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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

311.0. "Info on Zefal "X" Pumps???" by AQUA::ROST (But are they friendly spirits?) Mon May 11 1987 20:56

    First off, let me apologize if there is already a note on this subject,
    but a directory search on "pumps" didn't  turn one up and since 
    I can't find any keywords...
    
    Over the last ten years or so I have used Zefal HP pumps with no
    major problems.  This includes a period of about two years where
    I averaged *at least* a flat a day due to what was eventually diagnosed
    as an oversized valve hole in my rim (replaced the rim and the flats
    stopped).  So that pump got a lot of use, but after about seven
    years it was retired and loaned to a friend after the plastic pieces
    which fit it to the frame wore down enough that the pump bounced
    off the bike evry two minutes or so.  I still have my HP number
    two as of this writing.  BTW, I am one of those who refuses to go
    Continental and still uses Schrader valves.
    
    Anyway, to make a long story short, I recently bought a new bike
    and while in the shop noticed a newer Zefal pump called I believe
    thw "X" or some such.  This pump boasted two features.  One, it
    would mount to my frame (which has the pump braze ons) without needing
    the metal bracket I currently use and more importantly it has a
    mechanism for locking the spring so that when pumping no effort
    is lost in compressing the spring.
    
    Has anyone used one of these pumps who would care to give a review
    vis a vis the old HP model?  Does the spring lock feature really
    make a difference? Should I shell out around 20 clams to buy 
    one and give my HP to my wife who never gets flats anyway?
    
    P.S. I'm really curious only about the Zefal at this point, so replies
    relative to other makes of pumps probably belong elsewhere.
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311.1Pump it upULTRA::SEIDENMon May 11 1987 21:4816
    I recently shelled out the 20 clams for the HP X3 and, unfortunately,
    seem to be getting too much opportunity to use it.  
    
    While it performs fine, it's the first frame pump I've owned, so
    I cannot to compare it to any others.  As far as saving effort,
    it still doesn't compare with the compressor at your nearest gas
    station.
    
    The "X" setting on the pump allows it to mount to the frame via
    the pump braze ons. It sits very securely, and has yet to
    accidentally dislodge, despite numerous potholes. Even better,
    it can be quickly removed (and then remounted) in flight, should
    you need to play any canine polo.  Unfortunately, the pump is a
    bit too light to do proper damage. But the dog, not being a reader
    of these notes, doesn't know that.
    
311.2see note 115NOVA::FISHERTue May 12 1987 10:3111
    No other note on pumps?  Note 115 and its 22 replies are a starter.
    
    I started to write my opinion of Zefal HPX3 when I realized that
    I already had, in note 115.7.  Reading that note, however, I see
    that I said it was an HP3.  It was an HPX3.  Great pump, unless
    it breaks.  I saw another guy who showed me broken parts from one
    last week.  He asked me if I could do anything with them.  (no was
    the reply.)
    
    ed
    
311.3Don't like spring lock feature.AITG::HUBERMANTue May 12 1987 13:113
    I find the spring lock feature annoying.  The spring absorbs the
    shock to you wrist.  When I use the spring lock feature, I get an
    unpleasant shock on each stroke.
311.4Another vote for the HP-XULTRA::WITTENBERGTue May 12 1987 14:4416
RE: .-1
>    I find the spring lock feature annoying.  The spring absorbs the
>    shock to you wrist.  When I use the spring lock feature, I get an
>    unpleasant shock on each stroke.

I find it slightly annoying at low pressures (<40 psi), but I only use
it  there  after a flat, so that doesn't bother me. By the time I'm at
80-100  psi,  where  all  the  work  is, the air pressure is more than
enough spring for me.

re .1  I  agree,  the X is easier to pump with, and comes off the bike
accidentally  much  less  often  than  any  other pump I've used. I've
mainly used Zephal pumps as they've served me well.

--David

311.5BTW plastic pieces replaceableLILAC::MAYOTue May 12 1987 16:294
    Not a real answer but....those plastic pieces can be replaced easily.
    You can purchase some at your shop for a couple of nickels or they
    might even give them to you, or your friend who has it now.
    
311.6both are comparableCSMADM::SCHWABEMon May 18 1987 13:345
    I own an Hp and my wife owns an HPx. Both perform well. The reason
    my wife went for the HPx was because the shorter HP would not fit
    against the seat tube on her Shogun 500. Buyer beware when the the
    catalogues say that the pump will fit 19" frames! The HPx fits well,
    and hasn't fallen off yet. 
311.7RGB::JIMJim PappasThu Sep 17 1987 14:344
    I have seen Zefal HPX3 and HPX4 models.  Is there a functional
    difference or size change? 
    
    /Jim Pappas
311.8It is just a size changeAQUA::OCONNORAllergic to MondaysFri Sep 18 1987 18:051