Silca

I've now lived with this pump for 8 months or so, and I love it. I'm a road rider. 32 mm tires and TPU tubes. I inflate to 55 (front) and 58 (rear). This pump is dead-on with respect to pressure readings and cutoff.

Two things:

I'm using this primarily top-off pressure every couple of days. Silca explicitly warns against starting this pump while attaching it to anything other than a deflated tire or tube. So if you're trying to top-off a tire, you're trying to connect the running pump which is . . . awkward. I ended up converting to Clik valves, and the combination of the pump and valves is awesome. You start the pump, push it down on the Clik valve, and in typically under 5 seconds you have perfect tire pressure.

Secondly, I had been using an ultra-minimalist flat bag. This pump didn't fit in that bag even after removing my CO2 cartridge and inflator. I ended up buying the Silca Mattone Seat Pack which has plenty of room for the pump, a couple of TPU tubes, mini-tool, patches, etc. The BOA closure system means it's fast and easy to open, and the contents are snug and rattle-free upon closure. I've now ditched the mini frame pump I used as a backup to CO2 cartridges, and I carry the pump's hose in case I need to help someone that does not have Clik valves.

Very expensive BUT these drip wax options let me run a chain for an entire season (>5,500 miles) on one chain. I use the Silca wax melter, let the chain soak (after thorough cleaning) and then let it dry.

The first 2-3 rides are quiet, then it starts getting loud enough to hear. That starts the drip wax routine. My normal tempo is 2-3 times a week. Here's how to avoid the mess:

1. Buy 100 pack of nitrile disposable gloves

2. Put one glove on each hand, place a rag on the floor under the chain line while the bike is in the stand.

3. Use a rag with some isopropyl alcohol to clean the surface gunk off (dirty wax, dirt, mud, etc). Do NOT soak the rag or pour alcohol over the chain. You are not deep cleaning -- just removing the caked on dirty wax.

4. Let the chain dry. Come back a few hours later, put the gloves back on, grab the drip wax. Find the connecting link to mark the start point. Drip the wax along the TOP of the chain in small drips, and use your glove-protected hand to catch the overflow and smear it on the chain. The idea is to place just enough to get wax solution on the roller.

5. Continue this all the way around the chain.

6. Let the chain dry overnight. Sure, you can do this an hour before your ride, but I can't attest to the efficacy since I always re-apply wax in the evening.

Note: this is a procedure for a road bike that is only ridden in dry conditions (my days of slogging in the rain are over -- that's what Zwift is for!)

I used the Silca Super Secret 2.0 Chain Lube on my race bicycle and it works exceptionally well for my drive train! I was most impressed with the quietness and silky shifting of my SRAM red chain on extreme configs. (48x28 and 35x11). I did follow the curing time recommended by Silca. Got a great price from BTD also.

I bought and love my portable electric pump earlier this year, but I struggled with how to carry it with me on rides. My current flat bag was too small even after removing my CO2 cartridges and inflator. The Mattone is NOT a huge bag, but it is big enough to hold the pump along with a mini tool and a TPU tube. The BOA closing mechanism makes it easy to open the bag to top off tires before each ride, and it is quick to close and secure to the point where it cannot move or rattle. It's a little expensive, but highly recommended.