Post by marcs on Oct 17, 2007 18:00:11 GMT 8
There are basically two simple things you need to do to care for your bike . . . keep the chain clean and properly lubed, and make sure you have the right tire pressure.
So it stands that any equipment that would make the above easier would translate to better caring for your bike
Notwithstanding the risk of underinflated tires, expert riders can feel differences in their bike handling with even just a few psi change in tire pressure. Any rider should have a floor pump in his stable.
And so we review the Topeak Joe Blow Turbo floor pump, right in the middle of the pack among Topeak's line.
Aesthetics
This baby looks solid. The combination of satin aluminum, steel, and rubber make for a color combination gives it a nice, clean, and decent look. It would be right in place in a bike shop or a racing team's pit area.
Features
There are several little features that really makes this pump a joy too use.
Extra long hose. Put it smack in the middle of the bike and it will reach both wheels easily. No need to fumble, change your reach, move the pump, etc. It will reach it. The hose is also neatly held down by a loop in the bottom and the head is clipped on the side, making for clean storage and easy transport.
The handle is locked down in place with this simple lever. Push the handle down, and release.
You get a carbon face that's easy to read, with a nice indicator to remind you of your fave PSI setting.
A nice solid aluminum lock in the pump head. Whereas in other pumps, the moment you connect the the pump head to the valve, air would start to release, with the Turbo, somehow, there is no air loss. Air would only be released into the pump the moment you engage the lever. Nice and clean. No fumbling, no rushing to connect while air rushes out . . .
Want to get the exact pressure? No need to release the pump and manually deflate, then re-inflat. With the Turbo you get an air release valve (yellow button) which you usually get only in shock pumps.
But the beauty of it all is the SmartHead. Frustrated by having to change your pump head into presta or schraeder modes? The Turbo leaves all that behind. Connect it to Presta or Schraeder. It will fit both. No problem.
Price
At 1,900+, is it worth the price of admission? For most riders, maybe not. While the SmartHead is a cool techie feature, most riders would probably not need it (unless you stock this in your car and everyone asks to pump their tires before you ride).
It would be something though that most LBS would probably love to have, as well as a good gear to have in a 24 hour race.
However, all the little features do add to one lovely to use pump, that would encourage you to check your tires before every ride Infact, I went ahead and checked even my car's tires in the process. For the price, I just think it's the price of a usual floor pump + a new CD.
Definitely another great product from Topeak.
So it stands that any equipment that would make the above easier would translate to better caring for your bike
Notwithstanding the risk of underinflated tires, expert riders can feel differences in their bike handling with even just a few psi change in tire pressure. Any rider should have a floor pump in his stable. And so we review the Topeak Joe Blow Turbo floor pump, right in the middle of the pack among Topeak's line.
Aesthetics
This baby looks solid. The combination of satin aluminum, steel, and rubber make for a color combination gives it a nice, clean, and decent look. It would be right in place in a bike shop or a racing team's pit area.
Features
There are several little features that really makes this pump a joy too use.
Extra long hose. Put it smack in the middle of the bike and it will reach both wheels easily. No need to fumble, change your reach, move the pump, etc. It will reach it. The hose is also neatly held down by a loop in the bottom and the head is clipped on the side, making for clean storage and easy transport.
The handle is locked down in place with this simple lever. Push the handle down, and release.
You get a carbon face that's easy to read, with a nice indicator to remind you of your fave PSI setting.
A nice solid aluminum lock in the pump head. Whereas in other pumps, the moment you connect the the pump head to the valve, air would start to release, with the Turbo, somehow, there is no air loss. Air would only be released into the pump the moment you engage the lever. Nice and clean. No fumbling, no rushing to connect while air rushes out . . .
Want to get the exact pressure? No need to release the pump and manually deflate, then re-inflat. With the Turbo you get an air release valve (yellow button) which you usually get only in shock pumps.
But the beauty of it all is the SmartHead. Frustrated by having to change your pump head into presta or schraeder modes? The Turbo leaves all that behind. Connect it to Presta or Schraeder. It will fit both. No problem.
Price
At 1,900+, is it worth the price of admission? For most riders, maybe not. While the SmartHead is a cool techie feature, most riders would probably not need it (unless you stock this in your car and everyone asks to pump their tires before you ride).
It would be something though that most LBS would probably love to have, as well as a good gear to have in a 24 hour race.
However, all the little features do add to one lovely to use pump, that would encourage you to check your tires before every ride
Infact, I went ahead and checked even my car's tires in the process. For the price, I just think it's the price of a usual floor pump + a new CD. Definitely another great product from Topeak.
Got it a Lil lower than your posted price. Decided to get it coz i have this Mini 18 tool also from Topeak a must have in every ride i do 
