Today I got delivery of the Park Tool PMP 4 Mini Pump at work. I bought it online from Happy Earth - a store in Bangalore that stocks various top quality brands. I guess they are the official importers of Park Tools in India. They also import other reputed brands for cycling accessories and components.I bought this as a supplement to my Firefox regular floor standing pump. While that remains the main pump at home (and it works very well too), this new pump, being extremely handy, will accompany me on my long tours. Whenever I go out cycling, I am mortally scared of a puncture out on the road. I have a new spare tube in the saddle bag of my road bike, as a precaution, as well as few tyre levers to take out the tyre. But I doubt that I will ever get a Presta valve compatible pump anywhere on the streets in India. So the tube would be as good as useless unless I also carry a Presta to Schrader adapter, which is not available in Calcutta. Touchwood, so far I have not had any puncture since I started cycling at this old age. But I know, it is not a question of whether but when. I must be prepared.
This particular pump came equipped with the system to accommodate both Presta and Schrader valves. As it came from the factory it was set for Schrader type valves. I changed it for my Presta valve road bike. I tried it out immediately. It works just fine. Of course the strokes are small so I will need to pump in a lot of times but that's fine and better than nothing. I did an actual mock test with the tube inside the tyre. With all my strength I could pump it up to only 30 psi (as measured by the gauge on my floor pump), which is ridiculously low for the rear wheel and somehow acceptable for the front wheel.
But something is better than nothing and if at all I use it on the road, I have to be careful not to hit a major pot hole and reach the nearest pump as soon as possible or home - whichever is closer.
Only problem with this pump is in the absence of a gauge, one has to depend on manually pressing the tyre to check if it is good to go. This pump is rated for 90 psi, which is fine for me. Being lighter than 65 kg I go for 85 psi in my rear wheel and 60 for the front. In an emergency situation the exact pressure is not important to know. Just ensure that it is hard enough not to give a pinch puncture and pedal on. But I have half a mind to go for this. Problem is it's more expensive than the little pump itself :-) But of course it can be used in the car and motor bike as well. But before getting it I also need to buy a Presta to Schrader adapter. Otherwise I cannot use it for my road bike.
The pump comes with a bracket to attach it to the frame. I have not quite been able to work out how to use it. The back pocket of my cycling jersey, I guess is good enough.
But something is better than nothing and if at all I use it on the road, I have to be careful not to hit a major pot hole and reach the nearest pump as soon as possible or home - whichever is closer.
Only problem with this pump is in the absence of a gauge, one has to depend on manually pressing the tyre to check if it is good to go. This pump is rated for 90 psi, which is fine for me. Being lighter than 65 kg I go for 85 psi in my rear wheel and 60 for the front. In an emergency situation the exact pressure is not important to know. Just ensure that it is hard enough not to give a pinch puncture and pedal on. But I have half a mind to go for this. Problem is it's more expensive than the little pump itself :-) But of course it can be used in the car and motor bike as well. But before getting it I also need to buy a Presta to Schrader adapter. Otherwise I cannot use it for my road bike.The pump comes with a bracket to attach it to the frame. I have not quite been able to work out how to use it. The back pocket of my cycling jersey, I guess is good enough.
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| This is how the pump is mounted. The bike is mounted in my DIY stand |
The above review was published on April 23, 2018. However, it was written in October. As per my record I had placed the order on October 24, 2017. Exactly six months ago. Would have got it in a few days.
