(20 x 12) x 5 = 1,200 pumps per week.
Imagine walking into a neighborhood one-car garage that was a nationally renowned bike shop. Founded and operated by Spence and Lillian Wolf, The Cupertino Bike Shop was the direct importer of Cinelli, Singer and Hetchins frames. Through the years, only a handful of individuals had the honor or working in that shop as a mechanic: I was one of the few (1968 - 1975). A Spence-built racing or touring wheel was a prized possession. Spence taught me how to build bicycle wheels.
And 99% of the time, wheels on bikes in the shop were fitted out with Clement sew-ups that held air as well as I hold liquor. Whether the bikes were on the shop floor or hanging on hooks, all of those tires had to be pumped back up to riding pressure. That was my first task each morning. Yes, we practically need Mr. Peabody's Instant Wayback Machine to relive those wonderful moments 55 years ago.
Taking my new Impero pump in-hand, just a few days ago, put a big smile on my face. Running parallel with the dark green Waterford downtube, it snapped right into place. So much better - for me, than some mini-mini pump or C02 cartridge. As you can see, Impero pumps and I have quite a history. Do the math...1,200 strokes with an Impero pump - one week after another...one year after another. Today's tubes, such as the ones on my CO-MOTION and Waterford, are far better at holding their breath. So in a way - odd as this may seem, my Impero pump and I look forward to our first flat tire. D. Gilmour