estimating pressure without a gauge

[garrilla]

I have juast got the Topeak Mini Morph without properly checking the features, so I missed that it doesn't have gauge (WTF?)

So, does anyone have any tricks for estimating 100psi without recourse to a gauge?

Or, should I return the pump and get one with a gauge - I currently have a Beto Mini, but I struggle to inflate to more than 80-85psi

 

[Downward]

Hard to get 100psi out a mini pump.
I have a track pump no guage. LBS told me you know it's hard enough when you can just make a dent in the tyre with your thumb.

 

[Mr Pig]

I've got a Tesco track pump, cost about £12 and seems to work fine.

 

[dodgy]

Not much point having a gauge on a mini-pump, they're an emergency tool really. Now a track pump is a different matter.

 

[Big John]

Track pump every time. Lidl's do a real cheapo for about £5. They work too! You really need a gauge because too much pressure can be dangerous.

 

[Tynan]

track pump ain't going to help you at the side of the road ffs, jeez

I always think the centre of the tyre should be like rock, if i can dent it, it's suspect

I think I've got the mini morph, kinda baby track pump? I get up to the 60s befoe I start to lose interest, it's enough to get home on ok which is good enough

 

[bonj2]

I have juast got the Topeak Mini Morph without properly checking the features, so I missed that it doesn't have gauge (WTF?)

So, does anyone have any tricks for estimating 100psi without recourse to a gauge?

Or, should I return the pump and get one with a gauge - I currently have a Beto Mini, but I struggle to inflate to more than 80-85psi

a bit less than the pressure at which it explodes.

 

[andrew_s]

options:
a) use a track pump with a gauge at home, and squeeze the tyre after inflation so you get to know what 100psi feels like with your tyres.

get a separate gauge. Schwalbe were giving away basic ones with inner tubes at one time, or alternatively something like this, this or this. Something extra to carry, but at least it would be accurate, which one on a mini-pump probably wouldn't be.

 

[phil_hg_uk]

Return it and get one with a gauge, I have the Road Morph and it has a gauge and a little fold down stand thing and a fold out handle used it a few times and it works very well. In fact it looks alot like the one you have judging from the pics except is has a gauge.

 

[Mr Pig]

track pump ain't going to help you at the side of the road ffs, jeez

I think the point is that you don't need a gauge on a mini-pump because it's a just a 'get-you-home' tool and you don't want to use a mini-pump at home because they're too slow and struggle to get to high pressures.

So the pump he's bought is fine and he should buy a track pump for the house.

 

[Downward]

Intresting mythbuster on pressure in Mays Clycling Plus Mag

 

[jimboalee]

Pump the tyre up until it feels hard. I presume its a 23 or 25 mm profile tyre on a 700 rim to be rated at 100 psi.

When you think its hard enough, grab the handlebars and the back of the saddle and put your belly on the saddle. You need to be standing beside the bike to do this

Put all your weight on the saddle by lifting your feet off the ground and balancing for a short while - 1 second will do. Longer is better.

Look at the tyres while you do this and the rear should compress so it widens by about 1 mm each side. The front less than 1 mm each side.

Its a good idea to do this when you KNOW there is 100 psi in the tyres so you can do a comparison.

It's not accurate, but after a puncture, it will get you to the next opportunity to borrow a gauge.