Bicycle Mechanics - Joe Blow Pro

I recently bought a Joe Blow Pro floor pump used for $10. It's looks great, basically new, only problem is it doesnt' have an instruction book. Can anyone tell me (in simple terms) how you use it? I'm having probs getting the valve on without air escaping.

Make sure you've got the locking lever in the correct position. I think with that pump "up" is the locked position.

Sometimes when I put it on a Presta valve the valve hangs up as I'm inserting it and a little air escapes. I put my finger on the other hole (the Schrader hole) to try and trap the air, and lift the lever quickly (away from the tire.) Once the lever is up the leaking stops. When I pull off the pump head I do it with a quick motion and no air leaks (except the little high pressure air built up in the hose.)

I haven't had any troubles with the Schrader side, although I haven't used it much.

These pumps are notorious for the heads to strip out and function poorly. Get a fresh new head from your LBS if you continue to have problems, or get a head re-build kit either from Topeak or your LBS. We HAD some of these at the shop and took them out of service. We used to bring them to rides and such and they caused us way too much grief.

You might also want to try Topeak Service on-line at this addy:
http://www.topeak.com/t8/service.php

Chris

The parts that usually wear out first are the "O" rings. Mine has one in the chuck (head) and another at the base of the pump rod (I'd call it a packer seal). My pump was worn to the point that there was hardly any compression on the downstroke. I was about to throw my Joe Blow Pro in the trash but decided to try to replace the packer seal with an "O" ring from a hardware store. I bought a couple of different sizes for less than $1. One of them worked perfectly and now the old Joe Blow works like a new one, saved about $60.

Al

Topeak sent me a rebuild kit for free. Contact them.

Do the same negative reviews accompany the Joe Blow Sport for home use? Will the parts wear out on that, as well? I'm looking to purchase a new floor pump for a friend of mine right now.

I've got a sport and a pro at home and both have been going strong for years with no trouble.

I've had mine since 02..... with on problems.

Sometimes if I'm trying to inflate a completely deflated tube I can't get a good seal with the valve, so when I get it to full pressure most of the air escaped when I disconnect. So my remedy is to partially inflate the tube, disconnect it and then reconnect it getting a better grip on the valve. Also when I disconnect it I take it off quick.

Don't use it on those valves that have heavy threading, and it'll last longer.