Topeak Roadie DA Pump

The initials of the Topeak Roadie DA pump stand for Dual Action, and that's the selling point for this well-made if otherwise unexceptional mini-pump – it works whether you're pulling or pushing.

• Pros: Efficient pumping action, solid construction
• Cons: Not the lightest or prettiest, Presta only

While it's well-sized for disappearing into jersey pockets at 18.5cm long, the 18cc chamber actually delivers 36cc of air 'per stroke' thanks to the push/pull action. Tested on a 25mm tyre mounted on a 19mm rim, 100 strokes – roughly a minute's effort – resulted in 30psi. Another 100 strokes got me to 60psi without excessive effort.

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By the time I got to around 85psi, I found the short 9cm stroke became a similar fight to any pump this size, though no worse than a 'regular' single-stroke one. That's a usable pressure after 300 strokes and around 4.5 minutes' effort, however. The Roadie DA is rated to 120psi, but you'll end up with arms like a weightlifter's if you try that too often. I was generally happy to stop at 90psi.

The pump body is very secure and comfy to use. The valve end is just long enough for a full-fisted grip, and a raised lip stops it slipping as the resistance rises. A bevelled edge on the other end keeps compression strokes comfortable even with bare hands.

The aluminium locking latch can be a little fiddly and painful to raise, especially with cold hands, though it's fine with gloves.

The Roadie DA's dedicated Presta fitting cuts complexity and weight, while construction is simple in the best way, and finish is impressive; it's got a quality look and feel. Both the plastic and alloy parts – the shiny body is black-anodised aluminium – feel rugged and stiff, while a neat rubber bung keeps the valve clean. The lack of a flexible hose means you must take care not to damage valves during hard pumping, but on the other hand it too cuts weight and complexity.

If you'd rather stow the pump beside a bottle cage, the supplied mount weighs just 12g and is very secure, thanks to firmly-sprung jaws and a simple rubber o-ring closure. Two domed and chromed bolts are included.

If weight is very important, there are many alternatives – Topeak's own Ninja P is just 72g and fits inside your seat tube, for instance – but air-shifting effectiveness tends to seriously drop off below the 100g mark. One exception is the Bontrager Air Rush at just 68g, although it's part of a CO2 compatible system that's 218g overall.

Dedicated CO2 systems, such as the 77g, flow-adjustable Birzman Roar Control, are another good alternative.

> Buyer's Guide: 14 of the best pumps and CO2 inflators

If you're after maximum efficiency – say you're riding gravel, commuting or adventuring – a pump with a greater swept volume is worth the small weight penalty. Topeak's own Roadie DAX (a longer version of this DA) is only 21g heavier for almost twice the capacity, while the Unich High Pressure Long Mini Pump is just 3g heavier. At 26cm and 23cm respectively, however, both are too long to live in pockets.

Verdict

The Roadie DA is a strong contender and works perfectly well, but it won't – excuse the pun – blow you away