There are tricks to making the best of a mini-pump like that on the Brompton:- 1) It's easier to hold the pump on to the valve, and to keep it there, if you grab RIGHT AROUND the wheel and tyre and squeeze the connector down ON to the valve. This is particularly helpful for the first few pump strokes, when the innertube is floppy and gives little support to the valve. 2) Holding valve and tyre together in your fist like this, also compensates for the difference in strength between the arms. If your wheel gripping hand moves a bit, SO does the bike. Therefore the pump and valve connection is not strained, and you are squeezing the valve ONTO the innertube instead of tearing it out. 3) Also, it's easier to pump if you INVERT the bike. When upside down the wheels are held up high and you can pump while standing up, which is MUCH more efficient than trying to pump strongly when all scrunched up like Gollum. Furthermore, squeezing the pump on to the whole tyre is a good deal easier at the top of the wheel, which is now where the mudguards are NOT.. and neither is the ground in the way. Of course, this all works with any bike with narrow enough tyres to get your whole hand right around. Final point: I don't normally take the wheel off at all to simply patch a tube. Just slip the tube out through one side, patch it, and put it back inside the tyre again. I only take the wheel off to CHANGE the tube or tyre.
Some very useful tips. I like the way you state the problem with plenty of evidence based upon experience, and then go on to give your solution with excellent supporting reasons, answering each of the points of evidence you supplied in the introduction. It may not be the only way to go, but I for one can't think of a better and you've convinced me. What was particularly satisfying, was that at each stage I'd think of an objection to the solution, only to hear you deal with exactly that objection straight afterward, so that in the end, I hadn't an objection to stand on! Well done on a logical, well constructed exposition.
I have just moved my saddle bag onto my touring bike and that led me to thinking about how to store the essentials. I have the Brompton tool kit stored in the frame but I now have a spare tube, some disposable gloves and a spare £20 note. stored in a zip lock bag with a zip tie attached inserted in the longer section of frame. It works really well. So if I just want to head out for an hour or so without luggage, I can. I ride the S6L black edition. One more thing I can highly recommend is the the ergon GP4 grip. It does not interfere with the fold and provides a number of comfortable riding positions. I'm glad your channel is taking off and I enjoy your content. Keep on keeping on. Thank you.
@i bike unfolded - are you going for a Cambium or leather? I have been using B17 Standard leather in black for 2,400 miles and it is perfect for the bike and my anatomy :-) The Cambium would be more of an all-weather choice, and for those averse to leather products. I have Brooks on all my bikes. Handy pump storage idea, I like that. I have used the standard pump and it is a case of it does the job of getting you on the road again. I store my pump in my roll-top bag most of the time to avoid road dirt/moisture/deterioration, but on the bike frame is okay for fair-weather cycling. The engineers and marketing guys must agonise over things like the pump - a case of some will likely never need to use it so don’t want it to be too good/expensive, versus more costly great quality for performance, longevity, and the most discerning of buyers. If I were to be going touring, I would take a better pump 😊
I don't think the brompton pump is designed to get you up to 100 psi. It's just to inflate your tyres enough to get you home after a puncture, which happened to me once on the rear wheel. I had never removed the rear wheel before so I had to figure it out for myself, but I found out that everything you need to remove the rear wheel is contained in the brompton tool kit.
Exactly. The Brompton pump is pretty crappy, but I carry it because it’s already conveniently mounted to the bike and I carry a spare tube in a saddle bag. Otherwise, there are much better options. Floor pump for daily/weekly use, and hand pump for emergencies.
Good tip! Bizarrely I've had a very similar Lezyne pump for years but never thought about carrying it on the Brompton. There's no standard pump on mine because it's got the Ti rear triangle with no pump bracket. I've put a couple of rubber O rings around the Lezyne so it fits nicely and doesn't rattle at all. Stay safe dude!
Brian, you surprised me with this post. I thought you were just going to criticize the pump (warranted), but your fix was a pleasant surprise. For me, my expectations for the Brompton pump are low. I don't expect to pump my tires to 100psi. Instead, I see it as an emergency pump, just good enough to get me to the next industrial pump that can really do the job. What would be great would be if we could get your pump company to propose a redesign to Brompton so that it could replace the one that disappoints just about everyone.
Here’s a tip I didn’t know about until recently (I’ve owned Bromptons for 3 years). The red ring on the Zefal pump is designed to by pushed up so it’s flush with the end of the handle when it’s mounted on the bike. It keeps it secure in the frame and also keeps water and dirt out. It’s still just a ‘get you home’ pump but this tip resolves a couple of issues.
Great video and thanks for the tip of inserting a pump in the seat stem. I insert a tube in the center of the frame (part that meets where the tool kit is inserted). I tie a string to the tube making it much easier to pull out incase I need it. Had my Brompton for 6 years and never a flat on my Marathon Plus. I always look forward to your videos.
You’re right-it’s a french company,usually they make pans and kitchen stuff,but they also have a very useful product - bar end mirrors! For race bars and flat bars. Once i started using them i mounted them on every bike i have-it’s really a pleasure to always see what’s coming up from behind! I highly recommend them as safety is so important in today’s crazy traffic..... 🤔
Fellow Brompton owner and agree 100% about the stock pump. I bought a small pump with screw-on flexible connector _and_ a pressure gauge. This lives in a bag with my toolkit and a couple of spare tubes. I slip this into either my Ortlieb mini-o bag or my t-bag. (I never cycle without one or the other)
I just bought a Bosh electric pump - the easypump. I will report back on how well it performs. I must say, I have never in my 51 years changed a tyre or mended one. This coming year will be a steep learning curve 😊
I don't think Brompton (or Zefal) would be too happy to know their pump had rusted in such a short time. Brompton are not cheap and are all about quality as a brand. Have you considered contacting them? And maybe also mention your great way of storing an alternative pump. Who knows? They may take the idea on board and improve the design - and even change the pump they use. Having said that Zefal and Lezyne are both widely available in the UK - and both have cheap and more expensive pumps in their ranges as you say. Such an interesting fix. Thank you.
You’re welcome. I think that they just intend the pump to be a temporary fix like most people say. I would like to see a better more quality pump mounted to the side of the Brompton though.
Hi Brian, personally, the brompton issue pump has never let me down in 17 years and a little dab of grease would solve the rust issue - Zefal is actually a good well known make over here in Europe. That said, I really like your storage solution :) - in regard to your spare tube I have the old Brompton waterproof travel cover pouch that attaches to the seat/seat post with simple straps/velcro and its never let me down, its loose, light, reasonably roomy (approx 1-2 litres in size) open topped pouch out of the way under my seat and doesn't cause me any drag or issues when folding and I can carry my bike lock, gloves, hat, toolkit etc
Good idea on the tube storage. Yeah, the pump brand is good, I looked them up. I am glad your pump lasted that long that eases my mind some, however I also don’t really care for the design. A lot of manufacturers make a similar design which i don’t really like, for the reasons stated in the video. But I am sure there is nothing wrong with the brand. I said in the video it’s not the brand, it’s the pump itself that I was concerned about.👍
I bought one of those extender things, the fold out lock acts as a foot....like on a full size floor pump. Also, it's a hose... no extra stress on any valve... a d I can direct all the force into the ground.
Good advice, especially about the value of a pump with a hose. Those who commute to work or who don't like the hassle of pumping endlessly might want check out C02 inflaters. They are compact and light since they don't need the pumping mechanism and will fill a tire in a few seconds. They are particularly useful with slow leaks. I had one that forced me to walk some five miles home. If I'd had one of those pumps and several CO2 cartridges, getting home would have been much easier. One warning. Some inflators have no valve. They simply dump the entire cartridge into the tire. Given how small a Brompton tire is, you'll probably want one with a valve.
I too have a Lezyne pump although a slightly different model than the one you displayed. It too has a hose that you screw in. Much easier on the nozzle. Those stem flats can really be frustrating so the screw-in nozzle is a big help. I keep my pump and spare tube and patch kit in my S-bag(or whatever bag I happen to be using).And of course, my in-frame toolkit.
Excellent idea - great using the expansion plug. I know you would LOVE the Dahon seat post pump. I was shocked when I discovered mine. Longer pump stroke, rubber hose, and one foot support. Great design. I’ve seen others online as well.
If my Dahon was my one and only bike, I'd consider that seatpost pump....but at $80 for a seldom used bicycle that lives in my van? No thanks. I just use a Topeak Turbo Morph.... or this smaller telescopic one (that has the lock on lever he hates)...in conjunction with a hose extender that also has a lock on lever. The pump's lock lever becomes a foot peg/brace... which I use to brace against the ground... no fear of busting valves. Ever.
My Brompton pump got destroyed recently when I accidently pushed it loose during train transport. When I started driving it got stuck between the rear wheel spokes and was completely crunched. I bought a similar aftermarket pump like yours. Neither this nor the Brompton pump will build up 100psi though, although my new one claims up to 115Psi. For this I have a floor pump with pressure gauge at home. The small pumps are only intended to continue riding after a tire repair.
I use the GIYO "Air Supply" pump, it comes with a pressure gauge and it is reversible for both Shrader and Presta valves. It is not compact enough to put inside the seat post though.
i also had my valve stem torn off when i used a pump with the locking lever. i was still at home getting my bike ready. good thing. i already ordered a pump with thread hose type lock.
I don't have a Brompton yet but I'm getting one. On my road bikes I use a Topeak Road Morph G its a mini track pump this little baby can be fitted anywhere on your frame or stick in a bag . It will easily pump to 1oopsi has a built in gauge as well
I’m glad the new Bromptons come with with a similar Lezyne pump! You’re right, it’s much better than the old Brommie classic that’s been around forever 😳
Zefals are good pumps. Clean the shaft and wipe it with mineral oil. I've never found a mini-pump that will pump tires up completely. They'll get you going and to a station but its a slog. I'll have to try this one.
dear Brian, I'm like you: I really dislike those ' fixations latches' on the ends of the pumps. Never found one that worked long, always breaking, rendering the pump practically useless. And those extensions (the ones we used to have on old-fashioned pumps) are a perfect solution. This Brands, Le Zyne vs Zefal ( you neglected to mention it in the description box!) seems to fit the bill except for one thing.....as in all minipumps. If you have a hand or wrist or arm injury that prevents you from easily and effectively pumping, what can you then use? I have tried to find something workable but as yet, nothing has come up. I love the comments on your Vlog and learn so much from them as well as yours. Thankyou. Cheers.
Your right about the Zefal pump, I’m not a fan.. the Leyzene pump I have ordered for my new Chpt3.. the inner tube you could zip tie in the triangle type part of the frame near the crank or you can put in the other side of the frame opposite to the toolkit
Hi Brian....I hope i don’t ever get a flat but this video on the pump is really nice. thank you so much for sharing your info. I have the marathon racer tires. What spare tire do you think i need to keep with me? I am not a big biker but like to go adventure riding sometimes. LOL. Love your videos Brian. They are so informative.
After my racer tires wore out I stocked up and bought 4 marathon tires. I like the regular marathon tires as they are only a little heavier than the racer and much lighter than the marathon plus. Marathon plus offer the best flat perfection, but only slightly better than the regular marathons.
Great observations on the shortcomings of the Brompton fitted pump Brian, thank you for sharing this with us. I already have the toolkit as a great peace of mind, as well as a spare inner tube stuffed into the other side of the unfolded frame to the toolkit’s home. I leave the valve stem protruding slightly to make it easy to remove as and when necessary. I also carry rubber gloves, a further spare inner tube along with non-metal tyre levers and a titanium 15mm spanner, in my Brooks (colour matched) saddle bag... 👍🏻 Cheers for the great content sir, always look forward to catching up on your escapades and informative vlogging... ✅ 👏🏻
The Venomator thank you. I have the tool kit, but as per the great suggestions, I am going to start keeping a spare tube inside my frame. Being able to store my aftermarket pump has been awesome, so I hope to get all this lined out soon and then I can go on long rides without worry.
Just an FYI...There is a new pump for branded for Brompton made by Lezyne. It attaches to the frame, has a short hose built in and pumps to 160 psi, more than enough for Brompton needs. Lezyene is a top quality product.
Speaking of rust, I have now learned to remove my Brompton tool kit from the frame before washing/cleaning my bike. I had not thought about checking after a rain. The absolute worse tool you can ever own, is the one that will not work when you need it !
I agree with you. The pump is “ok”. (Ok) is not good enough when Touring so found I needed a much better quality pump. I definitely remove everything during the cleaning process so water does not get trapped and causes rust. Found that out the hard way.
The “new” plug used to come standard with some older Bromptons (or when buying a EasyWheels upgrade). It’s unfortunate Brompton decided to do some cost-cutting and downgrade to a cheaper solution.
Yes that it’s a shame that the bung doesn’t come with the bromptons anymore. I like it much better for the reason displayed in the video. Thanks for stopping by, I like your channel (good job)🙂👍
@@ibikeunfolded another great video Brian. Quick question regarding the replacement bung you use. I’ve looked on the website link and am unable to find it on that site. Do you know the brand name of the new bung?
Nice use of the seat post. To stop your pump rattling in the seat post have you considered a grip cloth material, often marketed to open jar lids or in RV & boats to stop plates sliding. It can easily be cut to suit your requirements. Who makes the replacement seat post bung that you've used? Do you ever use a pressure gauge, or how do you judge the optimal pressure?
I have both (bike & pump) agreed about the cheesiness, but it affixes positively, and easily to the valve stem, and pumps OK... it *does* seem like a "premium brand" ought to have a pump that matches. Maybe you should get some of those wire thingees like they used to use in the olden days to knock glass/thorns/etc. off the tire before they can penetrate. Mr. Tuffy, slime, etc., might improve your ride if you're getting lots of punctures... at least it was on the *front*! Thanks for the vid.
I always put my bike pump in my backpack. If I have more than one bag I would use with the bike, I would get more then one of everything. Its.no problem the cost is minimal. In comparison to the cost of the bike.
Many thanks for the video! Without ever touching one, I always suspected the Brompton pump is not the best for the reasons you named in the video. So now I know for sure. Great tip about the secure plug for the seatpost. I cannot find the plug in an online-store. Do you have any hint about the exact name or the compony which is producing it? I really would appriciate a link :-) Until then I am looking forward to see your next video over here in Germany.
The plug is called a bung plug and it came on brompton’s pre 2017. They changed the plug to the new style after 2017. You used to be able to get on with the Brompton ez wheel upgrade kit. As for where you can buy them separately now is anybody’s guess.
@@ibikeunfolded Thanks for getting back to me. I definately try to hunt this "bung plug" down. If anyone of this community has a hint, I would appreciate a link in here. If I find something I do the same thing. (I hope this is ok for you, @i bike unfolded, and within the spirit of your video.)
Good points , but I think it’s designed only to be lightweight & inexpensive pump to use to put only enough air in to get one home , at home I use a good quality floor pump never the Brompton one unless emergency , be good to be able to get a high quality lightweight one as option though that fits into the frame
I’m keeping my eye out for a pump that I can make fit on the frame, but I can get 100psi out of it which I’m not strong enough to do with the stock pump, and preferably has a gauge on there. It’s got me out of a jam a couple of times but it really is a get-you-home kinda thing.
I agree. I wanted a pump that was more than a get you home kinda thing, because I go on very long rides(sometimes multi-day), and I needed a good pump that does better. I think I got it all figured out on my set up at least.
i bike unfolded yeah I don’t know if the same pump will work out for me, but it’s good to see other people’s ideas. One trick I’ve seen bike packers do is carefully wrap gaffer/duct tape around their pump as a convenient way to store emergency gaffer tape, but could kill 2 birds with 1 stone stopping it rattling in the seatpost as well
good video !!write your initials, postcode/zip code with house number on a $20 /£20 note and put it in there too "yes officer I can assure you it is my bike look in the seat tube " and you have emergency bus /taxi fare onward at hand
@@ibikeunfolded I hear such mixed things about them and they seem to have improved a lot recently so I'm really curious to hear what you think. Thanks!
Great advice Brian!! I'm definitely going to make some changes because i don't like the Brompton pump either. Where did you get that rubber plug though? Also maybe you can fit a spare tube under your saddle.
I got the plug from freedom folding bikes. I am not sure what it’s called, he just called it a seat post plug. I left a link in the description to their website which has their phone number I believe. I would check with them, otherwise I am not sure where you would get one? The under the seat tube storage is a good idea, maybe I will try that.👍
I can, I just haven’t because there is already so many of those videos on RU-vid. If you have seen those videos and still want a vid, tel me know and I will Make one.😀👍
Shit quality so got shut of mine 2 yrs ago but to be honest never used it as my Marathons kept me inflated when I had it.Carry co2 canisters ,spare innertubes and puncture prepare kit at present but thinking of investing in a micro pump again.
Very cool acccessory for the seat post plug. I don’t see it on their website to order one. is there a link? BTW, I keep a spare tube inside the frame. I put it in a plastic bag from the produce aisle in the grocery store so it’s easy to pull it out.
Good idea for the tube storage, I have my tool kit inside the frame, but maybe there is room for a tube as well. You may have to get their number from the website and ask them, I just checked the website myself and did not see it either. I know they carry them. I would ask chuck at freedom folding bikes personally and he would be able to get you one I am sure.
i bike unfolded It is a very good idea Brian - I have the toolkit in one side of the unfolded frame and an inner tube/rubber gloves pushed in to the other side with the valve at the open end to make it easier to grip and remove... 👍🏻🤷🏼♂️😉
I wrote you several weeks ago in agreement about this pump. This morning I ran into this pump which hides out in the Tern's seat post. This seems to be what we both were envisioning. Enjoy! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7QwjSgY_gKQ.html&feature=emb_rel_end
Cheap crap pump design you can buy anywhere for pennies. Brompton seem to like cheap plastic on lots of its products. Penny pinching for profit.. It's starting to show already
