Test: Almost every cyclist in Germany probably knows the manufacturer Topeak for its mostly high-quality accessories in the bicycle sector. The Topeak RaceRocket MT mini pump for mountain bikes is no exception.
[easy table th=“0″]Length, 195mm
Weight.114g
Valves,Sclaverand / car valve
Maximum pressure.6 bars
application,MTB
Pressure after 200 strokes (29×2.2),1.67 bars
[/easy table]The first impression of the Topeak RaceRocketMT: Wow! From a purely visual point of view, there are only a few other pumps that can hold a candle to the "Racing Rocket": With the partly colored anodised aluminum surface and the rubberized handle, the Topeak pump really makes a very high-quality impression. This is also confirmed on closer inspection: Nothing wobbles or rattles, the gaps are evenly small and otherwise there really isn't anything to complain about in terms of workmanship. We claim: It doesn't get any better!
An extendable hose is hidden under the extremely robust dust cap in the upper part of the pump, which is screwed onto the valve instead of a conventional pump head. This is often a significant relief when you're out and about: it's much easier to reach the valve and pumping is also much more comfortable because you have a little more room to manoeuvre. A nice side effect: The valve is also relieved, because otherwise it can happen with small mini pumps that you shake and pull on them too much while pumping - the pins in the French valves in particular don't like that very much.
At the end of the hose is a miniature pump head, which is equally suitable for Presta and car valves. Particularly nice: The switch between the different valves can be done without converting the pump. By pulling out the silver colored end piece, it screws onto French valves - car valves accept when pushed together. In the spartan packaging there is also a frame bracket with which the pump can be attached to the bike - here, too, thought has been given to it: the bracket uses the screws of the bottle cage, but since the bracket itself is attached to the side next to the hole, it can still be used additionally mount a bottle holder.
When we pull them apart, we are briefly surprised: With comparably compact pumps, most of the competitors now use 2-stage air pistons in order to be able to produce more pump volume. Topeak relies on the tried and tested: The RaceRocket MT only uses one piston, which has a lot of volume - so the mini pump should be at least on a par with the competition.
First to the feeling of pumping - here, too, the consistently excellent workmanship is noticeable. The piston runs smoothly, makes no noise and has no play. The pleasantly rubberized handle offers an additional benefit in terms of ergonomics and the operating forces always remain within the green zone. The pump performance is also convincing across the board: After the obligatory 200 strokes, we have 1,67 bar in our test tire (29 inches, 2.2″) - only a few competitors of a comparable size can keep up.
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