WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE TOPEAK RATCHET ROCKET ESSENTIAL HD
The pocket size Topeak Ratchet Rocket Essential HD tool kit is a step up from the previous versions, offering a bit more brawn. While the other kits do not specify the max Torque rating, the Rocket HD sports a 60Nm max, which should be enough for any part on your bike, outside of a pedal that was cranked on by the hulk.
Editor’s Note: most pedals are meant to be around 30Nm; you do not want to seize them into your crank!
Topeak claims there are 15 functions in total. Perhaps I need another cup of coffee, or my brain is not working thanks to the winter freeze, but I can’t for the life of me figure out 15 ways to use this thing. Help me out in the comments! Anyways, there are 12 bits included: 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 mm allen keys – T10 / T15 / T20 / T25 / PH2. In addition to the bits, there is an extension piece that can be used to gain more leverage on the wrench or to reach tight spaces on your bike’s frame.
Topeak’s tool comes in a bi-fold wrap, with two snap buttons to keep it closed. Once inside the individual bits are securely stored thanks to a magnetic strip beneath the bit holster. To help get the small individual pieces out, each bit has a knurled edge for extra grip (except for the 8mm). The entire unit is 13×5.2×2.5 cm, you can easily fit this in your downtube storage, pocket or hip pack.
THE DIRT
I’ve had the original version of Topeak’s mini ratchet set for a few years, and it has come on nearly every riding trip. It served me well until I sheared the teeth on the ratchet, which was 100% user error on my end. The Essential HD ratchet hasn’t suffered the same fate.
The Essential HD ratchet is noticeably larger but still has that “mini” feel. While Topeak doesn’t publish torque ratings for their smaller sets, the 60 Nm rating on the Essential HD is more than enough to properly snug up any bolt on your bike. I wouldn’t recommend using it to break free a seriously seized pedal, but in a pinch, you can slide the extension on and get a surprising amount of leverage. I’ve used it to change pedals well over 50 times, without any issues. I keep my pedal threads clean and don’t reef on them when installing, but with the extension there’s plenty of leverage available.
I was not overly stoked to keep this in my pocket, feeling a little bulky. But it was not a deal-breaker if I had no other option. Generally speaking, the tool lived in my hydration pack or in the bike’s downtube storage. Topeak’s Ratchet Rocket Essential HD tool worked great for checking bolts on the bike, and getting SRAM Transmission to be properly tightened down. Doing that with a small multitool is a major pain and is usually just a temporary fix to get back to a full-size tool, so being able to get it reset properly on trail was much appreciated. I really like how the bits snap into place and stay in place very well, thanks to the magnets. You can drop the pouch without it being closed and the bits do not fall out.
While this may not be the tool I bring with me on my everyday local laps, it is something that accompanies me when traveling, especially when I need to disassemble the bike. If you have ever had to put a bike together with just a small multi-tool, you know the frustration it can cause. With this portable ratchet set, the process is much less frustrating. I also could see this being a valuable thing to leave in your vehicle should you or a friend need some more leverage before hitting the trail.
HOW DOES IT COMPARE
Looked at the Ratchet Rocket Essential HD through the lens of a classic small multi-tool, it is big, bulky, and heavy. But it serves a different mission, and still has a place in many riders’ tool arsenals. Using the Topeak Ratchet Rocket Essential HD can mean less fiddling and less time spent hunting for the right tool for the job.
Compared to Topeak’s smaller ratchet kits, the HD version is the better buy if you value higher torque capacity and better bit retention. The magnetic organizer, higher torque rating, and included extension for hard‑to‑reach areas give it a clear edge over the lighter, more basic versions.
The Wolf’s Last Word
This is a small but mighty multi-tool that makes trail‑side pedal swaps with your buddies a piece of cake. The extension and high torque rating is a welcome addition for freeing stubborn bolts or properly tighteni SRAM Transmission hardware. The build quality shows in the little details, from the knurled bits to the secure magnetic storage. 
Price: $74.95
Website: Topeak.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Cole’s den is in Spokane WA, where he relocated a few years back. Growing up in the lush, loamy playgrounds of the PNW, his soul is forever tied to steep, rooty descents and that unmistakable squish of perfect dirt. After 19 years of shredding, Cole’s been on every kind of rig out there. Once a die-hard fan of big travel bikes, he’s now on a quest for the mythical short-travel do-it-all machine. And yes, skids may be for kids, but this middle-aged manchild is here to prove they’re also for anyone who loves having a damn good time.
Rank: Professional Amateur
Size: 6’1” / 185cm | 170lbs / 77kg
Social: @adventuresbycole
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