Its been two months now since I became a roadie with my Ridley Excalibur. The first set of things i ordered besides some parts for the bike was the Topeak Morph turbo Mini. I earlier used the mini pump from decathlon which had rest-
-rictions for use with the road bikes, given the valve types and the amount of pressure. So I was forced to look out for a versatile pump which can get to 100+ psi quickly with minimal efforts. After quite a few searches and research on biking forums I ended up with the Topeak Road Morph Mini, which seemed to have a lot of good reviews. But unfortunately at the time of ordering CRC did not have Topeak Road Morph in stock. So I chose to buy the Topeak Morph turbo Mini, since there was not much difference between the both, except for the pressure gauge and the size of the product, which is completely negligible as both go only on the frame or into your jersey if you are a true scum or a back pack.
So far I have used the pump thrice and I am really satisfied with how quickly i can get my tires to pressure. The pump is a bit large for any jersey pocket, but i am sure one can live with that rather than buy C02 cartridges every now and then. Besides pumping the air gives that extra satisfaction of accomplishing something completely on your own and a much need upper body workout 😉 . The pressure Gauge works perfect to let you know when exactly you need to stop, and the pump head fits snug to the tube valve’s so that there’s no air escaping. It takes a few tries to get the head to seat correctly on “small presta valves”, as the head starts touch the rim already. This a minor learning curve, and you would get used to it after the first time, and from then on pumping air is as easy as your floor pump, only that you are little bent and pumping a little lesser volume than the floor pump. The fold-able foot pad and the hand grip is a big advantage. With the hold from the foot on the pump, the pump stays stable on the ground and the extra hand grip that opens out makes it easier to pump. Though if you go real hard (carelessly) and end up pumping the last air molecule into the tube, you will end up hurting your fingers on the side walls of the pump. The only disadvantage I have seen so far. You can avoid getting hurt if you are cautious not to pump till the very end.
The pump head fits both schrader and presta valves. The head has adjustments valves which need to be interchanged to fit the other valve. Yet another one time learning. The pump can take up to 160 psi or 11 bar and weighs about 280 gms. I havent tried pumping to 160, i have managed 120, and 160 requires some strong arms, but i din’t bother as road bikes run fine on anything 100+ psi and am under wieght. It does come with a frame mount which still is yet to find use on my bike. The pump sways from side to side in the jersey pockets, but never has fallen off. Overall the pump is good value for money and i would definitely recommend it to anyone.
