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Cycle Pump
April 6, 2009
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| Editor Ratings * | |||
| Quality |
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10 | |
| Portability |
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10 | |
| Convenience |
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10 | |
| Price |
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8 | |
| Value |
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9 | |
| Overall | 9.4 | ||
| Spectacular | |||
| A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks. | |||
| *Out of a possible 10 points | |||
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CyclePump is a nifty little device that is versatile and works as well on a trip to the remote parts of the world as it does in your garage. It is designed to produce over 100 pounds per square inch PSI, to fill or top off your tires quickly, and it is light weight and durable. It is built to withstand the jostling that it is bound to be subjected to when transported via your favorite ride on or off the highway.
This tire inflator is designed by a motorcyclist for motorcyclists. David and Judy Petersen own and operate BestRest Products, LLC. They live north of Seattle, Washington, and they are very connected to the motorcycling community. David has ridden several different motorcycle brands beginning with a Honda 50. He now rides a BMW R1200GS. Judy began riding in 1993, as a passenger, and now owns a Kawasaki and several Suzuki trail bikes.
David is a designer-draftsman by trade and out of necessity, created an adjustable backrest for Judy. He had discovered that if Judy was comfortable, he got to ride more often.
His motivation for designing and manufacturing practical motorcycle accessories seems to have been spawned during a trip to the Australian Outback. It was during that trip that a customized and adjustable backrest for him drew compelling favorable comments, and he decided to build and distribute them on a commercial basis.
The CyclePump came along a little later. “This compact 12-volt tire inflator is widely recognized as the world’s finest inflator for motorcycle applications. It is used by many touring companies, and it is carried by many notable motorcycle authorities. It helped set a round-the-world Guinness Record, and helped win the 2003 Iron Butt Rally,” according to the manufacturer; www.bestrestproducts.com.
The CyclePump can be used in your garage or for roadside inflation of motorcycle tires, including flat tires that have been repaired or low tires that need additional pressure.
David tells me that since 80% of the world’s roads are not paved, there is a good chance a motorcyclist will encounter dirt or gravel at some point in their adventure. He recommends lowering air pressure by 10 PSI or more for a safer and more controllable ride, because tires can conform to irregular surfaces. The CyclePump will reinflate your tires to highway pressures in just a few minutes when returning to pavement.
The Standard CyclePump comes with a 12” air hose, locking air chuck, 8’ electrical cord, a dual-purpose 12 volt plug, which will fit an automotive-style cigarette lighter or BMW-style outlet, and a Cordura storage pouch. The Deluxe CyclePump is identical to the Standard model, but comes with a set of fused battery clamps for direct connection to your battery terminals. Both models have a molded SAE power plug, which can be attached to a 12-volt SAE power outlet, if your motorcycle is so equipped.
Here is how it works:
· Connect the CyclePump to the motorcycle’s power source.
· Remove valve stem cap.
· Attach air hose by depressing the air chuck lever firmly while placing it on the valve stem. Release the lever and the chuck will lock into place.
· Slide switch on.
· Inflate for 2 or 3 minutes. A rule of thumb: It takes approx. 5 seconds to inflate one PSI. Tire inflation time varies by tire size, air density, voltage and laden or unladen tire load.
· Slide switch off.
· Check air pressure.
· Repeat process if more pressure is required.
The manufacturer emphasizes the importance of assuring the CyclePump is free from water, dirt, or other materials that may enter the case during operation. Air actually passes from the environment to the compressor via the corners of the case. It is recommended that the CyclePump be held in your hand or otherwise suspended off the ground and away from small particles of dirt or sand. However, in the event that neither of these are an option or it appears that dirt may be an issue, the Cordura storage pouch serves as a filter during operation. Simply place the case inside the storage pouch before turning it on. This is a creative solution to a potential problem.
Both models implement a 12 volt electric motor and a metal compressor assembly that is especially hardened for motorcycle applications. The case is made from sturdy aluminum that is 4” high x 6” wide x 2” deep. For packing purposes; you will need a space that is 6” high x 8” wide x 2” deep. It weighs only 26 ounces.
The manufacturer makes no claim as to how long the CyclePump will last. However, it has been fail-tested for more than 30 minutes of continuous pumping and the unit continued to run strong.
On an Expedition in Africa, the CyclePump was needed to inflate from zero PSI, six tires in succession in 100 degree heat. The CyclePump kept on pumping air.
Our assessment is that in the event you never have to use it, it will last as long as you need it. I have been riding motorcycles for close to 40 years and have never had a flat tire. Unfortunately, everyone cannot say the same!
If you do have a flat, our assessment is that the CyclePump will still last as long as you need it. Also, you will be able to top off your tire pressure regularly and conveniently before leaving the garage.
There is an added benefit for those of you who get pleasure in helping others who may be stranded or fighting with a CO2 cartridge or a slow hand pump. Motorcyclists in need will be impressed. The CyclePump works, and works efficiently!
The Standard CyclePump can be purchased for $80 and the Deluxe model for $90. You can order directly from www.bestrestproducts.com. The Company warrantees CyclePump against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of 90 days from date of purchase. The Company reports that “warrantee claims are very rare.”
We are very pleased and satisfied with the performance of the CyclePump. The price may be a deterrent for some if they are weighing the benefits of having a reliable CyclePump against the number of times they have had a flat or air pressure problem while on a trip. However, if you consider the convenience of using this tire inflator to top off your tires before you leave the garage each time, and while the tires are cool each morning while on a trip, which is highly recommended for safety and handling purposes, then the CyclePump is worth the cost.
If you want just one more reason to invest in the CyclePump, an optional 8’ extension for automotive applications is available from www.bestrestproducts.com to enable the reach from cigarette lighter to all four tires.
With the CyclePump, you have the assurance of knowing you can inflate your tires if you have a flat, and you can maintain tire pressure at recommended levels to experience optimum handling of your motorcycle
Product Review Comments
1/21/2008 8:30 AM
I've been riding for over 38 years and had never had a flat tire... until last summer. It was a dark night and I was pulling out of a restaurant when I ran over a glass bottle. I never saw the bottle, but I heard it break when my rear tire hit it. Of course, it wasn't until about 10 miles down a VERY dark road that the bike started to handle poorly... I knew the problem immediately.
I purchased not only the pump, but the tire repair kit too. Now, of course, I wouldn't ride too far on a patched tire, but in the middle of nowhere... in the dark... it was sure better than sitting there without any options.
I was sure glad I purchased the CyclePump! I replaced the tire the next day, but it would've been one miserable night without the CyclePump.
I've been riding for over 38 years and had never had a flat tire... until last summer. It was a dark night and I was pulling out of a restaurant when I ran over a glass bottle. I never saw the bottle, but I heard it break when my rear tire hit it. Of course, it wasn't until about 10 miles down a VERY dark road that the bike started to handle poorly... I knew the problem immediately.
I purchased not only the pump, but the tire repair kit too. Now, of course, I wouldn't ride too far on a patched tire, but in the middle of nowhere... in the dark... it was sure better than sitting there without any options.
I was sure glad I purchased the CyclePump! I replaced the tire the next day, but it would've been one miserable night without the CyclePump.
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