Reviews You Can Rely On

Topeak RaceRocket HP Review

A diminutive mini pump with excellent high pressure pumping performance
gearlab tested logo
topeak racerocket hp frame pump review
Topeak RaceRocket HP
Credit: Topeak
Price:  $40 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Topeak
By Curtis Smith ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 17, 2016
71
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 14
  • Pumping Performance - 30% 6.0
  • Ease of Use - 30% 7.0
  • Portability - 20% 9.0
  • Looks and Design - 10% 7.0
  • Durability - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Topeak RaceRocket HP is a pint-sized mini pump that performs much better than we expected based on its size. Designed for high-pressure applications, it excels for road cycling use. It has a unique flexible hose that is both Presta and Schrader compatible. The pumping performance is not quite equal to the high scoring Lezyne Road Drive, but it is a capable pump at high pressure. Read on to find out how the RaceRocket HP stacks up against our other high-scoring mini pumps.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Portable
Flex fill hose
REASONS TO AVOID
No air bleed
Not versatile

Compare to Similar Products

 
topeak racerocket hp frame pump review
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award Top Pick Award  
Price $40 List
$47.93 at Amazon
Check Price at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$20.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$40 List
$39.53 at Amazon
$30 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
71
78
73
73
66
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line A small pump with outsized performance, this is a good option for weight conscious road bikersThe performance of a floor pump, but the size of a frame pumpA mountain bike pump that won't break the bank but performs exceptionally wellLight and effective, this is a great option to mount on your frame or stash in your jerseySnazzy looks, excellent functionality and a reasonable price point make this pump a solid purchase decision
Rating Categories Topeak RaceRocket HP Topeak Road Morph G Topeak Peakini II Birzman Velocity Ap... Pro Bike Tool High...
Pumping Performance (30%)
6.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Ease of Use (30%)
7.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Portability (20%)
9.0
5.0
6.0
8.0
7.0
Looks and Design (10%)
7.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
Durability (10%)
7.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
Specs Topeak RaceRocket HP Topeak Road Morph G Topeak Peakini II Birzman Velocity Ap... Pro Bike Tool High...
Weight 87g 204g 134g 136g 129g
Length 18.5cm 35cm 27.5cm 17.78cm 23cm
25C Road Tire Pressure following 200 Pumps 46psi 125psi 85psi 44 psi at 100 pumps 68psi
Tire Pressure 27.5 x 2.3" Following 300 Pumps 12psi 50psi 55psi 22psi 30psi
Ability to reach 90psi in a road tire 25cc Yes Yes Yes N/A yes
Pump Head Type Hose Thread On Hose with locking lever Standard with locking lever Non-thread hose, slip on Hose Thread On
Presta Compatible Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Schrader Compatible Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Frame Mount Bracket Included Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Pressure Gauge No Yes No No Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

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


topeak racerocket hp frame pump review - the racerocket threaded on a presta valve.
The RaceRocket threaded on a Presta valve.
Credit: Curtis Smith

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.

topeak racerocket hp frame pump review - the racerocket is an efficient mini pump for high-pressure...
The RaceRocket is an efficient mini pump for high-pressure applications.
Credit: Curtis Smith

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.

topeak racerocket hp frame pump review - close up of the racerocket  smarthead valve that is compatible with...
Close up of the RaceRocket Smarthead valve that is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves.
Credit: Curtis Smith

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.

topeak racerocket hp frame pump review - the racerocket has a flex hose with a unique smarthead valve...
The RaceRocket has a flex hose with a unique Smarthead valve attachment that works on both Presta and Schrader valves. The design limits the length of the flex fill hose but provides dual valve compatibility.
Credit: Curtis Smith

Value


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

Conclusion


This contender is a great mini pump in a tiny package. It surprised us during testing with excellent pumping performance to size ratio. High quality and innovative design and great portability make this a go-to pump for our gram counting testers.

Curtis Smith