This frame pump for mountain bikes "morphs" into a trailside floor pump that is lightweight and powerful. A folding foot support easily converts frame pump into a floor pump. SwivelGrip provides a comfortable hand position while inflating. Inflates to 120 psi effortlessly. Quickly converts between Presta and Schrader valve.
Giant XTC Comp, Slave to SRAM (Rock Shox Sid WC Carbon, X.9, Juicy 7) XM819 etc.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the Mini Morph which is slightly shorter than the Mountain Morph making it a bit lighter and a bit easier to fit into a pack or pocket.
This pump is less a mini hand pump and more a mini track pump. It's really easy to pump, it's very well designed and very well made. If your any kind of careful then it won't break, and I reckon it will last for ages. Yes you can break these things, but only by doing something stupid or careless, or not showing any respect for things you buy. How the poster below managed to have one fall out of the frame mount when it's supplied with a velcro strap is beyond me, unless of course it wasn't used (as instructed) in which case what do you expect?
Full marks for a great pump.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dirtdober
a Cross Country Rider
from V-town Texas Date Reviewed: September 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Muleshoe
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$8.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Dependable, can pump high pressure, confortable to pump for a mini pump
Weaknesses:
Large for a mini pump
Similar Products Used:
the others were so bad I didn't want to remember the brand
Bike Setup:
several
Bottom Line:
I don't use it very often but it never leaves me stranded like the pumps I've had before. Easy to get a mountain tire aired quickly. I had to use it on my road bike the other day and it had no problem going to 120 psi. I wouldn't try using it at high pressures all the time, since that is not what it is made for but it did a good job when I needed it to. For those complaining about it not handling the high pressure.........don't you think you should buy the roak morph and not the mountain morph? The only problem with this pump is its size but I will pay that for its dependablity.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bcoulam
a Weekend Warrior
from Cedar Hills, UT Date Reviewed: August 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Fine piece of engineering in a mini pump. Fits in my Camelbak MULE. Has footpad to help stabilize during pumping. Hose telescopes to help reach when valve isn't or can't be ideal position. Handle twist locks in. Handle flips to T to give more area for palm to press. Knuckles not maimed when hitting bottom of pump stroke. Lightweight. Easy to read pressure dial. Easiest thumblock I've used. Takes me 100 pumps from new tube to 50lb PSI. Not sure if that's great or not, but I think it is for a mini.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
TREK, Performance, Blackburn mini pumps. None even come close to the engineering of this pump.
Bike Setup:
Doesn't really matter. Nice x-country rig.
Bottom Line:
Excellent product. Buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rockychan
a Downhiller
from Boulder, Colorado, USA Date Reviewed: July 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
It will pump up to very high pressure, light weight, has pressure gauge.
Weaknesses:
I bought this product prior to a 2100 mile bike tour across Japan. Falls apart quickly. First the pedal broke within the first week of the tour. Then the high pressure unit failed, then the stem that holds the lift handle fell out while I was riding, never to be found.
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn Mammoth, Beam XOP (puchased in Japan as a replacement to the above pump)
Bike Setup:
Specialized Sequoa
Bottom Line:
There is a problem finding a decent high pressure pump, one that will pump to 140 lbs. or more. Maybe there is a better one out there. This pump is fine around town, but on a tour I don't think it will hold up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
superjohnny
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Oregon Date Reviewed: July 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Reasonably efficient
Weaknesses:
Small plastic parts break quickly. The mount for attaching it to your frame doesn't hold it in place. Not reasonably able to get > 80 psi.
Similar Products Used:
A few different pumps and many floor pumps.
Bike Setup:
Salsa Casseroll commuter/tourer.
Bottom Line:
The mount that attaches the pump to your frame is not really able to hold it in place. I went over a curb and it fell out and a bunch of the little plastic parts broke. I taped all the little parts in place and taped it onto the mount, but found that the tube part that connects to the stem comes out of it's little hook mount so I have to use yet another piece of tape to keep it in place. I only fixed 2 flats with it and it's going in the garbage can. It is built like a very cheap pump and should be treated as such. It would probably work fine if used infrequently and kept in a dry bag or someplace where is is protected from any type of physical contact.
I am going to try a Zefal frame pump instead. I would not recommend fellow cyclists get the Morph pump. There must be a better pump out there...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chucko
a Weekend Warrior
from Silicon Valley, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Saratoga Gap
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Sports Basement
Strengths:
Fold-out foot lets you use ground for leverage, nozzle on hose means no more busted valves, pumps up big tires quickly.
Weaknesses:
"Foot" could be larger, can bash knuckles on pump body, pressure gauge would be nice to have (other Topeak models come with gauges).
Similar Products Used:
Various compact pumps, Topeak Road Morph G
Bike Setup:
Chumba XCL, 26 x 2.4 tires
Bottom Line:
The Topeak Morph pumps are a must-have on the trail. They make fixing flats much less of a pain. The Mountain Morph isn't as cheap, compact, or light as some other pumps, but those other pumps aren't as easy to use. It isn't perfect, but it's way ahead of the competition.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: April 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything with lots of climbing
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Easy and comfortable to use, effective
Weaknesses:
Relatively heavy and bulky
Similar Products Used:
Topeak Peakini
Bike Setup:
Rockhopper frame, lx everything else
Bottom Line:
This is the easiest to use frame pump out there, bar none. Nothing is as nice to use as this on the trail to inflate a tire. It works really well. The pseudo-floor pump design is just better than anything else.
That said, it's not as small as some other nice pumps, and the design means that there are more parts to break so it's not the most durable. It's still worth it for the actual pumping, though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Abilene Date Reviewed: November 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Government Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
-Fits nicely on frame. -Does its job and puts air in a low tire
Weaknesses:
-Plastic flip out foot hold broke after third time using it -Plastic locking tab which locks on to the valve stem broke after fourth use
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
'06 Haro Shift F/S
Bottom Line:
This review is for the Topeak mini morph. The mountain and mini look the same except for the size. I only used it when I had a low tire. On the third use, the fold out plastic floor tab broke. No biggie I thought, I don't need it anyways. Next time I used it, the locking tab which locks the pump head on the valve stem broke also. That was it, no more Topeak for me! I resarched like a mad man and ended up buying a Blackburn. They have a lifetime warranty on all their pumps with no questions asked.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Felix
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT Date Reviewed: September 23, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Best trailside pump there is. Way easier to pump up tires with this than a hand pump. Easily serviced.
Weaknesses:
Plastic pieces don't feel robust--although I haven't broken any major parts after years of use. Heavier than a standard hand pump, but the extra weight is WELL worth it.
Similar Products Used:
Too many crappy hand pumps to count--Crank Bros, Topeak, Blackburn, etc.
Bottom Line:
This pump is in my pack at all times. With a regular hand pump, it takes FOREVER to pump a tire, and my arms and hands are cramping by the time I'm done. I've even gotten subsequent pinch flats, because I would tire out using a hand pump after the first flat. Not anymore with this pump. After getting a flat on the trail, it's so fast and efficient to pump up a tire using this pump as a "floor" pump. It's easy to service too, and lasts a long time. It's not robust enough to use as your everyday pump--I would get a dedicated floor pump for that. If you want to minimize the amount of headache a flat gives you and don't use CO2 cartridges, GET THIS PUMP!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roy
a Weekend Warrior
from Elk Grove, CA Date Reviewed: July 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Granite Bay
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
REI.com
Strengths:
Fold out foot support and flexible hose.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Crank Brothers Power Pump
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Piranha
Bottom Line:
This frame pump is awesome. The fold out foot support turns it to a floor pump. The flexible hose makes it easier to use the pump. It is small enough to fit in my Camelbak. Switching between presta and schrader valve is kind of tedious. I highly recommend this pump.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie Roscoe
a Cross Country Rider
from Cheraw, SC, USA Date Reviewed: June 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar.com
Strengths:
Small enough, lightweight, well made.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Foot Pump
Bike Setup:
N/A
Bottom Line:
This pump doesn't suck. The "reversed" mechanism for attatching the pump to the tube had me confused at first though. It works, and it works well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew
a Weekend Warrior
from Westminster, CO Date Reviewed: June 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mule Deer - Golden Gate State Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Easier to use than most small pumps, fills big tires quickly, well-built, lasts for years of regular use, never failed me on the trail.
Weaknesses:
Switching from presta to schrader or vice-versa involves fiddling with tiny parts.
Similar Products Used:
Crank Brothers, Performance, Blackburn, and Zefal pumps.
Bike Setup:
2005 Giant Trance 1
Bottom Line:
The best small (not floor) pump on the market. Fills your tires quickly, easy to use and lasts for many years. I can't overstate how much easier this mini version of a floor pump is to use versus a hand pump. My friends always ask to borrow my pump on the trail - this means two things: my pump gets lots of use and it works better than any of theirs. After about 8 years of use I finally bought a new one because I wanted the gauge. I lubed the flap in the old one and gave it to my friend who still uses it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris V
a Weekend Warrior
from Park Ridge, IL, USA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
1. You can set it up like a floor pump and use body leverage rather than arm muscles 2. gauge 3. Customer support
Weaknesses:
Cap that fits onto valve can come loose and fall off while riding
Similar Products Used:
Topeak Road Morph
Bike Setup:
Hot rodded Schwinn Moab 3
Bottom Line:
The pump is terrific! I've owned mine for several years. If I lose it or it breaks, I'll buy the same one again. I own the Road Morph as well. I ride 16.5 miles 2x per weekday on my commute, over city streets. I've gotten countless flats from glass, #8 nails, #10 wire, etc., although less frequently now that I use tire liners. Previously I was using one of those pumps that fits directly on the valve (i.e., w/o the flexible tube or ability to use like floor pump). No thanks. Too much work for me, and I never could tell whether I had pumped in 30 psi or 60 psi, and I sure don't want to carry a spare gauge.
Topeak's customer support is second to none. I have had two problems on separate occasions. First, I dropped the pump from a high height, and the part that fits onto the mounting bracket broke. Second, the cap that fits onto the valve came loose while I was riding and fell off (make sure you keep it tight). Each time Topeak replaced the part free of charge, no questions asked. Very fast and courteous service. Highly recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Trinidad and Tobago Date Reviewed: March 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Rest House
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Geronimoes
Strengths:
High volume. It has a foot stand which enables you to use your body weight instead of muscles to compress the pump. The hose prevents force being exerted on the valve stem when pumping.
Weaknesses:
1)There is resistance to air flow even when the pump isn't attached to anything. Using this pump by hand would be difficult at best. My Nashbar cheapie pump felt better than this one. 2)The handle isn't designed for large hands. When using the pump in the floor pump mode, and gripping the handle with the shaft between my index and middle fingers, my knuckles rub against the top of the pump. To prevent this, I have to hold the handle like a gun and press on my right hand with the left. This position is uncomfortable. 3)Attachemnt to the frame isn't secure.
Similar Products Used:
Nashbar pump.
Bike Setup:
2007 Rockhopper Pro.
Bottom Line:
It's a good pump. Other than price, anyone who needs a pump should be satisfied with this one. The resistance to airflow is a problem however, using the Mountain Morph as a floor pump, you don't really notice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ande
a Weekend Warrior
from Kent, WA, USA Date Reviewed: February 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Size. It works!
Weaknesses:
A little large, but it still fits in a backpack.
The only odd thing was that I have to flip the valve seal lever up(instead of down) to seal the pump against the stem. My floor pump at home is the opposite.
Similar Products Used:
Crank Brothers Power Pump, dual piston.
Bike Setup:
Irrelevant
Bottom Line:
Wow, this is a great product. Very easy to use. Larger than most pumps, but it still fits in a backpack. I can easily pump a tire to 40+ psi. The lever valve sealing mechanism is awesome, no rings/nuts (like the Crank Bros. products) to tighten to make the seal against the valve stem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gennaro
a Weekend Warrior
from Richardson, TX, USA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Amazon.com
Strengths:
Plenty of power, good size, very solid feel to it, gauge is helpful, the hose is an awesome feature imo.
Weaknesses:
The gauge is a little cheap and somewhat hard to read- still very useful though.
Bottom Line:
This pump rocks. I got free shipping from amazon.com. Best of both worlds with power and carryability. I have only had this for a month, but it seems very solid and durrable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Decatur, Ilinois, USA Date Reviewed: August 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
Spin City
Strengths:
pumps up 60 psi fast and easy.
Weaknesses:
The mounting system could be more secure
Similar Products Used:
zefal mini graph(sucked); double shot frame pump(good pump)
Bike Setup:
stock '97 trek 820
Bottom Line:
If you don't mind the weight this is your last pump. The compactness of a mini pump with the effiecency of a floor pump. What more can you ask for. I am no light weight at over 200# I found that this pump will keep my tires filled perfectly. This was money well spent. The mounting system is the only letdown. If Topeak will modify the system to two attachment points then this is the perfect pump
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Old Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Gidgegannup, Western Australia,.... Date Reviewed: April 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
my own place
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
Unic\versal Cycles
Strengths:
Certainly pumps well fast and easy up to 45 PSI. My gauge is accurate against two others.
Flex hose is easy on the valve stem.
Weaknesses:
I have not yet mounted the pump. I am reluctant to. I cannot see how I can jump a log without either losing the pump or at least seeing the flex shaft come loose and get caught up in a tyre etc. I see other comments about weak mounts. This seems to be a Topeak "feature" on many items from computers to pumps.
The pressure gauge is actually on a Road Morph, supplied in error. It is coarse (5 PSI) and that can matter on MTB.
Removing the valve connection is a bear. With most pumps, the squeeze handle on the valve connector compresses a rubber collar onto the valve stem and this eases as you release the lock lever. With this, it's a tight push fit, that takes a fight to remove. You could, ironically, break a valve stem simply trying to get the pump off.
Similar Products Used:
Old plastic bike pump. Screw on. Pump like hell. Hope for the best.
Bike Setup:
Giant yukon. Stock, but with IRC Trail Bear tyres.
Bottom Line:
I cannot work out why I have a Mountain Morph without a gauge. However. Nice pump. Gauge on the Road Morph is accurate. Mountings are crap. Most guys seem to shove them in a pack. It's Frame Pump! Velcro needed, immediately.
The Schraeder valve fitting is not too good. It does not "squash down" onto the valve stem, as even the cheap foot pump fittings do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lars
a
from AZ Date Reviewed: February 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
I've mounted tubeless tires with this pump!!! It rocks!
What more need to be said?!
Weaknesses:
Sure, it's no mini pump. But it fits easily in my Camelback, and after using mimi pumps for 10 years, I'll never go back!
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bottom Line:
I run tubless, and I've been able to mount tubeless tires with this pump!!!
I will never carry anything less powerful again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ranmar11
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: August 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Sorry, too tough to choose just one
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
The handle converts to a "T", it has the foot hold, a hose that extends and a built in gauge (I like having a gauge). The chamber is big enough to really move air. Dual valve compatability.
Weaknesses:
Retail price is a bit high, but my sale price was great. It's a bit long for most frame mounting locations. The frame mount broke almost right away...go with velcro mounts. The clip that holds the foothold folded in place wore and broke after a few months as did the handle locks. It was mounted on the frame and I ride a hard tail in Arizona..lots'a rocks.
Similar Products Used:
Old school...no comparison to the new stuff.
Bike Setup:
2003 19" Kona Blast with Shimano XT upgrades and WTB Wheel upgrades
Bottom Line:
I would totally recommend the pump even though some of the lighter plastic pieces broke. Trail side, the thing does a great job of moving air. The people I ride with are equally impressed by its performance and are always free to grab it. I'm not a weight weenie, so a slightly larger pump is well worth the lack of trail side aggravation. I kept it strapped to the frame for months and it took all the abuse and still moves air like new. Velcro held it in place just fine when the original mount broke. When I contacted Topeak to check on the warranty, they were great and took care of it via replacement without a bit of hassle. Service like that deserves some loyalty and raises the bar for other companies. Yeah, the mount needs 2 point lockdown for stability, but my new Camelback Mule is bigger than my old trusty 70 oz Hydropack (Just minimal pockets in the old one) so in the pack it goes. I expect it to keep on pumping for a long time. Kudos to Topeak for standing behind their products.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
EsHan13
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Santa Monica Mountains
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performancebike
Strengths:
Holy cow, a mini pump that actually works! And not just that, it works great! Easy to pump up a 2.1 inch MTB tire with relative ease to any PSI you want. A PSI gauge that is pretty accurate.
Weaknesses:
I guess it is kind of long, but it can fit easily into a Camelbak HAWG. Some people don't like the fact you have to switch parts to go between a presta and schraeder valve but to me it's no big deal since I only run prestas and hardly ever find myself having to swap out parts. The mounting straps aren't all that great so if you want to strap it to your bike frame, I'd recommend buying velcro straps for $3. Kind of expensive at $30, but I'd still say it's worth it.
Similar Products Used:
Topeak Einstein Master Blaster: My first mini-pump and never got it to work. It had the "smart" head where you don't have to switch out parts to go from presta to schraeder. On a presta valve, the pump wouldn't clamp on well enough and air would leak out of the tire leading towards utter frustration. On a schraeder valve, it took a lot of strength to pump it up and also would not stay attached well. All in all, it stunk and was pretty worthless.
Bike Setup:
2000 Litespeed Owl Hollow with Mavic X517 rims (Presta Valve) and Shimano XT hubs.
Bottom Line:
After being totally disappointed with the Topeak Einstein Master Blaster, complete redemption has been made by their Mounain Morph. Before, I'd go on epic rides without a pump since the Einstein was just as good as no pump at all. I'd compensate by running 55+ PSI in my tires to prevent pinch flats. Now that I bought the Morph, I lowered my PSI for better traction and a softer ride and have no worries of getting a flat since I know I have the Morph. Even got to use it on the trail for the first time today after getting a goathead thorn in my front tire. With my tire irons, a patch kit and the Morph, the tire was easily fixed. This pump is great and every rider should take one for that added security. If you're contemplating either purchasing a regular floor pump or this mini pump, I'd purchase this mini one first since it works so well. It can pretty much be a substitute for a regular sized floor pump plus you can take it any where with you. Buy a regular pump eventually though so you don't wear out the mini one too soon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mannny
a
from Austin, Tx Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
- It delivers air in high quantity. - Hose permits more flexibility when pumping up high-volume tires on the trail.
Weaknesses:
- Needs to be shortened by and inch, or so (Maybe widening the body [barrel] will help keep pump performance up?). - Needs seperate presta/schrader valves. - needs to be stonger at handle & other plastic parts, because they will break.
Bottom Line:
I've already written a review (below). It's still the best pump on the market! Although it's heavy, and has a few design detractors, this is the only hand/mini-foot pump I'd take on epic rides. Unfortunately, the design has remained the same for at least three years. Topeak should address & correct the issues that everyone has mentioned in this product review thread. As soon as they revamp the Mountain Morph, it'll be the absolute best mini-pump, period!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Downhiller
from Lawrenceville, GA Date Reviewed: June 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
www.mtnhighcyclery.com
Strengths:
Work very well, even on larger tire sizes. The best design in portable pumps I have come across. It converts into a mini floor pump!
Weaknesses:
The valve does not fit presta and schrader with out doing a conversion. With gloves on and the 3 small parts it can be difficult to do trailside. Don't drop anything!
Similar Products Used:
None memorable enough to list.
Bike Setup:
01 Ellsworth Joker. 2.5 and 2.35 tires
Bottom Line:
Don't buy this pump if:
You don't like to share. You will be expected to provide it when someone in your group gets a flat.
You worry about saving every ounce or don't wear a backpack to carry it in.
Buy this pump if:
You value function and ease of use trailside.
Run large volume tires.
It fits in my backpack so the others comments about the size don't pertain to me. The mounting hardware is nice though. As far as the weight goes, I'm 200+ lbs and the bike is 32lbs so what is a few more ounces.
I wish The models with the gauges were available when I got mine as that is a nice feature but not necessary. If they change the head design it would get a perfect score.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seamus Andrew Murphy
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicopee Ma Date Reviewed: May 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Chicopee State Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$34.00
Purchased At:
Highland Bike and Hardware - Holyoke Ma
Strengths:
It works as well as any decent floor pump, save for the few extra pumps needed. It certainly is easier to use than a pump without a hose. Long, but folds up reasonably well. I have both Mountain Morphs, with a guage, and without. I prefer the one with the guage, but it is an extra ten bucks or so.
Weaknesses:
For some reason the pump will not always bottom out and this is needed for collapsing and storing the pump. It's not possible to tell when this will/won't happen, but it's frustrating. This has happened on both of my pumps. You can still hook the pump onto the bike, but the handle which should be, but can't be, inserted into the pump body will rattle around. I wrote an email to Topeak about it and I don't know where all the gushing reviews about their customer service are coming from. I got a form letter saying that the problem isn't covered by warranty and if I felt like it I could send the pumps to them, on my dime. No thanks. It would be cheaper to buy a new, different pump. The pumps still worked even with the handle fastening problem, so it isn't worth it to me to send them back or to replace them.
On one pump and only for one pumping session, the pump lost the ability to hold pressure. I tried several hours later and it worked fine and it never happened again. Go figure?
Bike Setup:
2004 Giant Iguana - stock except for a suspension seatpost.
Bottom Line:
It works great when pumping, less great when storing, but who buys a pump for storing? It is also long for an on-bike pump, but if you can fit it somewhere, it's one hell of a lot easier to use than one of those pumps that fit directly onto the valve.
Overall: It's a great idea for a pump that isn't quite perfected yet. It would be nice if it was shorter, and whatever that quirk is that doesn't allow it bottom out has to be fixed.
I've got two, but wouldn't get another to replace them, unless I knew they had been redesigned to correct the problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manny
a
from Austin, Texas Date Reviewed: February 9, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Bicycle Sportshop @ Toomey Ln.
Strengths:
1) It delivers AIR to the tire in a hurry! 2) The flexable hose allows you to position the air nozzle onto the valve, while placing yourself in a better position to use the pump. (ergonomics) 3) presta/schrader valve compatible
Weaknesses:
1) Presta/Scharder valve airing head mechanism is used one at a time [not two seperate nozzles] & you have to swap out & reverse small parts of the nozzle to do this; parts can be lost! 2) It's long. I can't mount it onto my L or M Intense Tracers.
Bottom Line:
I still think that this pump is the best single pump you can buy. Albeit a long & relatively heavy pump, it's a must for EPICS, when you know you'll need to air up your tires, as well as the other guys tires. If you do epic rides and do not want to carry CO2, then this is the pump that won't let you down! Just slam it into the hydration pack.
My original 2001 pump broke, and TOPEAK sent me another pump, within a week. Then I lost the parts from the schrader/presta nozzle during a ride, and they sent me replacement nozzle parts, as well as new bike mounting furniture. Topeak takes care of you!
I'd like to give it a perfect score, but the length needs to be shortened to promote mounting on FSR style horst link bikes (Tracers), where tube lengths can be different. Who knows? This change would probably affect air volume delivery. Still, they need to try to make this the perfect all around, monster pump! 4-chilies for Overall Rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
max
a Cross Country Rider
from new york city Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sweetness (santa cruz)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Nice to put it on the ground while pumping. Gague kicks ass (i have the turbo morph)
Weaknesses:
Shoddy thing broke on me after about 20 uses. The head of the pump is attached to the tube with a brass fitting. Very good. The brass fitting screws into THE PLASTIC. very bad. The thing leaks real bad. Teflon pipe tape worked for a little while, but it died.
Bottom Line:
Great idea with one fixable flaw.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Tell City, In, USA Date Reviewed: September 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
S.Indiana National Forests
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance online
Strengths:
Extendable hose works well - gives extra reach when using the pump as a floor pump. Gauge fairly accurate - compared to another - and is easily read. Mounts firm to frame, and has a nice quick release latch. Looks cool when covered with mud!
Weaknesses:
Mounting hardware included one strap to secure on side of the mount to the frame - would be nice to have a second in case something happens to the first. The pump is too long for the inside of my frame with 2 bottle holders, and had to be mounted under the lower tube - it had to be placed far enough down to not hit the forks when tweaked hard. Needs a drt cap - I cut a small plug out of sheet rubber to go inside the adapter to keep out dirt - easy to do and works well.
Similar Products Used:
My first frame pump - but I like it a lot so far. Have used a Topeak Joe Blow floor pump, and several other floor pumps.
Bike Setup:
GT MTB setup for road riding mostly - extra set of wheels with off-road tires handy for the trails.
Bottom Line:
I like it !!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike D
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Beach, Ca Date Reviewed: August 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
depends on the day!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
Jones Bikes
Strengths:
IT WORKS! and does not take all day to inflate after a flat fix... I don't even really need the trusty floor pump anymore!
Weaknesses:
I think its part of why it works... but it is a bit bigger than the average mini-pump
Similar Products Used:
Spzd, other Topeak (blaster, harpoon)
Bike Setup:
NRS with lots of non-OEM goodies
Bottom Line:
This pump works... in fact works so well, I have not needed to use my floor pump! Just get out there and if I'm low on pressure just bust out the Morph pump. With the little hose you can put some force into the pump and not break off the core of my presta valves like the other mini-pumps tend to do. I know they will stop making this pump... because it works so well, I never want to replace it. Not for racer types (can't fit it into a jersy pocket), but great for all the rest of us!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethlehem, PA Date Reviewed: April 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Light, good connection to tire, pressure gauge, light, flex hose, and ability to be used as a floor or hand pump.
Weaknesses:
It is a little longer than I would like, but it fits in my pack just fine. Just be aware of your pack dimensions when you buy it.
Similar Products Used:
blackburn, etc...
Bottom Line:
I just bought this and can not speak for the durability. It looks tough, and works great. I would buy it again based on my current experience.
I went to the store specifically to buy this one, and when I actually saw it, it looked BIG, but it turns out that it is not that heavy and has lots of great features.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dean
a Cross Country Rider
from wisconsin Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
folding handle and foot
Weaknesses:
frame mount lets the pump rattle against the frame (I used ski saver to solve the paint wear issue.)
Similar Products Used:
blackburn
Bike Setup:
klein hardtail
Bottom Line:
Great pump. works well and FAST. Any waeknesseas are FAR over shadowed by it's reliability and speed. Also with the hose and foot brace I don't bend my presta valves anymore! Awesome product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
richard
a
from Urbana, IL USA Date Reviewed: November 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Design, size, modular construction, customer service, IT WORKS!!!
Weaknesses:
None, but I know better than to use the frame mount!
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn mini, Topeak Combo (previous model to the Morph)
Bottom Line:
Sorry, first I'll echo my customer service experience. I have a number of Topeak products. I've had a few "minor complaints". I send in an email, sometimes just asking a question. My reply has always been, "Watch your mailbox!".
I bought the pump because of my experiece with the previous model. It appeared the Mountain Morph would fit nicely inside the bladder compartment of a CamelBak (and it does).
My first trip with it was a road ride. That was a bad day; the group had 5 flats! Although the large bore made the last several strokes hard, it filled the tires to 110+ psi! (Oh yeah, about modularity - I removed the chuck and attached the gauge from one of my other Topeak pumps.)
Unlike other reviewers, I have NEVER had any problem with the chuck on a presta valve. I have only used it on a Schrader valve once, and again had no trouble. Oh yeah, the collar that some say breaks? When I put on the gauge, the hose became too long to fit the hook on that collar. I was also concerned with it rubbing my CamelBak bladder. SO, I've removed it and use a broccoli rubber band.
As far as I can tell, I now have the perfect pump!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike eckley
a Weekend Warrior
from avon lake,ohio USA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
B&K bikes
Strengths:
Pumps better than any other trail side pump I've encountered. Having the small 6" hose plus the folding handle and floor base is very,very,very nice when pumping up a flat anytime, anywhere works excellent!!!
Weaknesses:
Mounting system, I picked up my bike and unitentionally grabbed the pump by mistake breaking the mounting clamp. Fran at Topeak sent one out immediately "no questions asked"
Similar Products Used:
various pumps which usually attach directly onto the stem.
Bike Setup:
'01 GT Team Zaskar, '02 Specialized Stumpy Pro.
Bottom Line:
Get this pump. I've pumped road tires to 120 psi with this pump and didn't even break a sweat!! I carry it in my camelback mule. I like having less equipment on the frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Germantown, MD Date Reviewed: May 1, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance, Gaithersburg, MD
Strengths:
Gauge, Hose
Weaknesses:
Clamp attachment sucks
Similar Products Used:
Mount Zefal, Rhode Gear, Performance, Nashbar
Bottom Line:
I never got a chance to use the pump because I returned it. The very first time I rode my bike with this thing attached, my leg bumped the pump and it broke the mount.
I returned it and replaced it with a Performance model that mounts to the water cage drop-outs. However I did buy the Road Morph for my wife. Have not installed it yet, but the mount on this one seems to be a bit different.
I think Topeak would have a winnner if they just rethought the mount.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
WolverineGator
a Cross Country Rider
from Gainesville, FL, USA Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Ocala/Santos
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Truly easy to pump, built in gauge, and inflates to high pressures.
Weaknesses:
Pump is physically a little long compared to the competition, the foot support feels a bit flimsy, and the valve could clamp more tightly on the stem.
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn Shorty SMP1 and SMP2, Zefal minipump, CO2 cartridge pumps, others...
Bike Setup:
Voodoo Bokor with LX/XT/XTR components
Bottom Line:
I ride about 75 miles per week and so I see my share of flats. I would struggle to get 25 psi using other pumps and believe me, I've tried many of them. Sometimes I'd bend or break valve stems because these other pumps were attached directly to the valve. Even worse, it would become difficult to pump air to higher pressures.
Thanks to the retractable (a few inches) hose on this pump, you can set the pump on the ground and avoid damaging forces on the delicate valve stem. You can pump to your heart's desire without much effort, while watching the multisided indicators on the pressure gauge. I've pumped 50 psi into a patched tire with much less effort than using other pumps.
This is a wonderful pump as long as you take into account the caveats of the Product Weaknesses. Despite minor shortcomings, I'm willing to get rid of my floor pump (Blackburn TP3) and use this for everything. It's that good!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Providence,RI, USA Date Reviewed: January 14, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Bike shop
Strengths:
Here is my second review of the product........
Weaknesses:
The valve could be better at fitting tight onto a the stem.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Marin Nail Trail....Thomson Stem, post Azonic Fusion pedals.......
Bottom Line:
The reason I'm reviewing this product again is that about two weeks ago the retainer ring broke on the pump. I sent an email to Todson(who owns Topeak), in Foxboro Ma describing my issue. Without even a question a week later I saw not my replacement part in the mail which included the handle and arm which attach to the retainer ring and another strap. EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Smithfield, RI USA Date Reviewed: December 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Does what it was desgined to do...10 psi for 15 pumps, not bad for a little pump like this.
Weaknesses:
The valve can be a pain to place on the stem.
Bike Setup:
Marin Nail Trail
Bottom Line:
I needed a replacement strap for the pump, so I wrote Topeak or Todsen(who owns Topeak), out of Foxboro Ma. Fran, sent one along to me at no charge. Last night I broke the retaining collar that holds the handle. I sent Todson an email & I'll let you know how they treat me.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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