Inflating Using a Mini-Pump

[Octet]

I've just checked my tyres and I can push them down a small amount, so I thought I would give them a bit of a pump.
I took out the mini-pump for the first time, attached it to the Presta valve and I've started pumping.. and pumping... and pumping.

I understand that they would take longer as the pump is only small, but I've been pumping for about 40 minutes attempting to get only a small amount of air into the tyres and I just cannot get it to inflate.
I've checked that the valve is open, and I've gone through the instructions on the mini pump to the letter.

Am I doing something wrong?
Should the mini-pump get that tiny bit at the end?
How long should it take?

I've got the Bontragner Airrush Road mini-pump that can do both hand and Co2 pumping.

Thanks

(still need to get a track pump, it is on my things to do list)

 

[byegad]

I can get a tyre up to around 50psi with a Morph style mini pump, it does take time. For higher pressures on the road I use CO2. At home I have a decent track pump that'll get 120psi tyres hard in just a few strokes and fill a 20x2" balloon tyre to 70psi in just a few strokes.

So I carry CO2 and a Morph mini pump on my trikes. In an emergency the 50psi is enough to get me home even on my 'narrow' 1.5" tyres on one trike.

 

[summerdays]

What sort of valve ... is it the sort where you press down the middle part before you start?

Edit: noticed it is. Have you pressed the middle bit down and released some air?

 

[Octet]

I've just used one of the Co2 cartridges that comes with it to get it to a 'hard' state, as I say I still need to get a track pump with a gauge so I know in the future.
But on the road side, after a flat... I wouldn't want to have to pump for two or so hours?

 

[Peter Armstrong]

Last time I used a mini pump it broke in my hands and accidently punched the wheel and cut my hand.

 

[Octet]

I've been used to a large pump with a Schrader valve previously.
Slight dilemma now, I've got the Co2 cartridge installed but the instructions say not to remove it until completely emptied for safety. Does that mean I need to empty it in to the air, or can I transport it as is?

The instructions aren't really that clear, sorry for the questions with probably obvious answers

 

[byegad]

Transport as is and carry several spares; the N+1 rule applies, where N is the number you are carrying and N+1 is the number you will need.

 

[Octet]

Transport as is and carry several spares; the N+1 rule applies, where N is the number you are carrying and N+1 is the number you will need.

Thanks, I've got one spare and shall be heading down to the LBS to get a track pump and some more cartridges.

 

[byegad]

Buy the cartridges on line in bulk, they are a lot cheaper than the LBS charge. I bought 40 or so several years ago and still have a supply.

 

[PpPete]

Transport as is and carry several spares; the N+1 rule applies, where N is the number you are carrying and N+1 is the number you will need.

Having bought a CO2 inflator and considered exactly this ^^^^ I decided that a "sensible" number of cartridges would weigh more than a good quality mini pump.
The bold in the previous sentence is there for a reason.
Despite recommendations for the MiniMorph, my previous experience with other Topeak mini pumps was so poor (unlike their excellent track pumps) that I decided on a Lezyne Road Drive. Yes it takes a little longer than CO2, but I can get to a rideable 100 psi on a 700x25 tyre with a pumping time less than the time needed to remove wheel and change inner tubes, and it weighs less than an AirChuck + 2 cartridges.

 

[Octet]

Thanks, shall look at the Lezyne and see whether it is worth me switching at the moment or sticking with the mini pump and CO2

 

[cyberknight]

Having bought a CO2 inflator and considered exactly this ^^^^ I decided that a "sensible" number of cartridges would weigh more than a good quality mini pump.
The bold in the previous sentence is there for a reason.
Despite recommendations for the MiniMorph, my previous experience with other Topeak mini pumps was so poor (unlike their excellent track pumps) that I decided on a Lezyne Road Drive. Yes it takes a little longer than CO2, but I can get to a rideable 100 psi on a 700x25 tyre with a pumping time less than the time needed to remove wheel and change inner tubes, and it weighs less than an AirChuck + 2 cartridges.

Although i would have to say bad luck with the topeak as i have always found their pumps fantastic i would wholeheartedly agree with your sentiments on carrying a pump and a C02 inflator.
For commuting i carry the road morph which can get to 100 + psi very quickly , for the "weekender" i currently have a racerocket but i must admit i have never had to use it ...yet (shhhhh !)

 

[oldgreyandslow]

Just a quick question if I may hijack the thread a bit:
How do these mount? I have a minipump, can't recall the make just now so it must be good, but it has a mount that screws into the seat tube bottle cage fixings, which is great. Are both the Road Morph and the Lezyne mount in a similar way?

 

[Octet]

The only way I can think of them mounting would be in either the bottle cage or as Velcro strap type thing.
The Bontragner uses the bottle cage mounts, I don't unfortunately know about the Lezyne or Road Morph though.

(and sure, add away providing it is relevant (ie. pumps))

Got my track pump today as well, £32 (not sure if that is cheap or expensive) and the gauge goes up to 160 PSI (so I am guessing I could get close to, if not that, if I had tyres that could handle that pressure).

 

[Saluki]

We use a mini pump, a Topeak Mini DX, we can get about 65psi in the tyres without too much bother. The tyre is hard enough to get us home after a flat. After that it all gets far too much like hard work. OH can get more air in but I have an iffy right wrist and it starts to hurt about 65psi if I keep pumping. It doesn't take long to pump the tyre up either.