Can I cycle with a pump??

judi t · #1 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 02:21 AM

I'm due to start pumping in about a month. So today I had an interesting, hopefully not foreboding experience. I cycle to and from work most days - about a 14 k round trip - and normally I listen to the radio. (I can still hear the traffic, by the way, so it's not dangerous.) I have a little radio that I normally hook onto the top of my shorts or track pants. Well today, and I think this was ironic, my radio somehow detached itself from my pants twice during my cycle to school. The second time it occurred I had to tuck it into my undies, not having any pockets on my pants or jacket. And it was uncomfortable. It made me imagine myself cycling along with my $8000 pump and dropping it on the roadside and yanking out the line at the same time! Have I got anything to worry about?? What do other cyclists do with their pump whilst cycling?

Gordonm · #2 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 03:08 AM

I cycle quite often with my pump and never have had it fall off. I clip it in the back to my shorts and it stays there no problem. I ride anywhere from 15 to 45 miles at a clip and never had a problem with it moving around. The pump has made it easier for me cycling also. I do not have to carb load before riding. I check my BS about an hour out and adjust if needed.

Subby · #3 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 04:41 AM

I wear my pump clipped inside my front pants pocket, it is extremely secure. (It's a particularly solid little clip that comes with the minimed). I've cycled quite a few times and the thought of it jumping out has not even occured to me.

I think once you adjust to having a relationship with your pump and naturally working out the best ways for it to be secure and safe on your body, which should be happening in the first week or so, there will be absolutely no problem. And hey, if it does manage to fall out, the line should stop it hitting the ground (although, line caught in spokes... yeeeeouch.... naaah... it really shoudn't happen!!)

morrisma · #4 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 05:10 AM

I cycle with my pump tucked in one of the pockets of my jersey. The tubing is mostly under the shirt and I've never had any issues with it. I just slip it in & leave the somewhat more bulky clip behind.

If you are riding to work, do you take a backpack where you could keep the clip & other goodies? I also always have some sugar either in a drink or in another jersey pocket.

RLK · #5 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 05:42 AM

I ride to and from work a few days a week, plus recreational rides on weekends. The pump gets clipped inside my shorts (with the clip facing out). It gets a little sweaty, but it's never fallen off.

valc3 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 07:28 AM

When I ride, I stick my pump in my bra. If you're not comfortable with that, try clipping it to the collar of your shirt.

notme · #7 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 09:01 AM

The good thing here is your pump will not be attached to your ear.

Your set will likely be attached to your stomach and the pump will be clipped to your waistband. You should be able to cycle just fine with a pump. I also do it all the time and have never lost a pump on the roadside. I also kayak and rollerblade. No problems, except a few lows along the way. Rollerblading low is dangerous!!!!