Floor pump purchase
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 637
Likes: 0
From: Aus
Floor pump purchase
Hi there,
I'm looking around for a new floor pump and would be greatful if anyone could give me a few ideas.
Only to be used on MTB but would like to keep my options open for road bike in the future so would take presta and shraeder values and go to a decent psi.
And a decent price and quality.
At the moment I am leaning towards the Topeak Jow Bloe Max II seen here
Would there be any other suggestions in about that range, although I don't mind paying a bit more if it's going to last. I notice the Topeak I listed only goes up to 120psi, is this enough for road tyres?
Anyhoo, thanks for any advice and ideas, cheers.
PS - I did a quick search and it didn't seem to have been discussed lately. But if you know of a good thread, please feel free to post a link.
I'm looking around for a new floor pump and would be greatful if anyone could give me a few ideas.
Only to be used on MTB but would like to keep my options open for road bike in the future so would take presta and shraeder values and go to a decent psi.
And a decent price and quality.
At the moment I am leaning towards the Topeak Jow Bloe Max II seen here
Would there be any other suggestions in about that range, although I don't mind paying a bit more if it's going to last. I notice the Topeak I listed only goes up to 120psi, is this enough for road tyres?
Anyhoo, thanks for any advice and ideas, cheers.
PS - I did a quick search and it didn't seem to have been discussed lately. But if you know of a good thread, please feel free to post a link.
Last edited by damnable; 10-30-07 at 06:18 AM.
#3
Dog Chaser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Trek Emonda, Seven Evergreen, Merlin Cyrene, Trek TCT 5000, Trek Checkpoint
I prefer the Joe Blow Pro - like the pump head better. Although the price listed on the site you supplied is ridiculously high. Be forewarned about Topeak floor pumps. The place that fails is the little rubber gromit seal that fits over the valve stem. It's a 5 cent piece that they don't sell separately. Topeak offers a smart head replacement kit for $20 which is a complete rip off. You are better off buying the pump from Performance and then turning it back in for a warranty claim when the smart head quits working. I've had my Pro for 6 years, and usually have to replace the pump head every 2 years or so. A cycling buddy of mine has used his for years without issue, but he rides less than half my miles so his doesn't get as much use.
I'll probably invest in a Silca pump the next time my smarthead fails.
I'll probably invest in a Silca pump the next time my smarthead fails.
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,418
Likes: 1
Silca is good choice. Park Tools.
Editors' Choice 2007: Best Floor Pump
Topeak's Joe Blow Pro blew away the competition in the 2007 Editors' Choice competition with its ease of use, a bleed-down button, and an ergo design
By BICYCLING editors
Topeak's Joe Blow PRO was the 2007 Editors' Choice winner in the Best Floor Pump category.
© Mitch Mandel
THE WINNER: Topeak Joe Blow PRO - $80
We searched high and low for the top three floor pumps. After months of inflating tires, and many sore arms, the Joe Blow earned the top podium spot. "The ergo design is perfect--nice and tall with a long hose," and the top-mounted gauge is "easy to read, with an indexed pointer arrow."
While pumping up some high-pressure tubulars, one tester noted, "I'm amazed how few strokes it took to get to max pressure." No chance of the head biting off presta valves, either: It goes "on and off very easily, no need to work the chuck."
The stellar feature is the bleed-down button: "Every floor pump should have this control." Simply push the button if you go a few pounds over appropriate pressure.
INFO: Topeak.com
RUNNERS-UP:
Blackburn Airtower 4 - $60
The Airtower feels "high-class and high-quality," mainly because of its "solid, smooth stroke," and the gauge is easy to read.
INFO: Blackburndesign.com
Wrench Force Air Daddy - $60
Simply put, the Air Daddy is a "good pump" and it "works well," and "once you find the sweet spot on the grips, it feels great."
Editors' Choice 2007: Best Floor Pump
Topeak's Joe Blow Pro blew away the competition in the 2007 Editors' Choice competition with its ease of use, a bleed-down button, and an ergo design
By BICYCLING editors
Topeak's Joe Blow PRO was the 2007 Editors' Choice winner in the Best Floor Pump category.
© Mitch Mandel
THE WINNER: Topeak Joe Blow PRO - $80
We searched high and low for the top three floor pumps. After months of inflating tires, and many sore arms, the Joe Blow earned the top podium spot. "The ergo design is perfect--nice and tall with a long hose," and the top-mounted gauge is "easy to read, with an indexed pointer arrow."
While pumping up some high-pressure tubulars, one tester noted, "I'm amazed how few strokes it took to get to max pressure." No chance of the head biting off presta valves, either: It goes "on and off very easily, no need to work the chuck."
The stellar feature is the bleed-down button: "Every floor pump should have this control." Simply push the button if you go a few pounds over appropriate pressure.
INFO: Topeak.com
RUNNERS-UP:
Blackburn Airtower 4 - $60
The Airtower feels "high-class and high-quality," mainly because of its "solid, smooth stroke," and the gauge is easy to read.
INFO: Blackburndesign.com
Wrench Force Air Daddy - $60
Simply put, the Air Daddy is a "good pump" and it "works well," and "once you find the sweet spot on the grips, it feels great."
#9
lunatic fringe
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 1
From: Miles from Nowhere, Columbia County, OR
Bikes: 1980 Schwinn World Sport, 1982 Schwinn Super Le Tour, 1984 (?) Univega Single Speed/Fixed conversion, Kogswell G58 fixed gear, 1987 Schwinn Super Sport
I have the Joe Blow Turbo. I use it for 700 x 25-32 road bike tires, 85 - 120 psi., and 559 x 1.95 tires on my MTB and recumbent, 45-65 psi. The SmartHead works well with both schraeder and presta valves.
#10
Low car diet
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,407
Likes: 4
From: Corvallis, OR, USA
Bikes: 2006 Windsor Dover w/105, 2007 GT Avalanche w/XT, 1995 Trek 820 setup for touring, 201? Yeah single-speed folder, 199? Huffy tandem.
I have a Blackburn TPS 2 I use for road and MTB. The guage is accurate and can handle high pressure and move plenty of air with each stroke (though I'm sure most decent ones do).
What's nice is that the Blackburn has a lifetime warranty on pumps. The chuck started leaking on the presta hole, called Blackburn and they sent a new chuck right away--no charge. I think I might have caused the problem anyway--just before it happened, I used the chuck several times without locking the lever.
Anyway, have had it for over a year with regular use (several times a week) and it's been great.
What's nice is that the Blackburn has a lifetime warranty on pumps. The chuck started leaking on the presta hole, called Blackburn and they sent a new chuck right away--no charge. I think I might have caused the problem anyway--just before it happened, I used the chuck several times without locking the lever.
Anyway, have had it for over a year with regular use (several times a week) and it's been great.
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,418
Likes: 1
I have a Blackburn TPS 2 I use for road and MTB. The guage is accurate and can handle high pressure and move plenty of air with each stroke (though I'm sure most decent ones do).
What's nice is that the Blackburn has a lifetime warranty on pumps. The chuck started leaking on the presta hole, called Blackburn and they sent a new chuck right away--no charge. I think I might have caused the problem anyway--just before it happened, I used the chuck several times without locking the lever.
Anyway, have had it for over a year with regular use (several times a week) and it's been great.
What's nice is that the Blackburn has a lifetime warranty on pumps. The chuck started leaking on the presta hole, called Blackburn and they sent a new chuck right away--no charge. I think I might have caused the problem anyway--just before it happened, I used the chuck several times without locking the lever.
Anyway, have had it for over a year with regular use (several times a week) and it's been great.
#12
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Martinsburg, WV
Bikes: 05 Allez Comp Cr-Mo Double
Absolutely correct. I just had this happen with my Joe Blow. Went to top up my tires for a ride and the pump failed without warning. Took 2 weeks to get the replacement part. Other than that, it has been very reliable and easy to use. I like having the pressure dial at the top of the pump rather than on the floor.
#13
59'er
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 12
From: Alexandria, IN
Bikes: LeMond Maillot Jaune, Vintage Trek 520 (1985), 1976 Schwinn Voyageur 2, Miyata 1000 (1985)
Joe Blow Pro.....I can't believe how well it works and can't believe how long I used the previous crappy pump before.
__________________
#14
On my TARDIScycle!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,925
Likes: 3
From: Eastside Seattlite Termite Mound
Bikes: Trek 520, Trek Navigator 300, Peugeot Versailles PE10DE
Yep...I've got a Joe Blow and have had it about 3 years so far and it still works like a champ and looks brand new.
#15
Blackburn Air Tower 5
I recently purchased the Blackburn Air Tower 5. Using the pump is a dream. Pumping to 65 psi is extremely easy on my hybrid. Pumping to 120 psi on my road bike requires some effort but not to the point that you can barely get the last stroke in, easier than I expected. This is an excellent, high quality pump, you won't be disappointed. I almost bought the Topeake Jow Blow II but went with the Air Tower because of the lifetime warranty.
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, Ohio
Bikes: '06 Raleigh Cadent road bike,'05 Trek 7200 hybrid,' 83 Schwinn Le Tour SS conversion
I have this one from Nashbar, and it works really well. It is on sale now for a steal.
https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...0Floor%20Pumps
https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...0Floor%20Pumps
#19
enjoy the ride
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
Bikes: The Ship of Theseus - the only bicycle that I own or have ever owned. It is a bike that I built, with a constantly shifting constellation of parts & frames.
I'm gonna have to jump on the Joe Blow Pro bandwagon here. I've had mine for 2 years, have used it multiple times per week on 3 bikes, and never had a single complaint or problem.
I even had a brief lapse of sanity and quite biking for 6 months and left the pump in my garage to gather dust and cobwebs. It worked just like new when I came to my senses & re-aired my tires for my first ride.
I even had a brief lapse of sanity and quite biking for 6 months and left the pump in my garage to gather dust and cobwebs. It worked just like new when I came to my senses & re-aired my tires for my first ride.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 909
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco!
Bikes: 2010 Surly LHT (main rider and do-everything bike), 2011 Bike Friday NWT (back-up bike and multi-modal)
I've got a Joe Blow. Works great, and has been for about 2 years. It's almost into it's 3rd year.
#21
Dances a jig.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Central, Ok
Bikes: 2007 Surly Long Haul Trucker 54cm (Commuting/Wanna' go tour so bad), 1985 Trek 670 21" (Road), 2003 Gary Fisher Tassajara 17" (MTB), Cannondale DeltaV 600 (commuterized MTB), some junker bikes in my garage
I use a Specialized Air-Tool Comp. It features an aluminum barrel, steel base, a nice gauge, and a head that adapts to schrader or presta automatically. $43 from Specialized.com or your LBS. The sport is a little cheaper at the expense of a plastic barrel..
https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqP...jsp?spid=25945
Mine serves me well. An added bonus is that the barrel unscrews easily. Makes greasing the O-ring periodically a cinch.
https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqP...jsp?spid=25945
Mine serves me well. An added bonus is that the barrel unscrews easily. Makes greasing the O-ring periodically a cinch.





