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Topeak Mini Morph pump

7
£26.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Reasonably priced but doesn't achieve higher pressures with the same efficiency as a midi pump
Weight: 
155g
Contact: 
www.extrauk.co.uk

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Topeak Mini Morph splices the best features of a track and mini pump - you know, in one of those experiments involving matter transfer demonstrated by Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum's unfortunate scientist in David Cronenberg's visceral remake of the Fly).

I would love to say it was the first of the pint sized inflators to conjure a genuine 160psi from its small, yet perfectly formed body but alas, biceps screaming with lactic acid and after seven minutes' sustained effort, I conceded that 105psi is pretty much tops. On the plus side, it's a pretty unobtrusive housemate in most luggage and the external hose is a nice touch.

Measuring 26.4cm and weighing 180g, we're at the upper end of mini, cruising squarely into (more efficient) midi pump territory. That said; build quality and design are generally better than I've come to expect from compact pumps. It has a stout aluminium barrel but I'm not sold on the folding footpad, which quickly showed evidence of warping under load. An aluminium loop would have inspired more confidence and the bottle mount is at the expense of, rather than in conjunction with a cage.

Mercifully, Topeak offer a zip-tie alternative while the flexible rubberised hose and extended locking head are thoughtful. The latter not only incorporates Presta and Schrader but old-fashioned woods stems too -perfect when pooling tools for on tour weight and efficiency. I managed zero to 60 psi n approximately 500/600 strokes and five minutes. Perseverance and a further 350 strokes returned 105psi, which should be adequate in most contexts, although a decent midi pump costs but a few pounds and millimetres more, reaching comparable pressures with rather more ease.

Verdict

Reasonably priced but doesn't achieve those higher pressures with the same efficiency as a midi pump.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Topeak Mini Morph pump

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"The smallest Morph is still big on features.

Fills both fat and skinny tires with ease, fold out foot pad for hassle-free inflation." Broadly agree but a metal footpad might prove more reliable in the long-run and in practice I couldn't nudge past 105psi.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Head Presta/ Schrader/ Dunlop Valves

Barrel Butted Aluminum

Thumb Lock Plastic

Handle T-Type Plastic/Kraton

Capacity 160 psi/ 11 bar

Added Features Fold-out Foot Pad

Flexible Hose

Centerline Mount Bracket

 

Size (L x W x H) 26 x 5 x 2.8 cm

10.2' x 2.0' x 1.1'

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

Generally to a good standard but footpad looks a possible weak-spot.

Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
6/10

Looks promising, although I suspect the plastic foot-pad might prove a weak-spot in the long run.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

180g by my scales.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10

Superior to most of the pint-sized breed given the folding T handle and similar detailing but in my experience there's always some trade-off between size and inflatory prowess.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

A host of thoughtful touches makes the Mini Morph pleasant and efficient to use - at least to moderate pressures, although I couldn't muster more than 105psi.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Generally good build quality, flexible extended hose prevents valve damage.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Plastic footpeg and either/or bottle mount (although in fairness, there's also a frame fitting option)

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? No.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Possibly.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 38  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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