I just used my new lightweight tools to change the rear tire on my bike. It's time for Fluffy to go back into the trainer - no more skinny tires for me.
On to the review...
My frame pump weighs 240 grams, the new pump weighs 62 grams. My tool box weighs 212 grams. The tool bar weighs 70 grams.
The tool bar has 5 Allen Wrench heads that go into the end of the bar for use and two tire levers. The tool box has all that plus a spoke wrench, a patch kit, a chain tool and a cheater bar. Given that I'll use the tool bar only on supported rides, I'm okay with the loss of tools. I used the tire levers today and they performed just like they should.
The Micro Pump took a little bit of getting used to. It does not lock onto the valve stem, so you have to hold it in the right position for the air to go in. It took me eight minutes to pump up a 27 mm tire to 60 PSI. That included me figuring out the best way to hold the pump. Again as a tool to have on a supported ride, I think it will be fine. Obviously, when I'm riding on my own, I'll be bringing the better tools.
The lighter tools are 3/4 of a pound lighter!
V.
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08-21-2006, 03:49 PM #1
"Ride lots!"
- Join Date
- Oct 2002
- Location
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Posts
- 9,324
Topeak Micro Rocket and Topeak Toolbar Review
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08-21-2006, 03:53 PM #2
Zipper Neck & Survivor
- Join Date
- Aug 2002
- Location
- Sillycon Valley, California
- Posts
- 4,872
Veronica is a weight weenie.......
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08-21-2006, 04:04 PM #3
"Ride lots!"
- Join Date
- Oct 2002
- Location
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Posts
- 9,324
Yep I am! We even bought a postal meter so I could weigh all the bits!
V.
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08-21-2006, 04:31 PM #4
Honky Nut Dodger
- Join Date
- Jul 2005
- Location
- WA, Australia
- Posts
- 3,292
Hey V - I caved and ordered the pump it came today. I couldnt be happier it fits right in my jersey pocket. I know its vanity but I didnt want a frame pump on my new bike. Like you It took awhile to figure it all out and yep its no quick fill up but I will have CO2 with me so its mainly for back up and getting that little bit of air into the tube at the start. I feel better having this with me than just riding with CO2 only. I have a frame pump on my Trek so this is just for using with my new bike. VANITY I KNOW.
Originally Posted by Veronica
I just used my new lightweight tools to change the rear tire on my bike. It's time for Fluffy to go back into the trainer - no more skinny tires for me.
On to the review...
My frame pump weighs 240 grams, the new pump weighs 62 grams. My tool box weighs 212 grams. The tool bar weighs 70 grams.
The tool bar has 5 Allen Wrench heads that go into the end of the bar for use and two tire levers. The tool box has all that plus a spoke wrench, a patch kit, a chain tool and a cheater bar. Given that I'll use the tool bar only on supported rides, I'm okay with the loss of tools. I used the tire levers today and they performed just like they should.
The Micro Pump took a little bit of getting used to. It does not lock onto the valve stem, so you have to hold it in the right position for the air to go in. It took me eight minutes to pump up a 27 mm tire to 60 PSI. That included me figuring out the best way to hold the pump. Again as a tool to have on a supported ride, I think it will be fine. Obviously, when I'm riding on my own, I'll be bringing the better tools.
The lighter tools are 3/4 of a pound lighter!
V.
The most effective way to do it, is to do it.
Amelia Earhart
2005 Trek 5000 road/Avocet 02 40W
2006 Colnago C50 road/SSM Atola
2005 SC Juliana SL mtb/WTB Laser V
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08-21-2006, 04:36 PM #5
"Ride lots!"
- Join Date
- Oct 2002
- Location
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Posts
- 9,324
It's not vanity. It's your bike!
I call the pump my lipstick tube. That's what it reminds me of.
V.
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08-21-2006, 04:47 PM #6
Honky Nut Dodger
- Join Date
- Jul 2005
- Location
- WA, Australia
- Posts
- 3,292
LOL - thats exactly what I thought when it arrived. Hey this thing looks like some swish purse atomizer or lipstick holder. Hee Hee better not say that to any guys I see sporting one of these. Originally Posted by Veronica
It's not vanity. It's your bike!
I call the pump my lipstick tube. That's what it reminds me of.
V.
The most effective way to do it, is to do it.
Amelia Earhart
2005 Trek 5000 road/Avocet 02 40W
2006 Colnago C50 road/SSM Atola
2005 SC Juliana SL mtb/WTB Laser V
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08-22-2006, 08:44 AM #7
crazy fixed roadie
- Join Date
- Jul 2006
- Location
- LA County
- Posts
- 77
99% of mini-pumps out there are crap. Best to just carry a couple of CO2 cartidges on supported rides.
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08-23-2006, 07:06 PM #8
Zipper Neck & Survivor
- Join Date
- Aug 2002
- Location
- Sillycon Valley, California
- Posts
- 4,872
Veronica,
I saw the teeny-tiny mini pump at REI today. It's so little and cute
And it does sort of resemble a lipstick tube.....
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