Topeak Mini Morph pump

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.