Topeak JoeBlow Twin Turbo Bicycle Floor Pump Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Topeak Web Site
Price: $189.95
Head: SmartHead™ DX1 full metal pump head w/ air release button
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Valve: Presta and Schrader
Volume/stroke: 858 cc
Weight: 6.61 lb/ 3 kg
Max Pressure: 200 PSI

Hot

• High-pressure air inflates tires faster and easier
• All metal Smarthead™DX1, barrel and base for durability
• Presta or Schrader compatible
• Air release button to dial in right PSI
• Large 3” top mounted gauge for accurate PSI reading
• Extra-long hose

Not

• Pricey

More Volume Per Pump

The first thing I noticed when unpacking Topeak’s new JoeBlow Twin Turbo floor pump was the weight and construction. Weighing in at 6.61 pounds (3 kg) this pump means business. The base and barrel are made of aluminum, so you know it’s going to be durable and provide years of use.

The large size is due to the twin barrel design which enables massive air volume. When you pull up on the handle, intake air moves into the large barrel and compresses the air in the smaller barrel. Pushing the handle down compresses the air in the smaller barrel into high-pressure output. This design moves 858 cc per stroke, thus providing more volume per pump.

I liked that the high volume did not require a lot of effort to inflate. I recently had elbow surgery and can only use one arm to pump. When trying to pump up a trainer tire, I struggled to get 75 PSI pumping with one hand. But with the JoeBlow, I was able to inflate to 100 PSI fairly easily. The pumping action is smooth and would be a good option for smaller women or men who find standard pumps a struggle to use.

Per Topeak’s press release, the JoeBlow Twin Turbo saves up to 40% pump time and effort to inflate a tire. Because of my elbow, I asked Mitch to help to test this claim. We deflated my road tire (700×25), then inflated it up to 100 PSI using the JoeBlow and a single barrel floor pump I owned. The JoeBlow took only 14 pumps to fill the tire to 100 PSI while the standard floor pump took 46 pumps. That’s an incredible amount of energy and time savings.

More Than Just A Lot Of Air…It’s In The Details

Topeak has really thought of all the little details to make this a great pump. They installed a large 3” analog gauge at the top of the pump so it is easy to read. I never understood why some manufactures install it at the bottom…making it difficult to read the dial. The dial registers up to 200 PSI should you need to go that high.

Another detail is ergo shaped handles with a little bit of padding, which was especially nice when I was pumping with one hand. The handles were comfortable and didn’t dig into my palm like the round handles do.

The all metal SmartHead accommodates Presta and Shrader valves. Its construction means it will last a long time. An air release button is located on the head, so you can dial in the PSI if you overinflated. The extra-long inflation hose is really nice as it allows you room to maneuver.

Several adaptors come with the JoeBlow, including one that I used to inflate my large stability ball, which sure beat the small hand pump it originally came with. The only problem with the adaptors was once I cut the zip tie that attached the packet to the pump, there was no way to secure the adaptors to the pump when I was done. I’d be worried that they’d eventually get lost. If on their next iteration, Topeak could provide a little storage area for the adaptors, problem solved.

At $189.95 the JoeBlow Twin Turbo is an expensive pump. But this well made, durable floor pump will last you a long, long time. Throw in the ease of pumping and quick inflation and you can’t put a price tag on getting out on your bike faster.

Bottom Line

If you are in the market for a new floor pump, the new Topeak JoeBlow Twin Turbo checks all the boxes. The construction is sturdy, inflates using high volumes of air with a single stroke, easy to pump (even with one hand) and has a metal SmartHead. From fat bike to MTB to road, use fewer strokes to pump up your tires and get riding sooner.

Next Article: Another Sort of Cycling Adventure

Sheri Rosenbaum

Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women's cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri's full bio.