Pump injury - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

07-29-2004, 02:16 PM

I was in an cycling event here in May, I came to the scene of a crash
just after it had happened. A guy was in the ditch in pain, he was taken
to hospital by ambulance.

Now, two months later I have just heard that he is getting over the
worst of it. However, the doctors found a strange injury in his spine,
his minipump (which he carried in his rear jersey pocket) had forced
itself into his spine when he landed on his back. Luckily, this cyclist
is expected to make a complete recovery.

However, hearing about this pump injury I thought I'd put this out on
the net and see if anyone else has heard of this. Year ago everyone had
frame pumps (like I still do) that clipped in under the top tube. Today
more and more cyclists are turning to these minipumps, that fit into
rear pockets.

Was this a fluke injury or should we advise people not to carry a pump
there?

Garry Jones
President Mora Cycling Club
Sweden