Test: With the Crankbrothers Klic HV mini pump, we tested a high-quality and not exactly cheap pump for mountain bikes. Whether the modular structure and the integrated features were convincing on the trail and justify the almost 50€ street price?
In addition to what we have already tested Crankbrothers multi tool f15 One thing should definitely not be missing in a touring backpack: a pump! This should not only be as compact as possible, but also bring a lot of power.
Perfect weather, the trail has a lot of grip, the buddies at the start and a flow that lifts us into other spheres - but the spoilsport is not long in coming, because there it is again, the flat tire, tearing the whole squad out of this dream and ordered us all to take a forced break. A mini pump would be bad now, with which you finally have the longed-for 20 bar in the tire after seemingly endless 180 minutes, bathed in sweat and with a 1,7 pulse. A special pump like the Klic HV from Crankbrothers in California is much better.
Crankbrothers Klic HV - A lot of power in a small space
With the 260mm long Klic HV pump, not too many pump strokes are needed to fill the 27,5 x 2,3 hose used in our test with 1,8bar. The air flow is absolutely top for such a compact pump.
For tires over 1,8 inches, Crankbrothers recommends the version we tested with a larger volume, which can also handle pressures of up to 7 bar. Since the resistance in the pumping process also increases as the pressure in the hose increases, you usually have to work really hard to apply the last bit of pressure. Due to the foldable handle, which lies firmly in the hand, you don't have to be a bodybuilder to get the air into the hose.
A CO2 adapter is integrated for those who want to fill their tires with less effort and within the normal heart rate range; Unscrew the cartridge, press and the air comes out by itself.
Another big advantage, which is also one of the main features, is the detachable flexible hose, which is quickly and easily docked to the pump via a magnetic lock. When the pump is put back in the backpack, the hose and the CO2 adapter disappear inside, unobtrusively and protected. The valve head is thus perfectly protected and does not get dirty. A nice feature is the pressure gauge integrated into the hose, which at least gives a rough indication of the pressure in the tire.
Crankbrothers Klic HV – How the magnetic tube works
A check valve allows the hose to be easily mounted on the valve without the air going whistle. The magnetic connection withstood every rude tug on the pump and didn't let us down even in hectic situations. The hose docking point above is protected from dust and dirt by a rotatable cover to keep the contact surfaces clean.
Three different models of the Klic pump are available from Crankbrothers, the top model we tested with a manometer and CO2 adapter, the same version only without a CO2 adapter and a pump without an adapter and manometer.
