The Topeak Rocket is a well-made pump that’s a good portable size but its relatively high price means it might be an investment too far for some riders.
That amount of money does get you a carbon body, but for all that it isn’t the lightest we've tested and nor is it the most powerful, with the piston construction feeling less smooth than anodised barrel/handle combination models.
There are some well thought out design details that do make this comfortable to use though – the handle has built-in shaping around your knuckles so you don’t bash them, and there’s a rubberised pattern where you hold the valve in place which helps the twist-locking action and grip in use.
Oh, and we should add that in freezing weather carbon isn’t as cold on your paws as metal. We liked the handling and quality of the Rocket a lot, but for the money would have wished for a much higher efficiency value.
