With the arrival of summer comes a huge batch of new products from Topeak. Seriously, there’s four pages worth on their U.S. Distributor’s (Todson) website. If you want the full run down check out that link, otherwise, we’re going to focus on two products specifically – the new JoeBlow Sport 2-Stage floor pump, and their D-Flash fenders.
Of all the pumps in my garage, my JoeBlow Sport is the oldest, and it’s been impressively reliable. Short of replacing the insert for the presta valve side of the Twin Head, it’s needed almost nothing over the years in terms of maintenance and is often the first pump I reach for.
The JoeBlow has been offered in numerous configurations over the years, and now you can add a new 2-Stage version to that list (there’s also a new digital version). Standing slightly taller than my old JoeBlow Sport( 74 x 26.6 x 18 cm / 29.1” x 10.5” x 4.6), the new pump also has a more stable base.
The name gives it away, but the unique feature to this pump is the dual stage pumping action that will either give you high volume or high pressure. With the selection lever set to ‘1’, the pump will put out 715cc of air for each stroke from 0-30 psi. Switch the lever to ‘2’ (which can be done in either direction), and the pump switches to put out 258cc per stroke from 30-160psi.
To accommodate for the different settings, the mid-mount analog gauge changes in resolution. This allows for higher resolution at lower pressures for precise inflation, while still reaching 160psi on the same gauge.
Topeak claims the JoeBlow Sport 2-Stage reaches 30psi with 30% less effort but it still requires a hefty push at the handle. The oversized handle has softer inserts to make the process more comfortable. In my experience, the reduced effort comes in fewer strokes needed to reach 30psi, but those strokes to get there seem like they might actually be harder than on the original JoeBlow Sport.
There are a lot of high tech pump heads out there, but the Topeak TwinHead remains among the easiest to use. This pump includes the TwinHead DX5 pump head with a hammer design with one side for presta and the other for schrader valves, and a large lever that locks to the opposite side of the head that you are currently using. An extra long hose makes it easy to inflate your tires in a number of situations.
As usual, the pump includes tips for inflating balls or various bladders/pool toys. Anyone who has ever tried to inflate a pool toy with a bike pump will likely appreciate the high volume feature of this pump!
Available now, the JoeBlow Sport 2-Stage pump sells for $99.95.
D-Flash Fenders
Supposedly inspired by origami, the D-Flash fenders are the latest fenders to ship in a flat sheet of polypropylene plastic.
This allows the packaging to be the same material as the fender itself, and it arrives perforated so it quickly punches out from the sheet.
Then, perforations in the fender body itself allow it to bend, and fold into a rounded shape to provide protection for your down tube, seat tube, fork, or saddle. Strong velcro straps are provided to fit a range of frames, and the fenders are quite light since they’re a thin sheet of plastic.
Finally, 3M Hyper Reflective printing will help your bike stand out at night.
Available now, the fenders sell for $9.95-$14.95 depending on the model.
