Keepers: Silca Pista Plus Floor Pump
Keepers: Silca Pista Plus Floor Pump – by Guitar Ted
Editor’s Note: In conversations with the contributors of Riding Gravel, it became apparent that there were certain items we had reviewed, or purchased for ourselves in the past, which had become core parts of cycling kit for each of us. This, we all felt, deserved attention. So we thought it might be interesting to you, our readers, to learn what has “made the cut”. The things we rely on and find are “keepers” in our stable of bikes and gear.
Grab the bike, check the tires! What do I almost always reach for? Why it is the Silca Pista Plus Floor Pump we reviewed at the end of 2018 here. This has been a true “keeper’ if there ever was one. Owing to the way this pump is made, and the ethos behind its design, it is no wonder that I have experienced no problems at all with it since I put the pump to use in late 2018.
Classic design wasn’t compromised where it matters most with the Silca Pista Plus. The ‘guts’ of this pump are just like those of the past pumps Silca is famous for. That means that parts are available to repair this pump, when that time comes, but I know that occasional maintenance will put that day off for years- maybe over a decade.
The ‘old design’ doesn’t mean poor performance either. I get consistent great air-ups any of my tires with Presta valves, (there is an integrated Schrader adapter in the pump chuck), and the pump head doesn’t fit too tight, but stays put even on non-threaded valve stems. It’s pretty much a fault-free design. Maybe the only nit I could come up with is that it sounds odd when you use it. Something my family noted when they first heard it, but you certainly cannot fault its performance.
I used to be pretty faithful to another pump I have here, but the Silca Pista Plus, which sits right next to it, is the one I consistently reach for now. It’s definitely a keeper.
Find out more about the Silca Pista Plus floor pump at Silca’s website here; https://silca.cc/products/pista-plus-floor-pump
Note: Silca sent the Pista Plus to Riding Gravel at no charge for test and review. We were not bribed nor paid for this review and we will always strive to give our honest thoughts and opinions throughout.
3 Comments
morten Reippuert
The pump head is really the hidden gem here. This summer i picked up a new Sicla prestea head for my 30 old SKS Rennkompressor after having replaced the pump head with a current SKS.
I love it and its so solid and intuative compared to just about every other presta pump head on the market. its expensive and i could have picked up a brand new SKS Rennkompressor here in europe for the same money but i hate throwing stuff away and the Rennkompressor will last another 30 years easily and probably outlive me. Same goes for the Silca Presta head.
MG
You know I’m a Silca fanboy, but their pumps are hard not to love, especially if you’ve ever spent time at a shop. The unique sound is one of the things I love most, but I also appreciate their feel. A Silca pump has a certain something… It takes the basic act of inflation and makes it ‘more betterer’. It’s beautiful, functional, durable and is absolutely worth every penny.
FWIW, Silca’s Hiro head is, believe it or not, even better than the original design. I wasn’t sure at first when I switched over, but now after a few years of use, it’s absolutely the best head ever. Now that’s a heady reputation… but I digress. Ahem.
I’m also a big fan of Silca’s Tattico Bluetooth minipump, and also the T-Ratchet + Ti Torque Tube. I have both with me on every long ride. They’re peace of mind on the road.
jw
I’ve had my Silca floor (“track”) pump since 1985 or ’86. It’s been my companion through countless races, tours, fondos, training rides and other, miscellaneous needs for inflation. I’ve replaced a few bits (leather gaskets, the T handle, etc.) and have rebuilt it a few times — but, like some older Campy components, that’s the beauty of such “built to last” tools. I wouldn’t part with it!