nyjz1298

I recently purchased the Topeak JoeBlow Max II floor pump from Amazon. It's rated to 120 lbs. I'm new to high pressure tires but it seems to me that the pump's gauge can't be accurate. The tires seemed to be as hard as a rock at 75 lbs and I couldn't even pump the pump anything past that. I was nearly lifting myself off the ground trying to reach 100 lbs but could only get to 80 lbs once. I didn't try too too hard because I didn't want to destroy my tire in case the gauge was off. Should I be pumping this thing until I'm blue in the face? Also, when I do pump it when it's reading around 75lbs, I can push the pump down to nearly the bottom before I hear just a whisper of air going into the tire. Is this normal? At that rate I'd have to pump it A LOT to get any higher pressure if it's even possible. At the bike shop the guy pumped it from 70 to 100 in just a couple quick pumps. Should I return this pump and go for something better? If so please advise. Thanks!

DannoXYZ 

Verify the pressure-gauge on the pump's accuracy by checking with a hand-held gauge.

Cyclist0383

What is the tire rated to?

Rowan

Errrrm... have you undone the knurled end of the valve, if you are using a presta tube? You might need to grab the knurled end between your thumb and index finger and move the valve in and out a couple of times, too, to get it to unstick (if it is stuck).

Longfemur

Seems like something is unusual, but if the bike shop guy could make it work so easily, are you sure you're using the right technique when putting the head on the valve?

If it wasn't that you're telling us the tire is being pumped rock hard, it sounds a lot from your description like you're only pumping up the pump's hose and not the tire.

If the tire is actually being pumped up, then I guess there could be a problem with the gauge. All you can do is to get yourself a little gauge and check the tire with it to see.

Unless you're very short and very light, it shouldn't be too hard to pump up to 100 psi and beyond.

nyjz1298

I remember when I purchased the bike a couple months ago that the tire was a little soft, and I asked if it was low... He put it on th pump and it was at about 70 lbs, and he pumped it a few times to 100 lbs in just a couple quick pumps. The bike shop had an different pump then the one I purchased. Theirs was metal and a bit older looking. I'm sure air is getting into the tire itself. I unscrewed the top of the valve and pushed the valve into the fitting on the hose. I've inflated the tire after deflating it completely and still can't get passed 80 lbs. I weight 180lbs so pumping up a tire shouldn't be an issue. I'm pretty sure this pump is just cheap and I got what I paid for.

Cyclist0383

Did you actually tap open the valve and release a bit of air, or just unscrew it? Sometimes they stick.

nyjz1298

One time I completely deflated the tire by pushing in the valve, then I hooked up the pump. I pushed on the pumps fitting firmly. It inflated right away, but couldn't get it to the 100 lbs. The tire is rated to 110 lbs but I wanted it to 100 lbs per the local bike shop. The pump is working... its either not reading the right psi or it's not able to inflate past 80lbs. Hmm.

Bill Kapaun

If the tire is "rock hard", it sounds like the gauge is defective.
Maybe stop by the LBS and have them verify the actual tire pressure?

Longfemur

Joe Blows are pretty good pumps. I've been using mine for over 10 years. Maybe you just got a defective gauge. It's always handy to have a separate gauge though, so I would start with that to double-check that pressure. It's possible the face on the gauge was installed off-centre.

Rowan

Or the pump has been dropped or knocked at some stage. Gauges are relatively fragile instruments.

cruddy

i just bought the same pump and have the same problem...i can get it to about 80 before its almost imposs to push...i can get it to 100 though by using really short pumps at the bottom...but its not easy..topeak sent some parts but it didnt help...im comtemplating returning it

DannoXYZ 

Part of the issue with the TopPeak is it has a large diameter body. This allows you to pump up the tyre with minimal numbers of strokes. But it gives little leverage to get it up to higher pressures. Go with a more traditional Silca pump with a smaller diameter. Will require more strokes, but they will be easier. I can get up to 200psi with a Silca, but not much beyond 130psi with a Joe Blow.

The other thing could be technique, use your weight, not your muscles. Pump with your arms straight and locked and lean on the handle with your body-weight. Yes, you should be lifting your feet off the ground if you're a light person.

ascend

I've got a "JoeBlow sport". Dunno how different this is from the one you have, but it's pretty quick/easy to reach 100psi. Your description of the LBS guy's effort sounds pretty consistent with my experience. I only use schrader valves though.

Widsith

This sounds like the problem I had with a cheap Bell floor pump; it wouldn't go past 80 psi no matter what I did. I solved the problem by replacing it with a Specialized Air Tool Comp, which performs just the way you described the pump at the bike shop. But I'd have expected a Topeak pump to be of decent quality and to work a lot better than a Bell. I'd get another air gauge and check with that before doing anything else.

nyjz1298

Yep, returned it and got a Silca Super Prista Super Pista. Works great!!