Topeak Transformer eUP Floor Pump

The Topeak Transformer eUP is a floor pump that incorporates a couple of fold-out legs and seatstay/chainstay holders to create a simple bike stand. It's ideal to throw in the car for a bit of last-minute road bike fettling, or light workshop duties, and it'll inflate your tyres quickly. But it's a lot of cash compared with a standard pump, and the stand struggles with heavier bikes.

If you're more concerned with inflation than a bike stand, read our guide to the best track pumps. If it's a stand you're after, our guide to the best bike repair stands should help you choose.

I've used various Topeak floor pumps over many years, and on the whole I like them a lot. The action of the eUP isn't quite as refined as some I've used, though, like the JoeBlow Sport 2Stage. The handle action doesn't feel quite as smooth as I expected, there's a bit of play, and the whole thing just doesn't feel as good as I would expect for a pump costing north of £100.

That said, it does what it needs to quickly on the pumping front, with the 341cc per stroke pumping up a 28mm tyre in a tubeless setup to 80psi on 24 strokes, and 100psi in 31 strokes. The handle is comfortable to use as well.

The gauge is large, and sits up high on the pump which makes it easy to read. Both psi and bar readings are catered for. If you're not sure how much air you need, read our handy feature on how to choose the best bike tyre pressure — balancing speed, comfort and grip.

The TwinHead works with all types of valves you are likely to find on a bike, and once locked on it stays put even when using it on a flat innertube up to full. The hose has plenty of length, reaching the front wheel while having the rear wheel of the bike sitting on the stand.

Oh yes, the stand.

The eUP has two fold-out legs on the bottom for stability, and two 'hangers' to accept your chainstay and seatstay.

Topeak says that it is compatible with all kinds of bikes up to 30kg. The heaviest I had at my disposal was a 12kg road e-bike. It was stable while I was pumping the tyres, fiddling with the gears, and fitting things like lights or bikepacking bags. But for anything more strenuous, the bike and pump moved easily.

One thing I would like to see is a locking mechanism for the legs. If the bike tips towards you while you are fettling, the pump will come with it as it starts to fold towards the legs.

To be fair to it, the Topeak isn't designed as some heavy duty bike stand. It's more likely to be used from the back of the car at a race or event HQ to stand your bike up while you get your kit sorted, or a bit of last-minute tinkering.

To get a good fit on your bike the hooks are adjustable, sliding up and down a channel in the main body. They can be locked in place via a quick release lever.

At £119.99, the price seems on the high side to me. That 2Stage pump I mentioned earlier is £89.99, but (as the name suggests) it uses a two-stage design to cover both high-pressure and high-volume modes. A basic single-stage pump like this one, Topeak's own Joe Blow Sport III, costs £47.99 (and is available for less online) and achieves the same max pressure of 160psi, albeit with a slightly smaller chamber.

Using that with the TTP Racing adjustable rear bike stand from Decathlon will give you a similar set up of just £66.

Conclusion

Overall, the eUP is a decent quality device that does make bike prep simple, especially away from the workshop, but its price seems quite high for what you get, including some niggles.

Verdict

Quite a cool design, but pricey overall, especially considering the niggles