Topeak RaceRocket HP Review

The highlight of the RaceRocket is undoubtedly the incredibly small size. It disappears in a jersey pocket, but rest assured when it is time to go to work this tiny pump can move some air. Read on to find out how it compares to the other top performing pumps we tested.

Performance Comparison

Pumping Performance

This contender is a great pump for high-pressure low volume road tires. Pumping effort is low due to the small piston diameter, but as a result, it takes more pump strokes and more time to fill a tire. It hit 46psi in a 25c road tire at 200 pump strokes. We were able to bring the tire up to 90psi with a minimal increase in pumping effort — at around 400 pump strokes.

For comparison, the Lezyne Road Drive hit 70 psi at 200 pump strokes, but it takes slightly more effort per stroke. The Pro Bike Mini achieved 66psi in the same test. When it came to the mountain bike tire test, the RaceRocket only hit 12 psi, but filling high volume tires is not what this pump was designed to do. It is a capable road pump in a small package.

Ease of Use

We love the flexible fill hose and find it particularly critical as pump size decreases. With a pump as small as this one, it would be challenging to effectively pump if the user was tethered to the valve stem with no hose. The flexible fill hose unthreads from the pump head, slides out of the pump shaft, and is ready to use. The Lezyne pumps we tested and the Pro Bike Tool High Pressure Pump all have a hose that completely detaches from the pump and must be threaded into the pump head.

With the RaceRocket, the extra step of threading the fill hose into the pump head is eliminated. The downside is that the flex hose is slightly shorter. The hose does have a built-in swivel, making valve attachment easier as the pump does not have to be rotated to thread the air chuck onto the valve. Another nice feature is the SmartHead, which can be used on both Schrader and Presta valves. The Lezyne Road Drive only has a Presta connection.

Overall, the Road Drive scores higher here due to its ABS button that allows air to be bled from the hose, making removal of the hose from the valve easier. We also prefer the ergonomics of the Lezyne Road Drive, as its slightly larger size offers better pumping ergonomics.

Looks/Design

This is a sharp-looking pump with all-aluminum construction. The pump handle is small, but the textured rubber grip helps keep your hand in position. The flexible fill hose design is fast and slightly more convenient than the Lezyne hose design, and you don't have to worry about losing the hose as it is permanently attached to the pump. The SmartHead valve is an innovative way to provide Presta and Schrader compatibility without the need for a reversible hose.

We wish that the RaceRocket had a slip fit valve connection like the Lezyne Road Drive to make adding a few psi a bit easier, adding an air bleed valve would also be nice. Overall, the design of the RaceRocket is top notch, but it scores slightly lower than the Lezyne Road Drive.

Portability

This contender receives our highest accolades for portability. The pump is tiny, at 18.5cm and only weighs 87g. You won't even notice it in a jersey pocket. It will even fit in some seat bags. It also comes with a frame mount if storing in a jersey pocket is not your thing. This contender is the most portable pump we have tested.

Durability

The RaceRocket proved to be a durable tool throughout testing. Despite frequent use in sometimes questionable weather, we never experienced any issues. A rubber cap prevents contamination of the pump head, and we anticipate that the RaceRocket will provide many years of reliable service. Other contenders, such as the Lezyne Road Drive, Lezyne Pressure Drive, and Silca Impero Ultimate, all do well in this metric.

Value

The RaceRocket is a great value. With quality construction and great pumping performance, we would strongly recommend this pump.

Conclusion