At Run Oregon, we embrace all forms of physical activity beyond just running. Many of our bloggers (and likely many of our readers) are multisport athletes. If you are, or aspire to be, a multisport athlete, we’re excited to have you join us in this new journey. Welcome to Bike Oregon! While many of us participate in running races, Andrew competes in a variety of competitive cycling races in the Pacific Northwest.
Joeblow – Mountain X Digital Pump
Main Design Features: High volume barrel, large easy to read LED screen, locking turbohead for high airflow presta valves.
Turboflow Valve Combo
Main Design Features: Easy to install, improves airflow for tubeless tire setting, clog free sealant injection.
E-Booster – Digital Mini Pump
Main Design Features: 120 psi maximum inflation, multiple uses per charge, pressure presetting, built in LED flashlight, color LED display.
I’ve had a Topeak Joeblow Sport pump for almost two decades now. It’s the bright yellow one, that you see in the pit station at bike races, or the parking lot at your favorite trailheads. It gets tossed in my trunk, dropped on the floor, and used hundreds of times by me and my buddies throughout the year.
It’s a staple in my bike-mechanic toolbox, but it’s starting to show its age so I jumped at the chance to test some new products Topeak has to offer to see what I’ve been missing out on.
Using Topeak’s new Joeblow – Mountain X Digital Pump for the first time blew my mind. Being accustomed to the small font on the gauge of so many other pumps, the large LED display on this is a welcomed change. No more guessing, or squinting, or over inflating my tires.
The integrated turbohead connection is a major upgrade from days past. By gently putting pressure on the turbohead when pressing onto the prestavalve, the connection locks into place with a satisfying click. The whole pump feels sturdy and secure on the floor under my feet each time I use it.
With the pump’s over-sized barrel, minimal effort is needed to bring tires up to the desired pressure. Gone are the days of 20+ full pumps, it’s now more like five or six controlled pumps and then one final push to slowly dial it to exactly what pressure it needs to be.
The high volume of air that the pump can produce makes tubeless tire bead setting easy, especially with the use of the Turboflow valve adapters. These little things solve big problems and headaches. No need to over inflate the tires with my fingers crossed hoping the beads pop into place. Installing the valve adapters is as simple as taking off the prestavalve removable core, and twisting on the adapter.
The Turboflow adapters allow more airflow from the connection head to the tire, so when used in combo with Mountain X high volume pump, tubeless tire seating is no longer an issue. And because of the adapter’s design, sealant injection is a clog-free process helping alleviate a lot of mess cleanup. The whole process is just more efficient, and every minute and muscle strain saved, means more time I get to be out on the road doing what I love.
As much as I wish I could lug the Joeblow with me every ride I go on, it’s obviously just not practical. So, when space or convenience is a concern, I’ve been bringing along the Topeak E-Booster – Digital Mini Pump. It’s a great pump in a little footprint. It has gone with me on multiple trips and has been shoved in jersey pockets and saddle bags. In the past couple years these types of digital pumps have really jumped onto the scene, and I can see why they are becoming popular. It’s great knowing there is a device that can provide full tire inflating pressure sitting just under my seat.
CO2 cartridges go quick, and mini hand pumps can be laborious. So, a solution like this has become an easy go-to device for long rides. I like that I can preset a desired pressure and the pump will stop when it gets there. The display is easy to see, and intuitive to navigate.
I have used the mini pump to inflate mine and two other buddy’s flats on a very unlucky day, and the pump still had charge for at least one more tire when the day was done. It’s a very capable device that has found a permanent place in my saddle bag for whatever sharp objects the road has to throw at me.
While it’s strange to say goodbye to my tried-and-true old yellow friend, Topeak has made it easy to change with the times and to stay out on the road for new and longer adventures.
