris French, Leeds

[chris French]

In message >, Paul Stevenson
> writes
>Hi all,
>
>please forgive what might seem a naive question.
>
>I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
>rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even when
>I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
>bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may be
>the answer and a pressure gauge.
>
>What do people think and what pump would be recommended?
>

Firstly what sort of pump are you using now? If it is the sort of pump
that connects with the sort flexible connector, then you are unlikely to
get high enough pressures.

Secondly, yes you need a pressure gauge - judging pressure with a thumb
etc. is hard, I find that I always under estimate it. I've got a couple
of old Zefal ones somewhere in the garage but I recommend the Topeak
Smartgauge, accurate (AFAICT) and works on both Presta and Shraeder
valves. Can use it for cars as well.

<http://www.wiggle.co.uk/product_detail.asp?ProdID=-826426246>

You don't need an electric pump, but you do want a decent one.

If you just want one pump, then get a Zefal HPX, for a hand pump they
make relatively easy work of getting 100 PSI + into your tyres. Not so
god on fat MTB tyres because of the lower volume of the pump cylinder,
but I assume we are talking 700C tyres here.

However the best setup is to have a track pump at home, with another
pump for on the road use. These make it really easy to pump up your
tyres, so you are more likely to keep them pumped up. I have an old SKS
one that works well. But if I was buying a new one I'd look at one of
the better Topeak (again) ones, just because I think their Smarthead is
such a good bit of kit (I fitted one to my SKS pump).

<http://www.wiggle.co.uk/product_list.asp?CategoryName=Pumps%20-%20Floor>

If you get a track pump with a decent pressure gauge then you could pass
on the separate gauge.
--
Chris French, Leeds

[Chris Gerhard]

Paul Stevenson wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> please forgive what might seem a naive question.
>
> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even when
> I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
> bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may be
> the answer and a pressure gauge.
>
> What do people think and what pump would be recommended?

When out and about, the zefal HPx is the pump to choose.

When at home a track pump they normally have pressure guages built in.

20 stone is 280lbs so the tires will bulge enough to get ~ 3 square inches
of tire on the road at 90psi, spread over the 2 tires. If you pop a
wheelie then it will all be on one tire:-).




>
> thanks
>
> Paul
>
>


--
Chris dot Gerhard at btclick dot com.

[Chris Gerhard]

Paul Stevenson wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> please forgive what might seem a naive question.
>
> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even when
> I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
> bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may be
> the answer and a pressure gauge.
>
> What do people think and what pump would be recommended?

When out and about, the zefal HPx is the pump to choose.

When at home a track pump they normally have pressure guages built in.

20 stone is 280lbs so the tires will bulge enough to get ~ 3 square inches
of tire on the road at 90psi, spread over the 2 tires. If you pop a
wheelie then it will all be on one tire:-).




>
> thanks
>
> Paul
>
>


--
Chris dot Gerhard at btclick dot com.

[Simon Brooke]

"Lee" <gnippernospampleasemuchly@nospampleasemuchlyverymu ch.btinternet.com> writes:

> What PSI are you inflating to? You really need a pressure gauge pump as its
> impossible to guesstimate.
>
> My tyres need 40psi which is a lot (they feel "rock hard" long before that!)

My road bike tyres run at 120 psi.

--
(Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

See one nuclear war, you've seen them all.

[Simon Brooke]

"Lee" <gnippernospampleasemuchly@nospampleasemuchlyverymu ch.btinternet.com> writes:

> What PSI are you inflating to? You really need a pressure gauge pump as its
> impossible to guesstimate.
>
> My tyres need 40psi which is a lot (they feel "rock hard" long before that!)

My road bike tyres run at 120 psi.

--
(Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

See one nuclear war, you've seen them all.

[RG]

"Chris Gerhard" > wrote in message
...
> Paul Stevenson wrote:
> > Hi all,
> >
> > please forgive what might seem a naive question.
> >
> > I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> > rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even
when
> > I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike
they
> > bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may
be
> > the answer and a pressure gauge.
> >
> > What do people think and what pump would be recommended?
>
> When out and about, the zefal HPx is the pump to choose.
>
> When at home a track pump they normally have pressure guages built in.
>
> 20 stone is 280lbs so the tires will bulge enough to get ~ 3 square inches
> of tire on the road at 90psi, spread over the 2 tires. If you pop a
> wheelie then it will all be on one tire:-).
>
>

Following on from the track pump suggestion - they have (or they did a few
weeks ago) one in Argos with a built in pressure gauge - for about 8 quid
(complete with adaptor for Presta valves and metal pump barrel for extra
strength) - not as sexy as the Joe Blow BUT for 8 quid it does it for me.

Also to endorse the pressure level comments - look on the side of the tyre
and then inflate to about 5 per cent more - the difference in rolling
resistance is amazing (same tip for a car, over inflate a little and you get
better fuel consumption and much longer tyre life)

RG

[RG]

"Chris Gerhard" > wrote in message
...
> Paul Stevenson wrote:
> > Hi all,
> >
> > please forgive what might seem a naive question.
> >
> > I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> > rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even
when
> > I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike
they
> > bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may
be
> > the answer and a pressure gauge.
> >
> > What do people think and what pump would be recommended?
>
> When out and about, the zefal HPx is the pump to choose.
>
> When at home a track pump they normally have pressure guages built in.
>
> 20 stone is 280lbs so the tires will bulge enough to get ~ 3 square inches
> of tire on the road at 90psi, spread over the 2 tires. If you pop a
> wheelie then it will all be on one tire:-).
>
>

Following on from the track pump suggestion - they have (or they did a few
weeks ago) one in Argos with a built in pressure gauge - for about 8 quid
(complete with adaptor for Presta valves and metal pump barrel for extra
strength) - not as sexy as the Joe Blow BUT for 8 quid it does it for me.

Also to endorse the pressure level comments - look on the side of the tyre
and then inflate to about 5 per cent more - the difference in rolling
resistance is amazing (same tip for a car, over inflate a little and you get
better fuel consumption and much longer tyre life)

RG

[Niv]

> (same tip for a car, over inflate a little and you get
> better fuel consumption and much longer tyre life)

Are you sure about that?
Doesn't the centre wear out faster then the edges.
After all, the manufactures spend quite some time
on getting these figures right (well, I assume they do).

Anyway, my road bikes run at 6+ bar, around 100psi,
my MTB at <3 bar, and my car at ~ 36psi.

Right , I'm now all tyred out.

Niv

[Niv]

> (same tip for a car, over inflate a little and you get
> better fuel consumption and much longer tyre life)

Are you sure about that?
Doesn't the centre wear out faster then the edges.
After all, the manufactures spend quite some time
on getting these figures right (well, I assume they do).

Anyway, my road bikes run at 6+ bar, around 100psi,
my MTB at <3 bar, and my car at ~ 36psi.

Right , I'm now all tyred out.

Niv

[Robert Bruce]

> (same tip for a car, over inflate a little and you get
> better fuel consumption and much longer tyre life)

WARNING: I once bought a new van, misread the recommended tyre pressures,
overinflated by not more than 10% and nearly killed several people by
skidding on a dry corner at what should have been reasonable speed.
Manufacturers' recommended tyre pressures are NOT approximate and are
precision calculated.

--
Rob

Please keep conversations in the newsgroup so that all may contribute and
benefit.

[Robert Bruce]

> (same tip for a car, over inflate a little and you get
> better fuel consumption and much longer tyre life)

WARNING: I once bought a new van, misread the recommended tyre pressures,
overinflated by not more than 10% and nearly killed several people by
skidding on a dry corner at what should have been reasonable speed.
Manufacturers' recommended tyre pressures are NOT approximate and are
precision calculated.

--
Rob

Please keep conversations in the newsgroup so that all may contribute and
benefit.

[Lee]

"Simon Brooke" > wrote in message
. uk...

>
> My road bike tyres run at 120 psi.
>
> --
> (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/
>
> See one nuclear war, you've seen them all.

oh right, well seeing as how im new to all this ;-)

I suppose its cos I have a MTB (says on the tyre inflate to 40PSI) and needs
regular top ups to keep it there!

[Lee]

"Simon Brooke" > wrote in message
. uk...

>
> My road bike tyres run at 120 psi.
>
> --
> (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/
>
> See one nuclear war, you've seen them all.

oh right, well seeing as how im new to all this ;-)

I suppose its cos I have a MTB (says on the tyre inflate to 40PSI) and needs
regular top ups to keep it there!

[Peter Clinch]

Lee wrote:

> I suppose its cos I have a MTB (says on the tyre inflate to 40PSI) and needs
> regular top ups to keep it there!

Sounds like you have rather grot valves if "regular" is anything like,
say, once a fortnight (just a figure plucked from the ether, but far
more frequently than I have to top up my tyres).

40 is okay for off-road where softer works better, but on tarmac you'd
find your progress *considerably* enhanced with a set of road tyres
running at twice that.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[Peter Clinch]

Lee wrote:

> I suppose its cos I have a MTB (says on the tyre inflate to 40PSI) and needs
> regular top ups to keep it there!

Sounds like you have rather grot valves if "regular" is anything like,
say, once a fortnight (just a figure plucked from the ether, but far
more frequently than I have to top up my tyres).

40 is okay for off-road where softer works better, but on tarmac you'd
find your progress *considerably* enhanced with a set of road tyres
running at twice that.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[Daz]

"Paul Stevenson" > wrote in message >...
> Hi all,
>
> please forgive what might seem a naive question.
>
> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even when
> I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
> bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may be
> the answer and a pressure gauge.
>
> What do people think and what pump would be recommended?
>
> thanks
>
> Paul

Paul, a decent track pump is what you need (Topeak, Blackburn etc),
and some decent tyres which you can pump up to a sizeable pressure
(sorry, dunno what types 'cos I don't ride a tourer), say 100 psi or
greater.

[Daz]

"Paul Stevenson" > wrote in message >...
> Hi all,
>
> please forgive what might seem a naive question.
>
> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even when
> I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
> bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may be
> the answer and a pressure gauge.
>
> What do people think and what pump would be recommended?
>
> thanks
>
> Paul

Paul, a decent track pump is what you need (Topeak, Blackburn etc),
and some decent tyres which you can pump up to a sizeable pressure
(sorry, dunno what types 'cos I don't ride a tourer), say 100 psi or
greater.

[Arthur Clune]

Niv > wrote:
:> (same tip for a car, over inflate a little and you get
:> better fuel consumption and much longer tyre life)

: Are you sure about that?
: Doesn't the centre wear out faster then the edges.
: After all, the manufactures spend quite some time
: on getting these figures right (well, I assume they do).

You can over inflate tyres, but usually it increases straight
line speed at the expense of cornering. I tend to just stick to the
numbers.

If you are a lot heavier than the "average" cyclist (like the OP) then you
may find it helpful to over inflate a little, but I'd be careful - you'd
probably be better with slighty wider tyres run at the correct pressure
if you still have problems.

Arthur

--
Arthur Clune http://www.clune.org
"Technolibertarians make a philosophy out of a personality defect"
- Paulina Borsook

[Arthur Clune]

Niv > wrote:
:> (same tip for a car, over inflate a little and you get
:> better fuel consumption and much longer tyre life)

: Are you sure about that?
: Doesn't the centre wear out faster then the edges.
: After all, the manufactures spend quite some time
: on getting these figures right (well, I assume they do).

You can over inflate tyres, but usually it increases straight
line speed at the expense of cornering. I tend to just stick to the
numbers.

If you are a lot heavier than the "average" cyclist (like the OP) then you
may find it helpful to over inflate a little, but I'd be careful - you'd
probably be better with slighty wider tyres run at the correct pressure
if you still have problems.

Arthur

--
Arthur Clune http://www.clune.org
"Technolibertarians make a philosophy out of a personality defect"
- Paulina Borsook

[Lee]

"Peter Clinch" > wrote in message
...
> Lee wrote:
>
> > I suppose its cos I have a MTB (says on the tyre inflate to 40PSI) and
needs
> > regular top ups to keep it there!
>
> Sounds like you have rather grot valves if "regular" is anything like,
> say, once a fortnight (just a figure plucked from the ether, but far
> more frequently than I have to top up my tyres).
>
> 40 is okay for off-road where softer works better, but on tarmac you'd
> find your progress *considerably* enhanced with a set of road tyres
> running at twice that.
>
> Pete.
> --
> Peter Clinch University of Dundee
> Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
> Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
> net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
>

Mmmm so i understand, might be time for some new tyres!

[Lee]

"Peter Clinch" > wrote in message
...
> Lee wrote:
>
> > I suppose its cos I have a MTB (says on the tyre inflate to 40PSI) and
needs
> > regular top ups to keep it there!
>
> Sounds like you have rather grot valves if "regular" is anything like,
> say, once a fortnight (just a figure plucked from the ether, but far
> more frequently than I have to top up my tyres).
>
> 40 is okay for off-road where softer works better, but on tarmac you'd
> find your progress *considerably* enhanced with a set of road tyres
> running at twice that.
>
> Pete.
> --
> Peter Clinch University of Dundee
> Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
> Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
> net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
>

Mmmm so i understand, might be time for some new tyres!

[Daren Austin]

"Paul Stevenson" > wrote in message >...
> Hi all,
>
> please forgive what might seem a naive question.
>
> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even when
> I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
> bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may be
> the answer and a pressure gauge.
>
> What do people think and what pump would be recommended?
>
> thanks
>
> Paul

Contrary to what others have said electric pumps can be fine. I now
use a Bosch hand-held Cordless Pressure Pump, which came free with my
drill (PAG9.6V). It pumps to over 8bar so handles my road, track and
MTB tyres.

This is my home/workshop pump and has made the Silca track pump
redundant.

If you are after a single pump to do it all, then I would recommend
either a Zefal HPX frame pump, or a Blackburn minipump with gauge.

I would pump the tyres to about 60PSI for road use. You don't say what
width your tyres are, but for your weight I wouldn't look at tyres
less than 28mm.

Kind regards,

Daren

[Daren Austin]

"Paul Stevenson" > wrote in message >...
> Hi all,
>
> please forgive what might seem a naive question.
>
> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres. I
> rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone. Even when
> I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I mount the bike they
> bulge quite a bit. I rather suspect that some sort of electric pump may be
> the answer and a pressure gauge.
>
> What do people think and what pump would be recommended?
>
> thanks
>
> Paul

Contrary to what others have said electric pumps can be fine. I now
use a Bosch hand-held Cordless Pressure Pump, which came free with my
drill (PAG9.6V). It pumps to over 8bar so handles my road, track and
MTB tyres.

This is my home/workshop pump and has made the Silca track pump
redundant.

If you are after a single pump to do it all, then I would recommend
either a Zefal HPX frame pump, or a Blackburn minipump with gauge.

I would pump the tyres to about 60PSI for road use. You don't say what
width your tyres are, but for your weight I wouldn't look at tyres
less than 28mm.

Kind regards,

Daren

[Peter Clinch]

Lee wrote:

> Mmmm so i understand, might be time for some new tyres!

If you're riding an MTB with its original knobblies on the road for
anything other than getting to the off-road, you're spending a lot of
effort you don't need to. A set of road slicks will allow you to go
faster with less effort and they'll very probably improve cornering at
speed as well. And be quieter and more comfortable to ride on.

Nothing beats knobblies for soft/loose conditions, but outside of that
they're pretty ghastly and just suck the life out of a bike on a road.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[Peter Clinch]

Lee wrote:

> Mmmm so i understand, might be time for some new tyres!

If you're riding an MTB with its original knobblies on the road for
anything other than getting to the off-road, you're spending a lot of
effort you don't need to. A set of road slicks will allow you to go
faster with less effort and they'll very probably improve cornering at
speed as well. And be quieter and more comfortable to ride on.

Nothing beats knobblies for soft/loose conditions, but outside of that
they're pretty ghastly and just suck the life out of a bike on a road.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[Lee]

"Peter Clinch" > wrote in message
...
> Lee wrote:
>
> > Mmmm so i understand, might be time for some new tyres!
>
> If you're riding an MTB with its original knobblies on the road for
> anything other than getting to the off-road, you're spending a lot of
> effort you don't need to. A set of road slicks will allow you to go
> faster with less effort and they'll very probably improve cornering at
> speed as well. And be quieter and more comfortable to ride on.
>
> Nothing beats knobblies for soft/loose conditions, but outside of that
> they're pretty ghastly and just suck the life out of a bike on a road.
>
> Pete.
> --
> Peter Clinch University of Dundee
> Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
> Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
> net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
>

Yes, i do have the knobblies on - are they better for winter (snow etc.)
riding or doesnt it make much difference?

[Lee]

"Peter Clinch" > wrote in message
...
> Lee wrote:
>
> > Mmmm so i understand, might be time for some new tyres!
>
> If you're riding an MTB with its original knobblies on the road for
> anything other than getting to the off-road, you're spending a lot of
> effort you don't need to. A set of road slicks will allow you to go
> faster with less effort and they'll very probably improve cornering at
> speed as well. And be quieter and more comfortable to ride on.
>
> Nothing beats knobblies for soft/loose conditions, but outside of that
> they're pretty ghastly and just suck the life out of a bike on a road.
>
> Pete.
> --
> Peter Clinch University of Dundee
> Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
> Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
> net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
>

Yes, i do have the knobblies on - are they better for winter (snow etc.)
riding or doesnt it make much difference?

[W K]

"Peter Clinch" > wrote in message
...

> If you're riding an MTB with its original knobblies on the road for
> anything other than getting to the off-road, you're spending a lot of
> effort you don't need to.

On the positive side you can get far more fitness benefit from the same
commute.

[W K]

"Peter Clinch" > wrote in message
...

> If you're riding an MTB with its original knobblies on the road for
> anything other than getting to the off-road, you're spending a lot of
> effort you don't need to.

On the positive side you can get far more fitness benefit from the same
commute.

[Simon Brooke]

Peter Clinch > writes:

> Lee wrote:
>
> > Mmmm so i understand, might be time for some new tyres!
>
> If you're riding an MTB with its original knobblies on the road for
> anything other than getting to the off-road, you're spending a lot of
> effort you don't need to. A set of road slicks will allow you to go
> faster with less effort and they'll very probably improve cornering at
> speed as well. And be quieter and more comfortable to ride on.

What do people think of the tyres with a strong central rib and
knobbly shoulders (I'm thinking about the Specialized Crossroads
EX). Reason - we're planning to do the C2C in the spring and I'm still
debating which bike to take. I don't want to ride far on the road with
serious knobblies, but I don't want to be on slicks when we get to the
bumpier bits. Taking a hill bike with hybrid tyres seems a possible
option.

--
(Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

Wise man with foot in mouth use opportunity to clean toes.
;; the Worlock

[Simon Brooke]

Peter Clinch > writes:

> Lee wrote:
>
> > Mmmm so i understand, might be time for some new tyres!
>
> If you're riding an MTB with its original knobblies on the road for
> anything other than getting to the off-road, you're spending a lot of
> effort you don't need to. A set of road slicks will allow you to go
> faster with less effort and they'll very probably improve cornering at
> speed as well. And be quieter and more comfortable to ride on.

What do people think of the tyres with a strong central rib and
knobbly shoulders (I'm thinking about the Specialized Crossroads
EX). Reason - we're planning to do the C2C in the spring and I'm still
debating which bike to take. I don't want to ride far on the road with
serious knobblies, but I don't want to be on slicks when we get to the
bumpier bits. Taking a hill bike with hybrid tyres seems a possible
option.

--
(Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

Wise man with foot in mouth use opportunity to clean toes.
;; the Worlock

[Simon Brooke]

"Lee" <gnippernospampleasemuchly@nospampleasemuchlyverymu ch.btinternet.com> writes:

> "Peter Clinch" > wrote in message
> ...
> > If you're riding an MTB with its original knobblies on the road for
> > anything other than getting to the off-road, you're spending a lot of
> > effort you don't need to. A set of road slicks will allow you to go
> > faster with less effort and they'll very probably improve cornering at
> > speed as well. And be quieter and more comfortable to ride on.
> >
> > Nothing beats knobblies for soft/loose conditions, but outside of that
> > they're pretty ghastly and just suck the life out of a bike on a road.
>
> Yes, i do have the knobblies on - are they better for winter (snow etc.)
> riding or doesnt it make much difference?

If you're riding on tarmac, yes, they do make a difference, but not in
any helpful way. Winter or summer (unless there's deep snow, but
that's very rare). Knobblies and tarmac just aren't friendly to each
other - you'd be better off with good road tyres. Knobblies don't grip
tarmac well, increase rolling resistance and wear out at a horrendous
rate. Obviously, on mud and loose surfaces there's nothing to beat
them but on the road they are a liability.

--
(Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

Wise man with foot in mouth use opportunity to clean toes.
;; the Worlock

[Simon Brooke]

"Lee" <gnippernospampleasemuchly@nospampleasemuchlyverymu ch.btinternet.com> writes:

> "Peter Clinch" > wrote in message
> ...
> > If you're riding an MTB with its original knobblies on the road for
> > anything other than getting to the off-road, you're spending a lot of
> > effort you don't need to. A set of road slicks will allow you to go
> > faster with less effort and they'll very probably improve cornering at
> > speed as well. And be quieter and more comfortable to ride on.
> >
> > Nothing beats knobblies for soft/loose conditions, but outside of that
> > they're pretty ghastly and just suck the life out of a bike on a road.
>
> Yes, i do have the knobblies on - are they better for winter (snow etc.)
> riding or doesnt it make much difference?

If you're riding on tarmac, yes, they do make a difference, but not in
any helpful way. Winter or summer (unless there's deep snow, but
that's very rare). Knobblies and tarmac just aren't friendly to each
other - you'd be better off with good road tyres. Knobblies don't grip
tarmac well, increase rolling resistance and wear out at a horrendous
rate. Obviously, on mud and loose surfaces there's nothing to beat
them but on the road they are a liability.

--
(Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

Wise man with foot in mouth use opportunity to clean toes.
;; the Worlock

[Paul Stevenson]

Hi all,

thanks for the excellent advice from one and all! :-)

I,ve not cycled seiously now for about 15 years, I used to use the bike to
commute across Leicester, and was looking at the bike and thinking it would
be great to get back on it.

Anyway a decent pump has been ordered, we shall see how it goes.

Paul

[Paul Stevenson]

Hi all,

thanks for the excellent advice from one and all! :-)

I,ve not cycled seiously now for about 15 years, I used to use the bike to
commute across Leicester, and was looking at the bike and thinking it would
be great to get back on it.

Anyway a decent pump has been ordered, we shall see how it goes.

Paul

[Arthur Clune]

Simon Brooke > wrote:

: What do people think of the tyres with a strong central rib and
: knobbly shoulders (I'm thinking about the Specialized Crossroads
: EX). Reason - we're planning to do the C2C in the spring and I'm still
: debating which bike to take.

I prefer some semi-slicks myself - better both on and off road.

Something like these:

http://www.cambriabike.com/tires/tioga_factory_xc_slick_front-rear_tire.htm
http://www.cambriabike.com/tires/geax_mezcal_front-rear_tire.htm

My experience with the big-ridge-in-centre tyres is that they are just
designed for people who want poodle to the shops on something that looks
like a MTB and work well neither on or off road.


Arthur

--
Arthur Clune http://www.clune.org
"Technolibertarians make a philosophy out of a personality defect"
- Paulina Borsook

[Arthur Clune]

Simon Brooke > wrote:

: What do people think of the tyres with a strong central rib and
: knobbly shoulders (I'm thinking about the Specialized Crossroads
: EX). Reason - we're planning to do the C2C in the spring and I'm still
: debating which bike to take.

I prefer some semi-slicks myself - better both on and off road.

Something like these:

http://www.cambriabike.com/tires/tioga_factory_xc_slick_front-rear_tire.htm
http://www.cambriabike.com/tires/geax_mezcal_front-rear_tire.htm

My experience with the big-ridge-in-centre tyres is that they are just
designed for people who want poodle to the shops on something that looks
like a MTB and work well neither on or off road.


Arthur

--
Arthur Clune http://www.clune.org
"Technolibertarians make a philosophy out of a personality defect"
- Paulina Borsook

[Pete Biggs]

Paul Stevenson wrote:
> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres.
> I rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone.
> Even when I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I
> mount the bike they bulge quite a bit.

Tyres are *supposed* to bulge when you sit on the bike.
See: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tyres.html#pressure

But if the "quite a bit" is really quite a lot then more pressure may
indeed help (prevent pinch flats and excessive wear, and reduce rolling
resistance). A bit over the recommended max (marked on tyre) in the rear
tyre is likely to better support your weight.

> I rather suspect that some
> sort of electric pump may be the answer and a pressure gauge.

Nah, get a decent track pump (aka floor pump) with a built-in gauge.

> what pump would be recommended?

Silca Super Pista (from Parker International) or any good track pump your
LBS recommends.

~PB

[Pete Biggs]

Paul Stevenson wrote:
> I have difficulty getting enough pressure into my touring bike tyres.
> I rather think that my weight may be some of the problem, 20 stone.
> Even when I've pumped the tyres to what appears rock hard once I
> mount the bike they bulge quite a bit.

Tyres are *supposed* to bulge when you sit on the bike.
See: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tyres.html#pressure

But if the "quite a bit" is really quite a lot then more pressure may
indeed help (prevent pinch flats and excessive wear, and reduce rolling
resistance). A bit over the recommended max (marked on tyre) in the rear
tyre is likely to better support your weight.

> I rather suspect that some
> sort of electric pump may be the answer and a pressure gauge.

Nah, get a decent track pump (aka floor pump) with a built-in gauge.

> what pump would be recommended?

Silca Super Pista (from Parker International) or any good track pump your
LBS recommends.

~PB