TOPEAK JOEBLOW™ BOOSTER Pump Review

JoeBlow Specs and Functions

Do you really need a $160 pump to be able to mount your tubless tires anywhere? There are currently about 10 different pumps or DIY methods for inflating a tubless tire on the go without electricity or the use of a compressor.  They range in price from the cheap 2 litter bottle hack. The pumps range in price from about $70 USD to $180 USD.  One of the favorites we have used is the Topeak Joeblow.  The pump can be used like a regular floor pump when the switch is turned to “Inflate”, or charged like an air compressor when switched to “Charge” mode.  The pump can store upto 160 PSI (11 BAR).  Dealing with a compressor in addition to presta valves and the other obvious inconvenience make having a portable tubeless pump almost a necessity with most high end bikes being set up tubeless.  The topeak pump also includes a super long hose that nicely stores securely around the pump.  It includes two air release or bleed buttons for letting reducing pressure in the tire or charger.

Preparing the Tire for Use of the Topeak JoeBlow Pump

In our testing and use over the last few months with the Topeak JoeBlow pump and our initial review of the pump we replaced a rear tire.  After removing the old tire. Sealant should be refreshed every few months in tires, and it’s easy to just break the bead, and add a couple ounces to keep it blocking flats.  There is the option to remove the valve core, and add sealent through the valve, but we found it just as easy if not easier to just pop the bead add the sealant and use the JoeBlow pump to reseat the bead and inflate the tire.

Here we have the new tire already installed back on the rim.  We cleaned up any dirt and residue with a quick wipe down before placing the new tire on.

The Maxxis DHR 2.4 was tubless ready tire, the Stans recommendation was to add about 3 or 4 oz for a new tire.

With the tire completely seated inside the rim with only a small opening at the bottom we added the sealant and pushed the rest of the tire into the rim without spilling any of the sealant out.

Charging the Topeak JoeBlow Pump

With the tire installed with sealant to the rim, we charged the pump by rotating the top nob to “Charge” and taking about 50 strokes of the pump to reach 160 PSI.  The pump consistently took 50 full strokes of the pump to reach full charge.  We could have gotten away with less than 160 PSI to seat the tire, but always went to 160 just in case.

Topeak Smart Head

One of our favorite features about the JoeBlow and other Topeak floor pumps is the smart head. The smart head works with presta and schrader valves the long lever on the head makes it easy to lock on to the valve.  It has a convenient bleed button on the head to reduce pressure in the tire during filling.  It has been one of the best multi use heads I have ever used.  It’s easy to know when it’s seated properly on the valve, and the long leverage on the locking lever makes it easy to secure without busing a knuckle on a spoke, or breaking a valve stem.

The additional bleed valve is located on the charge tank to discharge the floor pump.

Conclusion

This pump couldn’t be any easier to use, It’s heavy duty, and heavy, which I like for it’s use it gives it a solid platform for pumping.  It’s still portable enough to bring to the trail and on trips.  We have had a 100% success rate with the pump, as long as you take a few minutes to check the tire and valve are property prepared. Using the pump as a standard pump works well, however not as fast as other larger volume pumps.  Even with a compressor in the garage, I reach for the JoeBlow pump to seat my tubeless tires.

You can find the Topeak JoeBlow on GearChase.com from many online retailers. To check the current prices, click here.