Tyre Pressure Guage or yet another new pump

[Aushiker]

First, each bike has its own pump, so I don't have to worry about remembering to switch pumps, which leads me to this week's dilemma. My HVG Lezyne Micro Floor Drive pump, which features a digital gauge that I used on my fat bike, has died, but the pump itself works fine. It is possible to get a new gauge/hose from Amazon for AU$117, a new pump but with the manual gauge is only AU$99 (but not as precise or easy to read), or the alternative is to continue using the pump but with a Topeak SmartGuage Digital Pressure Gauge (AU$55) or similar.

So

(1) Thoughts on the Topeak gauge or better gauges?
(2) Should I repair the old pump (not cost-effective).
(3) Just get a new pump with a manual gauge. Probably good enough to on a ride use and for tyre pressure changes when bikepacking.

Probably thinking the new pump ...

​

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Andrew,

If you just need a portable pressure tyre gauge, Schwalbe Airmax Pro is the best.

However, the same product is available from numerous Chinese brands under different names and colours. It always works the same, as it is the same product.
-----------------
Now, regarding the pump. One of the electronic pumps available nowadays is a good idea. However, you deserve a word of warning.

Pumps such as Cycplus AS 2 Pro are, theoretically speaking, a very good choice. An electronic pump is more compact than any mechanical pump. It has a very precise pressure gauge when you attach it to the valve, and it stops pumping when the set pressure has been approached. Usually, the pump battery should be good for two wheels, pumped from the empty inner tube. However...

These devices do break, especially the pressure sensor. I was just met with such an unpleasantry. The pressure sensor has just broken. If I kept the original packing and the purchase proof, I could send the pump back to the seller as there is a two-year warranty. But I cannot send it back. So I pump without the sensor, just counting seconds in my mind and cross examining the tyre pressure with my Airmax. Very frustrating.
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A new pump? A Topeak Mountain TT (Twin Turbo) G has a gauge, is very fast and it provides up to 4 bar. I don't think you need more. The pump can be carried on the bike, as a mount is provided. Not the smallest of pumps but it delivers a huge volume of air at each stroke (forward/rearward).

 

[fritz katzenjammer]

All of my gauges are mechanical. They are accurate enough and I’ve never had one fail.

and no batteries are needed.

 

[Underdog]

I recently bought one of these and I'm fairly impressed with it as it has done everything I have asked of it, my only negative thing to say about it is it has some heft to it, but that can also be a good thing. The battery last a long time and it fills tires fast while staying cool to the touch, and it's fairly quiet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLTTB86X?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3

 

[stompandgo]

I also have one of those Cyclus mini inflators. I would not use it as my shop pump, it's for replacing CO2 on the road. I also have a handheld gauge. Great for exact settings when you have the time, but inflation then becomes a multi-step process. Not for me. I use my floor pumps as a one stop tool.

I would not spend $117AUD to repair the old pump. I would contact Lezyne and see what they are willing to do. If you bought it from a dealer and can return, so much the better. Worst case is that they can say no, but you might end up with a new pump or a discount. Lezyne is a great company who has been working hard lately to compete with the big names. If that doesn't work, I'd buy a new pump. A new Lezyne, or something with an analog gauge? Your choice. Mine are analog.

 

[RunForTheHills]

This seems like a strange system to me. If you are fixing a flat on the side of the road, you don't need a gauge. Just go by feel. It will get you home. If you are in your garage, use a compressor or battery powered pump. My power tools are Makita, so I have been using a Makita inflator.

 

[Base]

riding like this :

would include roadside repairs and the "get to home" would be under the stars in either a tent or under a tarp... so that would need to be a good repair to last a few miles...

 

[Base]

I use different inflation systems. For the daily rides with the commuter bag with me I have a turbomorph with an analogue pressure gauge, for the casual rides I take a topeak e-booster with me (with some patches and a lever). For loaded touring I usually have another Turbomorph analogue strapped to the bike and have some spares with me and a co2 system for when we have to do a quicker job at replacing the tire (to get out of the downpoor, catch a train/ferry etc).

so I get it to have a fixed pump per ride, I would always go for an analogue version, harder to break. Although the e-booster is easy in use (although I must admit I would use my compressor at home more than that thing)

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I recently bought one of these and I'm fairly impressed with it as it has done everything I have asked of it, my only negative thing to say about it is it has some heft to it, but that can also be a good thing. The battery last a long time and it fills tires fast while staying cool to the touch, and it's fairly quiet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLTTB86X?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3

I'm giving it a try.

 

[stompandgo]

This seems like a strange system to me. If you are fixing a flat on the side of the road, you don't need a gauge. Just go by feel. It will get you home. If you are in your garage, use a compressor or battery powered pump. My power tools are Makita, so I have been using a Makita inflator.

True, unless you are purposefully adjusting pressure to adapt to terrain.

 

[Aushiker]

Andrew,

If you just need a portable pressure tyre gauge, Schwalbe Airmax Pro is the best.

View attachment 204580
However, the same product is available from numerous Chinese brands under different names and colours. It always works the same, as it is the same product.

These are not readily available here, but I do plan to place an order with Bike24, where even with the horrendous shipping charge, I can come out in front, so may delay the order (not urgent) until they have them in stock. Alternatively, Aliexpress have what appears to be the genuine Schwalbe gauge but at a higher price. There are other similar ones on Aliexpress as well, but I cannot verify the electronics with them. Mind you, given the price I may try one or two anyway, given I have three bikes that get used on multi-day rides.

-----------------
Now, regarding the pump. One of the electronic pumps available nowadays is a good idea. However, you deserve a word of warning.

Pumps such as Cycplus AS 2 Pro are, theoretically speaking, a very good choice. An electronic pump is more compact than any mechanical pump. It has a very precise pressure gauge when you attach it to the valve, and it stops pumping when the set pressure has been approached. Usually, the pump battery should be good for two wheels, pumped from the empty inner tube. However...

Been there, done that. Two Cyclami Mini Plus A2 pumps. The first was dead on arrival, and the second one, when I went to use it on a three-day ride to top up the tyres for the road section, it could not add any pressure. In fact, it slowly deflated the tyre. Thankfully, I had a good old Lezyne pump with me.

I also had a Cycplus Electric Bike Pump for use in the shed. It also ended up in the electronics recycling as it quickly got to the point where I could pump up with my floor pump quicker than it could.

So Chinese electric pumps are not an option for me at present.

-----------------
A new pump? A Topeak Mountain TT (Twin Turbo) G has a gauge, is very fast and it provides up to 4 bar. I don't think you need more. The pump can be carried on the bike, as a mount is provided. Not the smallest of pumps but it delivers a huge volume of air at each stroke (forward/rearward).

I looked at those, but when it comes to pumping up a 26" x 4" tubeless tyre, particularly if it goes flat, I prefer a mini-floor pump, also known as the Lezyne style. I had a Topeak Mountain Morph in the past, but it eventually broke. Maybe the later versions are more robust?

Anyway, thanks for the heads up on the Schwalbe Airmax Pro. That would do the trick.

 

[Aushiker]

All of my gauges are mechanical. They are accurate enough and I’ve never had one fail.

and no batteries are needed.

I have a pencil gauge which is fine, but it does not work with Presta valves, which two of my three bikes have.

 

[Aushiker]

I recently bought one of these and I'm fairly impressed with it as it has done everything I have asked of it, my only negative thing to say about it is it has some heft to it, but that can also be a good thing. The battery last a long time and it fills tires fast while staying cool to the touch, and it's fairly quiet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLTTB86X?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3

As per my reply to Stefan, I am now wary of electronic pumps from China. I would really like to see some medium-term usage feedback before I am willing to actually try one again. Once burnt, twice shy, as the saying goes

I could try a Fumpa, I guess.

 

[Aushiker]

I would not spend $117AUD to repair the old pump. I would contact Lezyne and see what they are willing to do. If you bought it from a dealer and can return, so much the better. Worst case is that they can say no, but you might end up with a new pump or a discount. Lezyne is a great company who has been working hard lately to compete with the big names. If that doesn't work, I'd buy a new pump. A new Lezyne, or something with an analog gauge? Your choice. Mine are analog.

I did contact Lezyne, and their response was in more polite terms, "bad luck." Well outside of warranty. They did not even advise me of the option to purchase a replacement guage.

 

[Aushiker]

This seems like a strange system to me. If you are fixing a flat on the side of the road, you don't need a gauge. Just go by feel. It will get you home. If you are in your garage, use a compressor or battery powered pump. My power tools are Makita, so I have been using a Makita inflator.

I take it you do not do multi-day tours or bikepacking on mixed surfaces where changing tyre pressure is necessary, more so on my fatbike

From this:


The View Made Up for the 4WD Track by Andrew Priest, on Flickr

to this


Hamersley Inlet Link Trail - Made It! - {Day 06-10} by Andrew Priest, on Flickr

to this


Someone Stole the Floodway - {Day 04-10} by Andrew Priest, on Flickr

A quick one of the Supercharger 2 in action ...

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Andrew,
Thank you for opening my eyes to the poor quality of Chinese electronic pumps!

 

[fritz katzenjammer]

Silca pumps. Top quality, rebuildable and painfully expensive but worth the investment.

 

[stompandgo]

I have a SKS Airchecker hand held gauge.

 

[Base]

I'd say SKS, Silca is way overpriced.

 

[stompandgo]

I'd say SKS, Silca is way overpriced.

I think he meant Silca floor pumps. They are rebuildable, to a point. I have an old orange Silca track pump from the 80's. I replaced the gauge and the piston leather once, but the threaded top cap is now shot. I could not find that piece anywhere.