Review: SILCA Terra Floor Pump - Update

(L-R) SILCA Pista Plus, Topeak Joe Blow, SILCA Terra

 Note: Guitar Ted purchased a SILCA Terra Floor Pump with his own money to test and review on Guitar Ted Productions. SILCA has had no prior knowledge of this review and has neither paid nor bribed Guitar Ted for these posts. 

Last Monday I introduced the SILCA Terra floor pump as my next review. Check that link for that article in case you missed it. In this post I am going to compare and contrast my experiences with the SILCA Pista Plus and Terra, (so far), and with the Topeak Joe Blow pump. 

A little background on the Pista Plus and Joe Blow now for context. The Joe Blow pump was not a considered purchase when I bought it. It was an 'emergency' purchase when I was on vacation in El Paso, Texas and realized I had forgotten my floor pump when I left Iowa. As I recall, this would have been around 2007, so I've had this pump for around seventeen years now! 

The Pista Plus I received as an item to review for "Riding Gravel.com" in 2018. I did not pay for the pump and I was allowed to keep it after the review was completed. I wrote up a long follow-up review on the Pista Plus for this site in 2022 which you can check out HERE if you like. 

Both the SILCA Pista Plus and the Topeak Joe Blow pump have been used extensively in day-to-day operations here at Guitar Ted Productions. Hardly a day goes by where I don't use one or both of those pumps. So, I have a very intimate knowledge of what they can do and what their durability is over a long time period. Of course, I just purchased the SILCA Terra floor pump, so I do not know how it will go over the long haul with that pump just yet, but judging from other SILCA products I have owned and used in the past, I am expecting a long use cycle for the Terra with little to no issues. 

So, I want to skip to some pertinent (to me) differences between these pumps and remind you that two of the three are rebuildable. I expect all three will last a long time if cared for properly. Now, I will say that I don't do anything in particular to maintain the pumps I have had with the exception of replacing worn parts when necessary and that only once so far with the Joe Blow. 

Gauges: A floor pump should have a clear, accurate gauge which is durable and reliable. I would say that out of the three here that the Joe Blow is not my favorite due to its tiny numerals and while it isn't terrible in accuracy, the SILCA pumps are better when checked against digital gauges I have. 

Now, "accuracy" in a pump gauge is relative, in my opinion. These are not scientific, high-grade instruments, so the accuracy of them is what it is. If I can get consistent results over a long period of time, then the gauge, whatever it says, is "good". The Joe Blow was, and is still, consistently "good". So is the Pista Plus. The Terra gauge should prove to be similar, but with its dedicated lower range readout, it rises above the other two in readability.

It is more about how well I can read the darn things when I am pumping up a tire in a dimly lit basement in a 100 plus year old home. I've added lights, but my environment down there is tough. So out of the three  gauges, in my estimation, the new Terra pump wins because I can actually see the thing easily. Especially in the range I typically pump tires to, which is under 40psi. 

Pump Heads: The other critical aspect which I deem as very important in a pump is the pump head. How easy is it to use? Does it work equally as well on Schrader and Presta valves? 

The Joe Blow pump has a dual-headed design. You push the head on and flip the locking lever appropriately to the position pointing away from the valve. Grey is the Schrader side, black is the Presta side. 

The Joe Blow never worked well on the Schrader side, and many pumps like this, including many so-called "Smart Head" designs, which I have used in the past, are garbage. You have to work very hard to get a positive attachment to a Schrader valve with the Joe Blow and many times I just couldn't get it to work. 

So, subsequently I end up just using this pump for Presta valves. It does those quite well, but so do a LOT of other pumps. It is always the Schrader valve that trips up many floor pumps and it can become quite a frustration. 

On the plus side, as mentioned, the Joe Blow can be rebuilt, and usually that means the pump head has replacement parts. That pump head is subjected to a lot of wear, especially with regard to the rubber inserts under the plastic caps on the head. I thought it was pretty amazing in 2019 when I was able to get parts for a pump which was over ten years old from Topeak.

The Pista Plus has what looks like, at first glance, to be a traditional track pump head for Presta only. In fact, I did not realize the Pista Plus could be used on a Schrader valve for a long time! 

But of course you can do this with the Pista Plus. It is a brilliant pump head. It unscrews where you see the knurled, larger diameter portion of the head, leaving the Schrader attachment exposed, which then screws on to your valve. 

I like that the pump head actually screws on because having to use a friction sealed head, like the Joe Blow, often pushes the valve stem back into the rim, or causes stress to the base of a Schrader valve tube where the stem meets the tube. This can cause tube failures. At the very least the valve getting pushed back into the rim well is frustrating. So, I give high marks to the Pista Plus for the Schrader valve interface. 

The Presta interface is much like any other SILCA track pump and relies on friction created by a rubber insert to stay on and seal the head to the valve. These typically wear out over a period of time. Of course, the whole pump head and pump itself is rebuildable via SILCA's admirable dedication to spare parts stock. However; I might have preferred a screw on head for Presta as well as the Schrader side which would eliminate the friction interface, which, honestly, can be a pain to push on and off on some valve stems. 

The Terra pump head is actually straight off the Tattico mini-pump SILCA designed and sells, which is an excellent mini-pump, by the way. The head slips on easily to a Presta valve and the lever locks on to the valve stem with great force. I do have somewhat of an issue with how tough the locking lever cams over, but perhaps that will relax with time and use. We will see. 

Schrader interface is also just as easy and to access the Schrader side you simply unscrew the bronze colored end and flip it 180°, screw it back in, and that's the Schrader interface which works just like the Presta side does. Each end is also marked in case you cannot tell which end is which, and this is a nice touch. 

Out of the three then the Terra is the nicest in terms of pump head and ease of use. Longevity and parts replacement isn't known at this point, so I cannot speak to that. Currently SILCA does not show parts for the Terra or Tattico pump head. That may be something SILCA provides as these pumps age, but as for now the rebuildable aspect for Terra pumps does not seem possible. That gives the Pista Plus and Joe Blow the edge there. 

Weight: I know that weight of a floor pump might not be top of mind or even a concern at all for most folks, but perhaps someone will find this interesting. The weight of the Joe Blow is 1.75kg or 3.86lbs. The Pista Plus comes in at 1.55kg or 3.42lbs. The weight of the Terra Floor Pump is 1.11kg or 2.45lbs. That may make a difference if you are flying and taking a floor pump, or you might just like the fact that the Terra is easy to grab and carry due to its weight, or lack thereof. 

I'll have a final look at the SILCA Terra Floor Pump coming soon.

WW4M: SILCA Pista Plus Floor Pump

 This is another "WW4M" post. That means "What Works For Me" and it may not work for you. So, take that with the following words into consideration..... Also- Standard Disclaimer.

I've waxed on about the SILCA Pista Plus floor pump on RidingGravel.com before, but I like this pump so much I had to add a "WW4M" post on it here as well. I was recently reminded how good this pump is again after using it for bike tune-ups I am performing for an upcoming bicycle rodeo that my church is putting on for under-served kids in Waterloo here. 

What is ironic about my experience with the Pista Plus is that I would be writing about it here even though at first I did not understand 100% what the pump could do. Which, by the way, I admit to my own shame, because I initially reviewed the pump before I knew about some of those features. 

In my defense I did not clearly see any instructions back in 2018 when I first reviewed the pump that would have informed me of this pump's feature set and how to use/access them. Specifically the Schrader valve compatibility. It was my friend in SoCal, Michael, who tipped me off that this pump's chuck worked with both Presta and Schrader valves. Finally, I figured that out and I was off to the races. 

Okay, so let's get something out of the way right now. This pump retails at $200.00. That's a lot of coin, no matter how you slice it. You can pick up what seem to be really good pumps for half the price of the SILCA, or less. (See another of my "WW4M" posts here for a great example) So- why? Why spend what the asking price is for this pump? To answer that, I have to list the things that annoy me about other pumps first. 

The three-footed design of the base, and the excellent gauge, are just what you need and nothing you don't.

So, I have used probably every design for floor pumps over my span of 29 years as a bicycle mechanic. From cheaply made plastic affairs to highly polished, steel and aluminum masterpieces of pump design. So, I think I have a good background to discern what is "good" and what is "not-so-good" in floor pumps. Here are a few things that annoy me about floor pump designs in general:

• Poorly executed pump heads- This has to be the #1 most common flaw of floor pumps.
• Plastic: Sorry, but anything plastic drops the function and feel of any pump to a "less-than-good" experience. Generally speaking, the quality and longevity of high performance output is lessened by use of plastics in pump designs. 
• Hose length: Too long or too short. Add in how the pump head/hose are stowed between uses here. THAT can be a really frustrating detail if it is not done well. 
• Related to the first bullet point, but deserves its own mention: Locking levers for valves. I despise these things. They can get in the way on smaller sized wheels, (think kid's bikes), and they can lead to bent or torn valve stems on tubes or tubeless valve stems. While some designs have levers that are okay, the best pump heads don't need that lever. 
• Sloppy bushings: Ever used a pump that seemed to wobble when the handle was pushed down? Not good.
• A floor pump that is easily tipped over when not in use. Honestly, SILCA has what is probably the worst offender in this way in their previous Pista pump which was produced for decades. But many current designs seem to want to fall over even if you barely touch them. 

Probably the best Schrader valve pump head interface in floor pumps today

Okay- now I want to get into what makes the SILCA Pista Plus a really great floor pump. First off, this pump probably has the very best Schrader valve attachment in floor pumps today. It is not novel- I've seen mini-pumps with this head design from other companies, but I don't see this on many floor pumps and definitely not executed as well as the SILCA's is. 

The head screws on- a very important point- and that bit that screws on can rotate independently of the hose itself, so you are not winding up the hose when you attach the pump head to the valve stem. This allows you to use both hands on the finely crafted ash wood handle, (very nice on the hands!), and you do not have to worry about that valve blowing off the stem during inflation, like you do with a lot of other floor pumps with friction style pump heads. You do not have any annoying locking lever to deal with, so pumping up those 8" kid's bike tires is a breeze. 

To switch to Presta, simply screw the Presta head into the Schrader fitting. That tiny black button is a bleed valve.

On the Presta side of things, this pump uses the tried and true design which SILCA is known for. All parts are replaceable, and the design is renowned for its ability to stay on a valve, even at ridiculously high track bike pressures of 200+psi. I'm not going over 40psi here! So I'm good to go. 

Speaking of pressure, that gauge is accurate to within 2%, which is pretty darn good. I've checked it against my two different digital gauges here and the Pista Plus is always spot on with those gauges. Many floor pumps have really inaccurate gauges. It's pretty rare to see a gauge so consistently accurate with my digital measuring devices that I have. In fact, I'm so convinced that the Pista Plus gauge is good that I quit double checking it. 

The hose stows away in a perfect position every time.

SILCA says that this pump is designed to "...outlast the rest of your cycling equipment." Hmm... Big claim there! Now, I can tell you that this pump has been in regular usage here since the Fall of 2018, so how has it held up for three plus years? 

Really, it works just like the day I unboxed it. I've noted no degradation of performance. I've seen lesser floor pumps get pretty ratty and almost unusable within a year of steady usage. Pumps that cost $50.00 or more. So, I may have gone through three, maybe four of those by this point, had I relied on a "cheaper option". 

You can do the math there. But that doesn't even begin to touch upon the ease of use for this pump, and the simplicity of its design, which is very satisfying to use. Other pumps may have small, frustrating quirks about them which you may be just passing over. But that stuff weighs and adds up over time. You don't have this at all with the SILCA pump. In fact, I look forward to using it. It works that well. 

So, is it worth 200 bucks? Well, in a world filled with immediate satisfaction and low priced options the initial, knee-jerk reaction is to say "No!". Two-hundred is 'crazy money' for a floor pump. But when you stop to think that - perhaps- this just might be the last floor pump you'll ever have to buy, then things maybe become a different story for you. 

Sure- If you never use floor pumps, are the type of cyclist that rides only on really nice days, and only has one, maybe two bicycle- Okay. This is overkill for you. If, however, you ride more often than not, all year long, and own several bicycles? This should be on your radar. Did you spend thousands on your bike? This pump should be considered for that bike. Use your head. I think after careful consideration that a floor pump that is serviceable, has durable, long-lasting performance, an accurate gauge, and is easy to use for decades, that you might begin to see that yes- this pump is worth 200 bucks. Because SILCA is only ever going to sell you one of these. It's truly all you'll ever need. 

Those other pumps.....? 

WW4M: SILCA Pista Plus Floor Pump

 This is another "WW4M" post. That means "What Works For Me" and it may not work for you. So, take that with the following words into consideration..... Also- Standard Disclaimer.

I've waxed on about the SILCA Pista Plus floor pump on RidingGravel.com before, but I like this pump so much I had to add a "WW4M" post on it here as well. I was recently reminded how good this pump is again after using it for bike tune-ups I am performing for an upcoming bicycle rodeo that my church is putting on for under-served kids in Waterloo here. 

What is ironic about my experience with the Pista Plus is that I would be writing about it here even though at first I did not understand 100% what the pump could do. Which, by the way, I admit to my own shame, because I initially reviewed the pump before I knew about some of those features. 

In my defense I did not clearly see any instructions back in 2018 when I first reviewed the pump that would have informed me of this pump's feature set and how to use/access them. Specifically the Schrader valve compatibility. It was my friend in SoCal, Michael, who tipped me off that this pump's chuck worked with both Presta and Schrader valves. Finally, I figured that out and I was off to the races. 

Okay, so let's get something out of the way right now. This pump retails at $200.00. That's a lot of coin, no matter how you slice it. You can pick up what seem to be really good pumps for half the price of the SILCA, or less. (See another of my "WW4M" posts here for a great example) So- why? Why spend what the asking price is for this pump? To answer that, I have to list the things that annoy me about other pumps first. 

The three-footed design of the base, and the excellent gauge, are just what you need and nothing you don't.

So, I have used probably every design for floor pumps over my span of 29 years as a bicycle mechanic. From cheaply made plastic affairs to highly polished, steel and aluminum masterpieces of pump design. So, I think I have a good background to discern what is "good" and what is "not-so-good" in floor pumps. Here are a few things that annoy me about floor pump designs in general:

• Poorly executed pump heads- This has to be the #1 most common flaw of floor pumps.
• Plastic: Sorry, but anything plastic drops the function and feel of any pump to a "less-than-good" experience. Generally speaking, the quality and longevity of high performance output is lessened by use of plastics in pump designs. 
• Hose length: Too long or too short. Add in how the pump head/hose are stowed between uses here. THAT can be a really frustrating detail if it is not done well. 
• Related to the first bullet point, but deserves its own mention: Locking levers for valves. I despise these things. They can get in the way on smaller sized wheels, (think kid's bikes), and they can lead to bent or torn valve stems on tubes or tubeless valve stems. While some designs have levers that are okay, the best pump heads don't need that lever. 
• Sloppy bushings: Ever used a pump that seemed to wobble when the handle was pushed down? Not good.
• A floor pump that is easily tipped over when not in use. Honestly, SILCA has what is probably the worst offender in this way in their previous Pista pump which was produced for decades. But many current designs seem to want to fall over even if you barely touch them. 

Probably the best Schrader valve pump head interface in floor pumps today

Okay- now I want to get into what makes the SILCA Pista Plus a really great floor pump. First off, this pump probably has the very best Schrader valve attachment in floor pumps today. It is not novel- I've seen mini-pumps with this head design from other companies, but I don't see this on many floor pumps and definitely not executed as well as the SILCA's is. 

The head screws on- a very important point- and that bit that screws on can rotate independently of the hose itself, so you are not winding up the hose when you attach the pump head to the valve stem. This allows you to use both hands on the finely crafted ash wood handle, (very nice on the hands!), and you do not have to worry about that valve blowing off the stem during inflation, like you do with a lot of other floor pumps with friction style pump heads. You do not have any annoying locking lever to deal with, so pumping up those 8" kid's bike tires is a breeze. 

To switch to Presta, simply screw the Presta head into the Schrader fitting. That tiny black button is a bleed valve.

On the Presta side of things, this pump uses the tried and true design which SILCA is known for. All parts are replaceable, and the design is renowned for its ability to stay on a valve, even at ridiculously high track bike pressures of 200+psi. I'm not going over 40psi here! So I'm good to go. 

Speaking of pressure, that gauge is accurate to within 2%, which is pretty darn good. I've checked it against my two different digital gauges here and the Pista Plus is always spot on with those gauges. Many floor pumps have really inaccurate gauges. It's pretty rare to see a gauge so consistently accurate with my digital measuring devices that I have. In fact, I'm so convinced that the Pista Plus gauge is good that I quit double checking it. 

The hose stows away in a perfect position every time.

SILCA says that this pump is designed to "...outlast the rest of your cycling equipment." Hmm... Big claim there! Now, I can tell you that this pump has been in regular usage here since the Fall of 2018, so how has it held up for three plus years? 

Really, it works just like the day I unboxed it. I've noted no degradation of performance. I've seen lesser floor pumps get pretty ratty and almost unusable within a year of steady usage. Pumps that cost $50.00 or more. So, I may have gone through three, maybe four of those by this point, had I relied on a "cheaper option". 

You can do the math there. But that doesn't even begin to touch upon the ease of use for this pump, and the simplicity of its design, which is very satisfying to use. Other pumps may have small, frustrating quirks about them which you may be just passing over. But that stuff weighs and adds up over time. You don't have this at all with the SILCA pump. In fact, I look forward to using it. It works that well. 

So, is it worth 200 bucks? Well, in a world filled with immediate satisfaction and low priced options the initial, knee-jerk reaction is to say "No!". Two-hundred is 'crazy money' for a floor pump. But when you stop to think that - perhaps- this just might be the last floor pump you'll ever have to buy, then things maybe become a different story for you. 

Sure- If you never use floor pumps, are the type of cyclist that rides only on really nice days, and only has one, maybe two bicycle- Okay. This is overkill for you. If, however, you ride more often than not, all year long, and own several bicycles? This should be on your radar. Did you spend thousands on your bike? This pump should be considered for that bike. Use your head. I think after careful consideration that a floor pump that is serviceable, has durable, long-lasting performance, an accurate gauge, and is easy to use for decades, that you might begin to see that yes- this pump is worth 200 bucks. Because SILCA is only ever going to sell you one of these. It's truly all you'll ever need. 

Those other pumps.....?