My 3rd Topeak Joe Blow is about to die in just 1 year and I’m looking for a replacement that will handle my racing tubulars (Zipp 404s), as well as everyday clinchers and MTB tires. It seems as if a lot of people like the Silcas and I’ve thought about going for the Blackburn Air Tower 5 (fewer strokes). Just curious what peoples experiences and suggestions are. Thanks!
-Pete
Define “die”…
I have 6 floor pumps, but Joe Blow has been my main pump for about 4 years (using it 300 days a year). The other 5 were bought while on a roadtrip when Joe wasn’t around. Surprised you haven’t had much luck. I also think Joe is the “less expensive” pump of the bunch too boot.
Maybe I’m just a delicate pumper
Serfas Orange floor pump. Cheap about $45 and pumps up to 260 psi. if you want something to last forever, go with Slica they are rebuildable so anything happens you can fix the chamber.
My JoeBlow is at least 5 years old, at least once a year I start losing pressure so I unscrew the top and put some heavy oil around the plunger gasket - works as new again.
My 3rd Topeak Joe Blow is about to die in just 1 year and I’m looking for a replacement that will handle my racing tubulars (Zipp 404s), as well as everyday clinchers and MTB tires. It seems as if a lot of people like the Silcas and I’ve thought about going for the Blackburn Air Tower 5 (fewer strokes). Just curious what peoples experiences and suggestions are. Thanks!
-Pete
I have both the Silca and the Blackburn. I only use the Blackburn when I have a bunch of MTB tires to inflate. The Silca may take a few extra pumps for larger volume tires, but it is the best functioning pump that I have ever used… especially for high pressure tubulars. I haven’t had very good luck with the Topeak pumps in general, as they always seem to leak and require gasket maintenance.
Die would be something with either the seals or plunger (and me). I get clunking sounds, then a few strokes later, it won’t blow any more air. Same problem each time. I bought it at Performance, so I’ve been able to take it back each times. I don’t know if it’s my size and relative lack of upper body strength (need to use my whole body to get to 140 PSI) that could be causing the failure, which was one of the reasons I was looking at the Blackburn. Either way, I’m thinking it’s good indication to look at another pump.
the gasket is drying out. unscrew the top (where the plunger goes in) and at the bottom of the plunger you’ll see a round piece of plastic with a gasket (unless it rolled out). a few drops of heavy oil around the gasket, put it back in and spin it to evenly coat, then screw the top back on. Good as new or even better.