Compact mini-pump features a high- or low-pressure selector to use on road or mountain tires. SmartHead technology automatically adjusts to fit Presta and Schrader valves. Telescoping tube with locking mechanism for high- or low-pressure pumping. Padded, ergonomic pistol-grip handle for comfort while pumping. Comes complete with two tire levers and a concealed patch kit in handle. BigTube aluminum barrel can pump more air per stroke than most other mini pumps.
Submitted by
some_guy282
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2004
Strengths: Patch kit in handle
Weaknesses: Tire levers that came with it are a good idea, but they didn't mount firmly onto the cage. I lost them on the first ride.
Bottom Line:
Being able to fit patchs into the handle of the pump is very convenient. If the tire levers that came with it mounted to the cage better this thing would be a self sustainable flat fixing dream. I haven't experienced any of the problems the other reviewers have yet, and I hope I never do. So far this thing has gotten me out of two jams and worked just fine. Couldn't ask anything more of it.
Submitted by
KT
a Cross Country Rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2004
Strengths: Smarthead, well constructed
Weaknesses: WEAK!
Bottom Line:
For being such an expensive mini pump, this thing blows or doesn't blow. Which ever. Don't be fooled by the company's description or sucked in by its little gimicks (handle, telescoping, patch kit). It all adds up to crap. The only thing the dual pressure system does nicely is finishing off pressure by putting less in so you don't blow the tube up. And the Smarthead does work nice. Get yourself the Master Blaster DX instead.
Submitted by
Kevin Hill
a Weekend Warrior
from West Chester, PA
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2003
Strengths: High-volume/high-pressure option makes it easy to fill a tire, SmartHead seals very well, dirt cap keeps the valve clean and working, excellent customer support, harpoon handle easy to use
Weaknesses: Weak plastic mounting bracket (but handled well by customer support). Product could be improved if they used a metal mounting bracket.
Bottom Line:
This pump works very well for a mini-pump. Although I haven't tried it on schrader valves, I've used it quite a bit on my presta valves and it's been perfect. No valve sealing problems or torn biceps trying to get to the right pressure.
I did have the plastic mounting bracket snap off my bike while JRA. Not sure if it was factory defect or something I did. Emailed Topeak and they sent me a new one in the mail. Three business days after emailing them, the pump was back on my frame.
Submitted by
erwin dral
a Weekend Warrior
from werkhoven netherlands
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003
Strengths: no blowby, good grip, sturdy, solid mounting bracket and velcro, small
Weaknesses: not as good as a full size floorpump
Bottom Line:
the first mini pump that i actually trust enough to remove my old-school fullsize zefal hp-X for! it has no 'blowby' at all (for presta valves at least), the pump clamps the valve very tight, the harpoon grip not only looks different, but falls into hand very well, not like others that keep tilting or pinch your skin, the construction is very sturdy, with a good cap for the valve opening, it comes with a solid mounting bracket and a separate velcro strap. what more could you want from a mini pump? to top it all off, it's not too expensive.
Similar Products Used: zefal hp-x, zefal double shot
Bike Setup: idworx sm
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
rags
a Weekend Warrior
from sunnyvale, ca
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2003
Strengths: Small, comes with frame mount, valve auto-sensing.
Weaknesses: doesn't work - pain in the arms to pump up my tires to 100psi - I went back to my old floor pump...When I tried removing the plastic cap on top, the threads got mashed up and now the metal top won't screw in - !@#% - just wasted $29!
Bottom Line:
If you are built like Arnold, go for it...I will rather carry a pump which is a pound heavier than work this.
Strengths: Small, high/low pressure, patch kit in handle
Weaknesses: Does not work
Bottom Line:
If your looking for a pump that doesnt work this is for you. Couldn't get it to work at all on my standard tubes. So I reamed out the gromet a bit and loosened the silver ring and finally got it working. It now seems to work well. The high pressure function works good too.
Strengths: The concept of not having to switch between a Schrader attachment and a Presta attachment is cool.
Weaknesses: The auto-sensing of Schrader/Presta valve does not work with all Schrader valves.
Bottom Line:
Great idea for auto-sensing valve type but pump does not work for all Schrader valves. I took my pump back to the bike shop where I purchased it for a demonstration just to rule out operator error. The guys at the bike shop had trouble demonstrating on brand new bikes. So, it wasn't operator error on my part. Bottom line, unless you are absolutely sure the pump will work on your Schrader valves, do not purchase or rely on this pump to get you out of a jam.
Similar Products Used: Top Peak Torpedo Mini-pump (same situation with this pump also).
Bike Setup: MTB with Presta valves and Kid's 20" with Schrader valves.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Bailey, CO
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002
Strengths: Small, Lightweight, aluminum barrel, schraeder or presta valve autoswitch, tire "irons" included), huge capacity, will fill mtb tire up fast when using the "high" pressure option.
Weaknesses: frame mount (sits off to side of tube, supposed to be able to put water bottle on top, just doesn't cut it), have to get used to holding the valve stem while pumping.
Bottom Line:
pretty good if you get a deal on it. Be weary of the auto switch mechanism, will deflate presta valved tires if your not quick enough with it. Not having used it more then a couple o'months, I give it a modest 3 chilli rate. Might wanna find a pump that mounts to the center of the tube, maybe on the reverse side???
Submitted by
Kenneth Chaverri
a Cross Country Rider
from Paso Canoas, Costa Rica
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002
Strengths: All, powerfull, smart valve select, glueless patchs, fits great in the hands, looks diferent, has attachment preview for power 15 repair kit
Weaknesses: It's a little uncomfortable to place in a freeride style bike, the tire levers are just some big
Bottom Line:
If you want a good pump, strong, easy, practical, prove this, with rain, mud, dust, anythig, always works well, and you have a couple glueless patch for emergency.
