Bicycle pump

[Dilbertian]

This is ridiculous. I cannot keep having to ask dh to pump up my wheels. It's something I've always struggled with. Even when I was a fit teen I preferred to use the air thing at the petrol station, and now that I'm (much) older, fatter and weaker I cannot get the wheels anywhere near firm enough with a conventional bike pump. We've got several, ranging from about 8" long to about 16" long.

Is there another solution (preferably that doesn't cost ££££)?

Track pump.

Google tells me Halfords do one for £12. Decathlon one for £15. They normally make light work of getting the air in.

Yep, track pumps are a god-send. No more excessive efforts in squeezing the last bit in - and chasing the wheel round the room.

a handful of downward pushes and job done.

Track pump or car tyre pump if schraeder valve.

I always manage to lose more air putting the pump on/off the valve than I manage to pump in to the tyre

Bontrager track pump. Just got one, metal base and apparently spares are available if you need them.

I have fallen down a rabbit hole of pumps and valves - who knew there were so many different types?! There are even rechargeable electric pumps that fit on a bike I may get one of those, because I'm not sure my decrepit back would cope with the bending for a track pump.

Only... a little concerned that everyone has recommended a track pump, and nobody has mentioned an electric pump.

I'd say that if your back's well enough to ride a bike you can use a track pump. But an electric one would be less effort!

Lidl sells track pumps for £10, electric pump costs £20+?

Valve the same as a car tyre=Schrader

Thinner with screw in top=Presta

Those are the main two. Schrader generally easier to pump as less leakage.

I’m a very keen rider and have never ever seen or heard of people using electric pumps, so I assume they’re a gimmick/solution to a non existent problem.

You could always use a track pump whilst sat on a chair so you’re not bending over- they are so so easy compared to a normal pump.

I shall have to go to a real shop and play with a track pump. I cannot manage the pull-and-push pump we have for inflatables. Cycling, my spine moves relatively little. Exerting force with my back bent over, particularly pulling upwards, is very stressful for my spine.

Thanks for the explanation on your back. I hope that you find something suitable! Track pumps only pump on the downstroke, unlike push pull pumps which are designed for high volume output.

I remember having to buy ds an expensive little pump that could do a high enough pressure for his racing. All I can remember about it was that it was all metal. I went to our LBS and asked their advice.

@ForestDad

Thanks for the explanation on your back. I hope that you find something suitable! Track pumps only pump on the downstroke, unlike push pull pumps which are designed for high volume output.

That's interesting. I assumed these were also pull-and-push pumps, given the footplates and their speed. Definitely needs a play at a bike shop.

I've got a joe blow track pump. Have had it for about ten years and it's still going strong.

Have you looked at co2 pumps that use a small canister to blast air into your tyre.

Have a look here.

www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/7-of-the-best-co2-inflators-1351/amp