Topeak Joeblow Booster

Using a compressor is the easiest way to inflate tubeless tyres but this isn’t always practical in the field. Compressors are also bulky and noisy, so mightn’t be the ideal solution for every home workshop. The Topeak Joeblow Booster is a quite alternative for inflating tubeless tyres that doesn’t take up as much space or require power.

Rather than pumping air directly into the tyre, the smaller diameter barrel inflates the larger silver air chamber; you can pump this up to 160psi. This takes a decent amount of effort and a minute or so of pumping. Once fully charged, you hook the valve up and unleash the high pressure blast by rotating the large dial that’s on the outside of the pressure gauge.

We tried the Booster on a range of rim and tyre combinations and rarely had an issue. Most of the time it seated the tyre first go and worked just as well as an air compressor. On the odd occasion where it failed to seat, we pumped it back up to 160psi and got it the next time around.

We found the pump head to be particularly good. The clip-on lever style head mounted quickly and easily to every valve – both presta and Schrader – and it didn’t present the hassles that you typically encounter with thread-on presta connectors. We also appreciated the bleed valve that makes it easy to fine-tune the tyre pressure once inflated.

Weighing in at over 3.5kg, the Booster is one hefty pump but it’s well made with a sturdy wide steel base and looks like it should last for years. My only two complaints are that the main pressure release dial isn’t the easiest to turn – it’s a two-handed operation – and it’s hard to discern a 2-3psi pressure difference on the gauge; a possible concern if you run low pressures and are fussy about your settings.

The $240 asking price may also be a sticking point but this pump is such an effective solution to tubeless tyre mounting that I think it’s worth it. Even though I have an air compressor at home, I usually grab the Booster instead; it’s quiet so I don’t wake the kids up when doing tyre swaps at night and it’s great for taking to events for last minute tyre swaps and repairs. It’s also well-made and should last an eternity.

Cassons (02) 8882 1900 / www.topeak.com

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