Forum menu
Hi folks,
So decided that we needed a new pump and went for the above to replace our old Aldi one.... and I’ll be honest it’s not working as you’d expect!
So on the presta setting, it’s very very tight and have to push it hard to get it to seal.
It’s so problematic my partner has stopped using it and gone back to our failing Aldi pump when I spent the money to get something decent!
Anyone had the same issue at all? I’ve said to her it’s likely just the rubber seal that’s tight inside.... frustratingly can’t return now
You should be able to replace the valve head if necessary?
This is Just a random one on eBay.
I got one recently as an extra to keep somewhere else. I already have a Joe Blow Sport from a while ago. I'm not too impressed by the head either. It's awkward to fit on the valve and when you flick the lever it loses quite a bit air before you start pumping.
Actually that’s a very good point, it is brand new though so I wouldn’t expect it’d need a new one... I’ve just done a wiggle order too!
Will have a look as maybe the opening is just a tad too small
Oh you’re joking me? So it’s a bad design.... that is frustrating! I spent a bit more to get a good one as it is pretty important to have good kit
I'm still using a cheapo Bell branded one from ASDA ive had for ages, sometimes (not always, as I agree with you!) cheap is actually ok.
I've just removed and lubed the rubber washer on the presta fitting (silicone or rubber grease) and it has improved it a bit. Maybe try that.
I'm a bit of a pedant when it comes to these things and have spent rather too much on them. Recently I've been using a Topeak Smarthead which was good (if a bit stiff) for a while but it became unreliable when connecting to car valves (it failed to depress the Schraeder valve pin).
I ordered a similar SKS unit and it was sent back because it didn't work with car valves (the recess is not deep enought to depress the pin). This was sent back.
I have a dual head SKS head which was awkward to use and very hit and miss when connecting to the valves and often allowed air to escape throught the other valve hole.
I've got a new Topeak Twin head and it is very stiff in operation and does tend to lose a fair bit of air.
Finally I found this here Beto head that is most economical and is very easy to use on both Schraeder (car) and Presta valves. It has a much lighter action than the Topeak Smarthead which I had originally.
I've had a Joe blow oumo for years. Just replaced the head as it had failed.
Just checking you are opening up the valve with the lever before you put it on the valve and clamp it on by pulling the lever down?
Lever should point away when you put it on (opens up the clamp) then pushed down (tightens the clamp)
If your not happy with it, Then I'd return it and get something else.
I can recommend this. Particularly if you are a road and mtb household.
Lever should point away when you put it on (opens up the clamp) then pushed down (tightens the clamp)
Er, no, it's the other way round. it should be attached with the valve in line with the haose and then locked by pulling it away from whatever head you are using:
I have the exact same head on My Sprint and never had an issue.
What I find weird is the screw end for the presta side, is clearly for loosening and tightening the connection to the valve, however there’s no resistance when you loosen it, just feels like if you’re careless it’ll drop off over time.
Tempted to message Topeak about it, I’d return it to the company I got it from but no longer have the box/receipt. I will try the lube trick I think and give it more of an inspection
The screw cap should be done right up, it's just for holding the internal donut in. The cam lever is what tightens everything.
Might be time to read the instructions...
Love my Joe blow sport. Had it at least ten years, maybe 15. The hose did fail last year which confused me. It wouldn't inflate and I could hear the air escaping so I assumed it was the head and replaced it before eventually tracking down the real problem. I have two other track pumps, both decent, a Silca and a specialized, and the joe blow is better.
Ha I will check the instruction, the main reason I tweaked with the screw part was because it was very tight getting into onto the valve so thought that might help
Just thought I’d update this and swallow my pride, so the issue with the pump was the seal was very new and barely used, once it’s seen a few valves it worked fine, apart from the fact the missus has small hands so can’t grip the tyre and push the valve on and flick the lever. Bit of a PITA so now I can only really use the pump meant for us both!!
I bought the same pump as the OP in May this year and have had no problems at all with it. It replaced my Lidl/Aldi £5.99 track pump that had done great service over many years, but finally gave up the ghost and failed when pumping up my Schwalbe Tire Blaster to 10 bar for the umpteenth time.