Pump of Steel

Serfas-FMP-969This summer is being hyped up with all that “Man of Steel” stuff. Of course if you had Superman around to inflate your bicycle tires that would be pretty cool. However, since he’s only a comic book/movie character and is probably off battling some super villain you have your own pumping to do.

In that case the Serfas FMP-696 floor pump is the way to go. It isn’t from another planet and isn’t here to promote truth, justice and the American way, but instead it can get your tires pumped up and get you on your way.

This new Serfas pump features a rubber-coated stainless steel braided hose, CNC’d hose clamp and oversized pressured gauge – we call it “super sized.” The pump further offers an aluminum handle and plunger to keep the weight down, but don’t tell anyone because “Pump of Aluminum” doesn’t have the same ring to it as “Man of Steel.” That doesn’t mean that this pump can’t do some super things.

Just as Superman has his dual identity and can change into the persona (and clothing) of Clark Kent, this pump fits both Presta and Schrader. It has a maximum inflation capacity of 260 PSI, which few but Superman will need to get up to.

Serfas Official Website

Made in America: Paragon Machine Works

Paragon Machine Works is a name that may not be familiar to you, but one of their products might be right in your garage. Machined from aluminum, steel, stainless steel and titanium, Paragon Machine Works manufactures and stocks precision made components for bicycle frame builders. They stock the largest variety of titanium bicycle frame building components in the world, plus they offer design development and high volume manufacturing capabilities allowing them to offer competitive pricing.

Founded in 1983 by Mark Norstad, Paragon Machine Works had its humble beginnings in the Marin County basement of his parent’s house with just a lathe and mill. From that basement, Paragon Machine Works has grown into a 6,000 square foot operation in Richmond, California, employing ten full and part-time employees. Continue reading Made in America: Paragon Machine Works