If small really is beautiful then Topeak’s Race Rocket HP is the one for you. But though tiny – even weight weenies can’t argue with 3oz – it’s got a decently long stroke action and a chunky 1cm diameter shaft.
It’s good to use too; the hose with screw-on head means you can get a secure connection on both types of valve, the rubber handle and aluminium barrel enable you to get a good grip.
Without a hose, a pump of this size would be nearly impossible to use. And although the figures seem low (40psi at 150 strokes, with a stroke length of 12.5cm) the pump doesn’t get hot and after 300 strokes we’d hit around 75psi and were still going strong.
It comes with a bracket but it’s small enough for a back pocket and some seatpack bags.
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.