Topeak Roadie DA With Gauge

The Topeak Roadie DA hand pump is designed primarily for narrow section road tyres. It's reckoned capable of delivering 120psi/8 bar, and I've been pleasantly surprised by its relative efficiency and the inbuilt gauge's accuracy, though it requires a consistent momentum and the barrel becomes uncomfortably hot towards the highest pressures.

• Pros: Accurate gauge, relatively efficient, solid build
• Cons: Barrel gets very hot at the highest pressures; push-on Presta head won't suit everyone

Materials/specification

It's a well-configured mix of metal and composite, keeping strength up and grams down. The barrel and thumb lock are aluminium, the handle plastic. It's a dual action design, meaning it inflates on the in/out stroke, thus doubling the output (31.6cc all told). Size-wise, it's passable for jersey/jacket pockets but small enough for sneaking inside bigger wedge packs, should circumstances or preferences dictate.

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Integrated gauges are nothing new, but some are markedly better than others. Topeak has gone for an analogue watch type, with both bar and PSI. It's clear and easy to read at a glance, although you'll need some LED assistance should you flat along a dark country lane.

There's a snug-fitting, plug-in rubberised cap to keep the elements out of its Presta head.

On that subject... Trailer aside, all my wheels run Presta valves, but I doubt I'm alone in liking a pump that will tend all the fleet, or get a riding companion out of a jam. Even if you top up with a CO2 cartridge in most instances, there are occasions where we need to rely on pump alone.

Bracket

Brackets can be a bit hit and miss, but the Roadie DA's bottle boss mount is proportionate and sturdy, with a rubberised strap to rule out jettisoning along washboard tarmac or gravel roads.

I'm pleased to report that, unlike some of the miniature track pump types, there have been no 'woodpecker' tendencies (where the pump rattles against the frame tubes), nor has it slipped (a good thing given its proximity to the chainring).

Performance

Manufacturer quoted figures seem refreshingly accurate these days. Not so many years back, some 'high pressure' frame fit pumps struggled to hit, let alone crack, 110psi. The Roadie DA has rammed the full 120psi into a 700x26 tyre in a matter of 280 strokes, in just over three minutes.

Despite the double action, a consistent tempo is required, and resistance becomes increasingly apparent towards the higher pressures. I'm the first to acknowledge how misleading thumb tests (as a judge of pressure) are, but after the first minute I was convinced the gauge was out or had been damaged in transit.

However, cross referenced with a standalone digital unit confirmed it was correct: 37psi was all I'd delivered. Traditionally, some fixed head designs (rather than those using a threaded flexi hose) can rip out the valve stem. However, even with very long valve stems, and with the piston verging on lockout, this has been a moot point.

Gravel, touring and adventure aside, there's been a move toward wider tyres – 30mm isn't uncommon on road bikes these days – and I wasn't surprised to discover it couldn't deliver 95psi into some 38mm Soma Shikoro tyres. It locked out at 65psi, at 425 strokes (halfway between its operating pressure range). Although 75psi is my optimum, 65 was fine for finishing the remaining 30 mixed terrain miles.

When it came to some 32mm Tioga City Slickers, the Roadie DA delivered the full 70psi in 390 strokes, and five minutes. It has also raised a flaccid 26x1.5in to 53psi in five minutes and 400 strokes before locking out.

Head to head, these figures are equal to – and in some instances better than – the £29.99 Zefal Air Profile FC03. That said, it's worth noting that the Zefal comes complete with a 'Z Turn' flexible hose, which might be the decider – especially if you're prone to damaging threaded valve stems.

Value

Price-wise it's competitive for pumps of this genre if you want a gauge. Birzman's Velocity Apogee has a gauge and a flexi hose, but it's another £9 at rrp.

You can buy the Roadie DA without a gauge for £21.99, but its £22.99 DAX sibling would be my choice. It's larger and, for me at least, easier to work up to the highest pressures.

> Buyer's Guide: 15 of the best pumps and CO2 inflators

If you're not set on a mini-pump and need higher pressures, something like Topeak's Road Master Blaster Hand Pump might be a better choice; that will deliver 100psi into a 700x23 tyre in around 100 strokes and has an rrp of £22.99.

Conclusion

To some extent, pumps have become a second line of defence, but nonetheless a reliable pump remains a must. Ultimately, the Topeak Roadie DA performs well, relative to its size and represents decent value for money.

Verdict

Competent mini pump with credible performance but the push-on head might alienate some