Which frame / compact pump?

Question for you all: my current pump was bought two bikes ago and doesn’t fit my current bike. It’s Topeak’s rock solid clone of the classic Zefal HPX frame pump. These days, it’s strapped to the downtube but looks horrible and is inconvenient to unstrap for use.

I’m frankly done with CO2 cartridges. I haven’t had much luck with compact pumps that fit in a jersey pocket — the ones I’ve bought don’t pump well and they fall part after a few months. I’m still willing to consider compact pumps that work well and don’t disintegrate and can handle a good rainstorm.

I’m thinking about something like this, the Topeak Road Morph G Bike Pump with Gauge.

What’s your recommendation? This is for my road bike. Remember, I’m happy with frame pumps but will consider a good compact pump, too.

17 Comments

  1. I’ve been using the Topeak Road Morph G for years now and have been happy with it. It has worked better than any other pump of the similar size that I have tried.

    I get my tires up to 90 psi without too much trouble. Getting to 100 and above (I know the gauge reads up to at least 120) is a bit hard on the hands.

    The fold out foot stand is nice, but mine broke off recently, and created a small leak in the housing. I will be replacing the pump soon (with the same model).

  2. I second what Murali says. I have two of the Topeaks, one each on bikes I use regularly.

  3. I’m writing a blog post to contribute to the BOK about pumps, but in summary:

    I find that ones with heads attached to the pump can lead to torn valves. That rules out a lot of otherwise good frame and mini pumps.

    The Topeak Morph pumps are good and let you take the best features of floor pumps with you on the road. I sold a lot of those when that was what I was doing, and I don’t think you’d be disappointed.

    I carry the Lezyne Pressure Drive. Good solid construction has never let me down, no hassles to use the hose for either presta or Schrader valves, and it’s efficient while still remaining very compact.

  4. I love the Topeak Road Morph. It lasts forever, I have had floor pumps die before my Road Morph. Mine has lasted almost 10 years. I have a newer version on my new bike. I wouldn’t get another pump nowadays.

  5. Why won’t a frame pump fit the top tube of your current bike? It’s hard to recommend if we don’t know the reason you’re dissatisfied.

    If it’s just a pump length vs tt length issue, and you’re OK with frame pumps, then get another one! What’s the specific length you need? Often the (sadly discontinued) Blackburn frame pumps will fit in between the Topeak sizes. My explorations in this area have led to a large personal stock of frame pumps… maybe I have one that will work for you.

  6. I’ve used a variety of Lezyne pumps with the little hideaway hose with great success. Obviously, the smaller the pump, the longer it takes… But they sit right next to bottle cage and do work when needed. I’ve been pleasantly surprised e pumps on the mtb have worked when needed even after riding there month after month & through repeated bike washings. They make a hose that has an inline gauge, too.

  7. I had a Zefal HP which I think I bought in the early 80s. It looked like crap but it worked great until I backed over it in a car. I replaced it with a Peak frame pump which looked great, but when I got a flat I found out that it was more decorative than functional. I now carry a Lenzyne Road Drive pump which looks good, and seems to work well. If I remember, I’ll update this opinion in 20 years to let you know if it has the longevity of the Zefal HP.

  8. TRMG for sure. I have 3 now. The rubber in the head failed on two after significant use, and the only place I could find to order the replacement from was xxcycle in France, but I was able to fix up the old pumps.

    Back when I thought high pressure narrow tires were cool, this pump was amazing. I was weekly topping off at 140psi cause that’s what the sidewall said. These days I’m usually just doing 60-90psi on 32mm tires though. The little foot peg and hose makes it great.

  9. I am glad you posted this because I have been in the market for a portable pump!! If only I didn’t get so easily distracted by dresses and shoes!

    Thank you all for your input. I have seen the Topeak Micro Rocket CB Pump used with success (it’s 55g and takes some muscle to get to 110psi). And I was thinking of this one http://ipump.co.jp/ but I will go with the suggestions here.

  10. Thanks all!

    Glad to know TRMG is a good pump. I’ve also heard good things about Lezyne Road Drive.

    @Grego – yep, it’s the size that’s the problem for my current frame. I need to measure for correct pump size. I’m not above buying used from you if you want to meetup sometime? I still have $$$ in the Bike Train account at Bel Bacio if you want to meet there?

  11. I favor the Topeak Mini pump such as that shown at http://www.topeak.com/products/Pumps/MiniDX I have two of them – the second cost me 50 cents at a swap meet. The only weakness is the rubber retainer, which is mainly an esthetic issue. The pump works well to get a tire up to a useable pressure. I’ll bet there are several on eBay at reasonable prices.

  12. I would NOT spend extra and carry the extra weight to get one of these with a pressure gage. While the pump is strong, you’ll be ready to ride long before the pressure is fully topped off.

  13. I love the Topeak Road Morph G Bike Pump. The only issue I’ve had with it is when mounted underneith the bike, I’ve had one fill with water from road spray that disabled it. If you don’t ride much in the rain, it won’t be an issue.

  14. Another vote for the Road Morph G. I have tried a few different pumps, including Lezyne’s equivalent models. The Road Morph G absolutely beats the Lezyne models in functionality and usability. Regarding filling with water, I cut two fingers off of nitrile gloves and put them over the ends of the pump. I have contemplated more elegant solutions, but this has worked over thousands of miles and multiple seasons in the rainy PacNW.

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