Watching someone roll by with visibly deflated tyres makes us wince. A car will guzzle more fuel and a bicycle will need more grunt. Oh, and it makes a pinch puncture more likely.
Luckily, maintaining correct tyre pressure is a cheap, quick and easy task. Especially if you have the right tool for the job. A track pump makes the task a doddle.
We’re fans of the Topeak JoeBlow. With a steel barrel and connectors for Presta, Schrader and Dunlop valves, this robust floor pump can inflate tyres to well over 100psi.
We like that spares are readily available as we’ve found that with long-term use the head eventually stops sealing properly. However, it’s a minor gripe.
We’ve used the Topeak JoeBlow at events, as well as the pump for our office bikes, for many years.
What’s the correct pressure for my bicycle tyres?
There’s no shame in being puzzled by bicycle tyre pressures. After all, the correct pressure will depend on the type of bike you ride. For example, the narrow tyres of a road bike require 80 – 130 psi (pounds per square inch); mountain bike tyres being used off-road, 25 to 35 psi; and hybrid tyres 40-70 psi.
If you’re in any doubt, check the side of the tyre – the recommended pressure will be marked
Track pumps also make a good general-purpose household tool as they’re perfect for inflating footballs, not to mention being powerful enough to top-up car tyres. And if you get your bike out of the shed to discover it’s suffered a slow puncture, they help make repairs a breeze.
New to fixing flats? Our three-minute guide shows you how to mend a punctured bicycle tyre without breaking a sweat.
Win a JoeBlow track pump
If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a Topeak JoeBlow track pump, simply leave us a message below and we’ll pick a name next week.
The ethical choice
The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.
The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.
DarrenC
BLOW ME DOWN! Another great prize to make us feel pumped ready for a bike ride!
wesley
This prize is much more than a load of hot air. Freewheeling on full tyre pressure can be sublime.
Jamie J
At last, some inflation that’s good for you…
Dr Vic
No need to worry about inflation if you have one of these!
Peter
I’ve worn out two of these over the years. They really are the best track pump around!
James
Does it help when i run out of puff
David Gray
I have bikes with both Schrader and Presta valves.
Ema A
Always good to have pumped up tyres for a journey 🚲🌞
Peter
A fantastic addition to the home bike kit!
Peter G
Whoosh fill my tyres
Torun
Oh man! A Topeak JoeBlow blow job is the best pump ever.
The best manufacturer of pump!
My birthday is just round the corner…July.
Richard
“Pump up the volume, pump up the volume ….”
yes please
Steve
Pump, pump, pump, pump me up!
me what?
me up!
pump, pump me up!
Bill
It doesn’t matter what they say, I always find it very difficult using a hand-pump to reach the desired pressure. (Especially as I’m not as young as I used to be!) If lucky enough, I’m sure one of these would help enormously…
JohnB
My old one needs replacing, so would be very happy if I could win this one!
Fred
Good old Joe Blow. The best
ChrisB
looks like it would be an improvement on my old hand pump, shame it doesn’t do it all for you.
Colin H
awesome . . .
Sarah
I would be blown away to own this.
Les Gunbie
Makes such a difference … would absolutely love to win this prize
John
JoeBlow. The best track pump out there. I would love to have one of these