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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: |
$34.00 | | Purchased At: | Highland Bike and Hardware - Holyoke Ma | | Strengths: | It works as well as any decent floor pump, save for the few extra pumps needed. It certainly is easier to use than a pump without a hose. Long, but folds up reasonably well. I have both Mountain Morphs, with a guage, and without. I prefer the one with the guage, but it is an extra ten bucks or so. | | Weaknesses: | For some reason the pump will not always bottom out and this is needed for collapsing and storing the pump. It's not possible to tell when this will/won't happen, but it's frustrating. This has happened on both of my pumps. You can still hook the pump onto the bike, but the handle which should be, but can't be, inserted into the pump body will rattle around. I wrote an email to Topeak about it and I don't know where all the gushing reviews about their customer service are coming from. I got a form letter saying that the problem isn't covered by warranty and if I felt like it I could send the pumps to them, on my dime. No thanks. It would be cheaper to buy a new, different pump. The pumps still worked even with the han |
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$ 29.00
