Muddy Brown's Blog: Fresh Goods Sunday - Silca SuperPista Digital Floor / Track Pump

Well where do I start, I have used Topeak pumps for a very long time from mini pumps to track pumps. I have gone through several Joe Blow Pro track pumps over the years and they have lasted a very long time. My current pump was getting tired and noticed this Silica model in the sale. I have several other Silica products and they are very good quality etc but not a pump.

The pump arrived a couple of days after ordering in a massive box and was well packaged. There was no instructions so went on line on how to use the pump. It all seemed simple enough, the HIRO chuck feels really good quality but is no where as easy to use as the chuck on the Topeak. On the Silica you have to twist a long lever horizontally which can be hard on an mtb wheels where the spokes are closer together compared to a road wheel with less spokes. When it is attached to the valve it is not as firm as the Topeak when locked into position.

When you start pumping the track pump is too high for me and when you bring the handle to full extension it right up past my chest therefore hard to push down in a straight line causing the pump to rock about even though the feet / base is massive.

When you start pumping away the digital read out takes a few seconds to settle each time to show how much pressure is in the tyre. You can set a maximum pressure on the gauge but the pump only flashes at you when you have reached the pressure. There is no beep sound etc. If you have over inflated the tyre there is no pressure release button on the side of the gauge like on the Topeak so you then have to release the chuck, let some out, reattach the chuck wait for it to settle then start pumping again if you have took too much out. What a bloody faff on it is.

You cannot turn off the gauge after use as it has a timer on so turns off after a certain duration of no use. The hose is long enough and attaches to the head via a magnet. The quality is fantastic on the manufacturing side but this has got to be one of the worst bike related items I have bought for a very long time. Wish I had stuck with Topeak! Shame as all the reviews I have read said they loved it apart from the price.

RRP £275 and I paid £189 CRC

Manufactures blurb - What is it?

This third-generation Silca SuperPista combines all of the handcrafted elements which have made SuperPista the go-to pump of the ProTour for more than 30 years, with our two most mechanic and consumer requested features: a high accuracy digital gauge, and gauge readout located at the top of the barrel for easier reading.

Who's it for?

The data-driven cyclist requires a highly efficient floor pump suitable for all tire pressure applications.

WHY WE DESIGNED IT:

With specifications more akin to a suspension fork than a traditional pump, the SuperPista combines a full metal shock piston design with the classic Italian leather plunger washer and self-lubricating linear bearings to create the highest efficiency, smoothest running SuperPista to date. Efficient, accurate, durable are the trademarks or the SUPERPISTA DIGITAL floor pump.

SPECIFICATIONS:

High-mount digital gauge accurate to 1% with backlight, adjustable pressure alarm and adjustable pressure units (uses two CR2032 batteries)
Full-size Ash wood handle with secure carrier strap
High-efficiency 28mm SILCA leather piston assembly
Brass air check-valve assembly
Alloy barrel with plated steel piston shaft
Long filler hose with integrated Schrader chuck
Hiro locking-lever Presta chuck with magnetic dock
Rated to 220psi

GETTING STARTED:

The SuperPista Digital Floor Pump is ready to use when removed from the package and battery film removed. If you would like to learn more about features, functions and maintenance of the SuperPista Digital Floor Pump, please visit the SILCA resource center.

- Click here for information on using the HIRO chuck.

- Determine tube valve type.