Topeak

5 stars on overall rating; 4 stars on value rating at list price (5 stars with 25% BTD discount). Pump is built like a tank and is very solid standing up. This is helpful to keep it from being inadvertently knocked over and possibly damaging the very readable and accurate pressure gauge. The SmartHead works very well on both Presta and Schraeder. The lever securely locks the head to the stem with ease. The extra-long hose is nice, but I have not found it necessary for my use. Switching from the booster cylinder to regular cylinder is straight forward. It has worked well to reinflate my Conti 5000 S TR tires after refreshing the sealant. I have them on Zipp Firecrest 303 wheels, which are an easy-mount combo. I initially mounted them with a standard floor pump with more effort than it takes with this pump. This is a heavy floor pump and less suitable for frequent travel with than a standard one. It would be nice if Topeak would provide a chart to recommend how much pressure to store in the booster cylinder to safely and efficiently mount various tire sizes. The user has to figure this out by trial and error. A concern is that these Zipp wheels have a manufacturer's maximum air pressure rating of 72 PSI.

I bought this bag specifically because I wanted something that was small enough to carry the essentials and strong enough to keep dry in tough, gravel conditions. Additionally, I wanted the ability to have a quick connect to easily take the bag on and off for travel - yes, I remove everything from my bike when I tow it behind the car.

The first test of this bag was the Croatan Buck Fifty on a sloppy, wet course. Over 100 miles later, I was soaked and muddy - but the bag was great and the contents were as dry as expected. It passed the initial test and I have no doubt it won't continue to serve it's purpose.

Installed this in October 2016 and it is now February 2024. I use this 2-3 times a week and ride about 6000 miles a year. The kit installed without issues on my 1996 Avenir floor pump. Most of the time, I don't even use the locking lever when using on Presta valves. The rubber insert connector still holds well without leaking unless the tire valve core is bent. However, I would like the option of buying a replacement silicone insert since it looks a bit worn. I also use it sometimes to add a little pressure to my car tires instead of messing with my portable air compressor. I would like to see Topeak add an air release button to the SmartHead to fine tune the tire pressure and minimize air losses when removing the head from the tire valve. I would raise the rating to five stars for that modification.

Pros:

- Makes bike transport in small hatchbacks feasible without requiring hitch or roof mounting. That's meaningful for my EV, where aero matters a lot for range.

- Bike seems well protected

- Lots of extra space around the bike to stuff other gear

- Rolls easily on pavement

- Reasonably sturdy

Cons:

- Expensive

- Had to take off rear derailleur to fit my XL bike that was just within the stated wheelbase limit. And the steerer tube was tall enough to bulge the zipper out a bit at that area.

- Could use a grip/handle on the bottom near wheels to make it easier to tip into a car

- Wish instructions included flat bar bikes like mine