Crankbrothers Klic HV Gauge Pump Review
-
Rating
Summary
The Crankbrothers Klic HV is a versatile mountain bike hand pump that offers a comfortable and efficient pumping system, allowing you to inflate any tire quickly and get back on the saddle in no time. This pump is ideal for those who don’t mind using a slightly larger hand pump in exchange for exceptional airflow effectiveness.
Pros
- The pump is time-effective and can get the job done in just a few minutes.
- It is compatible with all kinds of bikes.
- The collapsible build of the pump makes it easy to store.
- The practical magnetic gauge hose is included.
- The valve adapter can inflate both Presta and Schrader valves.
- The pump comes with a bottle cage bracket mount.
- It is appropriately priced to fit all budgets.
- The pump is built by one of the most renowned cycling brands out there.
Cons
- The larger version may be bulky when stored in bags.
- The pump is primarily designed for mountain bikes.
- The proprietary adapter can be misplaced if not handled correctly.
- The current colors available are only silver and black.
- The pump may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option on the market.
User Review
( votes)The Crankbrothers Klic HV is a T-shaped, universal hand pump primarily designed for mountain bikes. It can quickly inflate all kinds of inner tubes without risking any damage to your rim, regardless of the valve type.
The hand pump body attaches to the included magnetic gauge, allowing for a more comfortable and efficient pumping experience. We will focus on the large-size High Volume version (HV) in this review, but we believe both models are excellent purchase options.
Unlike regular hand pumps, the Crankbrothers Klic HV relies on an included gauge extension that magnetically attaches to the main body and the valve. This allows for comfortable installation and pumping without risking any undesirable damage to your rim.
The folded T-shaped handle relieves stress on your hands as you pump, preventing exhaustion. After pumping, the collapsible body allows you to safely store the magnetic gauge extension, getting you back on your bike within minutes.
Main Features
The magnetic gauge provides the appropriate airflow accuracy that traditional pumps often omit, ensuring an efficient, stress-free pump that keeps your rim from experiencing the aimless rocking back-and-forth motion often associated with traditional pumps.
The installation is simple; remove the gauge indicator stored inside the hand pump body, attach the magnetic gauge indicator to the body and the other end to the valve stem, and unlock the plastic T-shaped handle to successfully assemble the hand pump. As a general tip, the magnetic gauge indicator includes a removable valve adaptor that works with Presta or Schrader valves.
For assembly, we suggest screwing the valve end directly to the valve and then attaching the magnetic clip to the body of the hand pump for a less disruptive and more secure installation that ensures appropriate inflation.
Additional Features
The hand pump includes an adapter that allows CO2 cartridge users to utilize their cartridges. This is a useful feature and an ideal complementary accessory to have, even if you prefer having multiple re-inflating methods.
Another lesser-known hack is that one end of the hand pump has a removable cap that can store items, which is helpful for those who want to hide their spare cash or smaller items like a chain quick link.
Video Review
Personal Feedback
The Crankbrothers Klic HV is the most reliable and effective hand pump I own. I have been able to retain the current tire pressure I got from it for weeks. Some may find the gauge indicator helpful, but I prefer to rely on my sense of touch to determine the appropriate tire pressure.
The air chamber does a remarkable job of preventing the body from overheating while holding it during pumping. The folded handle allows me to ease hand tension to the point where I can push down with only my palm wide open.
According to online owners of this hand pump, any tire with substantial low pressure can be pumped in less than three minutes, or 350 pumps to achieve 25 PSI. This may vary based on the diameter or size of the tube.
Alternatively, you may feel some resistance as you pump when the tire becomes more solid. The pump should let you pump without any resistance. As you get more pressure in, the pump will make each pump much harder to push, indicating that you have pumped enough and should start testing the tires.
In my three years of owning it, I have never faced any issues with the pump, and I do not require another one knowing that this one is meant to last for a solid amount of time. If you prefer sporting a lumbar bag, it is best to choose the smaller version, as the larger version will barely fit well.
Verdict
If you consider yourself an avid mountain biker who wants a hand pump that will last for the long term, you can count on the CrankBrothers Klic HV. Although its price might be a deterrent, it becomes an investment that will relieve you from buying an impractical hand pump.
The pump’s shape, build, and effectiveness have kept my tire pressure well-maintained for at least two weeks.
I guarantee that it pumps more than necessary, which is always good since having some marginal pressure can provide extra sturdiness while riding. I tested it with a floor pump and haven’t used my floor pump in months.
The CrankBrothers Klic HV hand pump has become my go-to hand pump, and the floor pump has remained at home ever since I bought this one.
Armando is an avid cyclist who enjoys the freedom of exploring and documenting his experiences on his bike. Whether it’s through photography, videography, or writing, he’s always looking for ways to share his experiences. In his free time, you can find him watching mountain bike videos to reiterate his love for cycling!
