My battle scarred Silca floor pump is twenty five years old. It has a replaced leather washer (1x), two rubber washers replaced in the presta head, a replaced hose, many interior coats of vaseline, and the original air gauge. Just recently a brand new Blackburn floor pump failed just before our group's morning ride. I came to the rescue with my old timer, and much to the surprise of all the youngsters, it functioned perfectly and quickly got up to 120 lbs of pressure. With one deft move and an authoratative loud blast of air, I popped the head off the valve and pronounced the tire healed. No levers, no double barreled trickery, no plastic barrels, no carbon fiber anything... just a perfect, simple design that defies its age and can astound new generations of onlookers. Columbus tubing, and all, I wish I owned a 50 year old model. I am sure it would be even more of a class act. What did they look like 50 years ago? Photos anyone?
Garth Libre in Miami Fl. U.S.A.