Topeak Joe Blow Sport track pump

At just over £30 Topeak's Joe Blow Sport is not an expensive pump but it certainly performs like one. The construction and operation are pretty hard to fault, making it a good home workshop investment.

The Joe Blow range is extensive, going from £25 for the Max II to £85 for the twin-barrelled Race. The Sport, the second-cheapest pump, gets plenty to recommend it. The construction is all-steel, with the pressed base bolted to the barrel. Further up the range you get 'upgraded' to Aluminium but I'd rather have the longevity than the light weight. The barrel-mounted gauge tops out at 160psi; we didn't have any track tubs to inflate during testing but certainly 120psi was no bother at all, and putting 100psi into a 700x23c took just 24 easy strokes. The elastomer insert makes the handle nice and comfy.

The Sport uses Topeak's TwinHead™ adapter, with Presta and Schraeder valves sitting opposite each other and sharing a locking lever. It's a simple and elegant cheaper alternative to a smart head, and means there's no fiddling with spacers. Both sides of the head accepted all the valves we tried with no leaks. The hose isn't the longest but the articulated joint at the valve means the hose you get is more usable, and it clips over the handle when not in use to keep everything tidy.

Verdict

Overall it's a great workshop tool that should give you years of service. The performance is first rate for the money, and there's been no corners cut in the build. Nice job.