Topeak’s Nano shock pump is the brand’s next step in making the humble shock pump smaller. Although its size sacrifices some efficiency, it’s very easily carried, making it something that’ll please those who pack everything and the kitchen sink. Some will miss a gauge for easy pressure reading, but it makes an excellent companion for mid-ride pressure top-ups.
- Best mountain bike pumps and CO2 inflators 2025
- Wolf Tooth Components EnCase System Pump 40cc + Allen Hex Bit Wrench Multi-Tool pump review
- Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump review
Topeak Nano Shock - Technical details
The Nano Shock is literally as simple as it looks. It’s a tiny shock pump that measures just short of 14cm in length, and Topeak says that it delivers 4.7cc of pressure per stroke to achieve a maximum pressure of 300 psi, or 20 bar.
Built completely from aluminium, it’s said to tip the scale at 56g, whereas I weighed it at 53.7g.
Connecting the pump to the suspension’s valve, there’s the Pressure-Rite valve that’s commonplace on Topeak’s shock pumps, and that’s joined to a rotating and flexible hose.
Topeak Nano Shock - Performance
A shock pump is a must-have for any mountain biker, or gravel rider for that matter, who uses air-sprung suspension. Usually, they’re not particularly large things, but a regular-sized shock pump certainly isn’t anything I would want to carry around with me on a ride - I’ve heard horror stories about them causing injury during a crash when carried in a backpack.
Although a somewhat freak accident, the Nano Shock unknowingly solves the ‘what-if’ when carried in a bag. It’s just so small that it can be carried in a pocket or as part of a guide’s larger pack that is stocked well enough to fix any mishap. And, really, its size is its power. I’ve carried it in my minimal EVOC Hydro Pro 1.5L that hardly has space in its main compartment for anything but its hydration bladder.
Because of its minuscule footprint, it can be stowed in almost everything, be it a saddlebag or a pocket. Only to be whipped out for the rare time that calls for nothing but a shock pump. It’s also a wise bit of kit to keep stowed in the car, in case you’re not happy with your suspension setup before getting on the pedals.
As it’s such a small bit of kit, there is a knock to its efficiency. With regular tyre pumps, I’ve previously moaned about how small and uber-packable options suck when it comes to inflating tyres. However, with suspension, it’s a different matter. Even with the Nano Shock, it doesn’t take more than a minute or so before reaching around 80 psi on a RockShox SID Ultimate. But let’s face it, this pump is likely going to be used the most for quick pressure top-ups, rather than from-empty inflations.
Inflating shocks, however, is a different matter. With the higher pressures in rear shocks, there’s more resistance towards the end of the shock’s stroke, and you’ll be pumping for longer if you’re inflating from empty. There’s not all that much to hold onto, too, so it’s certainly a trickier endeavour, but again, it’s probably not likely you’ll be using this pump to inflate from zero to 250-odd psi.
I imagine that people will moan about the lack of a gauge, and that is something that’s certainly felt when using the pump. It would be awesome if Topeak could build in an inline gauge into the hose, but really, for what this pump is for, it’s not totally necessary. With experience, you can eyeball a fork’s o-ring and get a good enough setup until you get to a gauge-equipped shock pump. If you’re running one of RockShox’s older products with sag markings on the stanchion, then you’ll be just fine.
All the lack of gauge does is add a bit of vagueness when pumping. For example, when my gauge reaches around 80 psi, I know that it’s time to check the sag. Again, the Nano Shock will most likely be used to top up pressures, rather than achieve a complete setup from scratch.
Topeak Nano Shock - Verdict
If you’re looking for a very easily packable shock pump, £30 isn’t too bad a spend, although I would expect it to be a little friendlier on the wallet. For example, Truflo’s Air Lock Shock Pump is £35, but that’s not really something I would want to carry around.
Syncros’s Boundary 1.0SH Digital Shock pump brings the size up to 20cm in length, and boasts a digital gauge. In fact, it’s a better-equipped pump with a pressure release valve, too. It will set you back £70, however, which makes Topeak’s offering look better in the value department.
With all of that, the Topeak Nano Shock will likely appeal to a more niche audience, but one that prioritises convenience and the ability to carry everything they’ll need, without absolutely stacking their backpacks. Although it’s not as efficient as regular pumps, and it lacks the mod cons, the basic vibe makes for a smaller pump. It does the job, though, and without much fuss at that.