The Crankbrothers Klic HP + Gauge is a multifunctional high-pressure mini pump, aimed at gravel riders to bridge the gap between a full-on pump and a CO2 inflator. It's small size means it's a great option for commuters and the built-in CO2 inflator is great for a mid-race quick fix, but it's rather pricey.
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While the Klic HP is as basic as a pump gets in terms of how it gets the job done, it’s littered with hidey-holes for all of its essential parts. The covered hidden compartments work really well as dust guards, keeping muck away from the important components and more importantly, the pump shaft itself. The compartments also make the Klic HP a rather compact unit.
Putting this pump together is almost exactly how I would imagine a spy assembles his suitcase sniper rifle. Unfold the handle, the hose/gauge slides out, twist the dust cap to unveil the magnetic head, pop the magnet end of the hose to the head and you’re ready to go. Unscrew the closed end of the handle and there’s your CO2 inflator.
Built into the hose is the gauge, which isn’t quite as easy to read or as accurate as those found on competitors units as the indicator is a bit larger than the marked increments and there aren’t as many markings. As such it would be tough to read, for example, 28 psi accurately. This aside, it’s built to hide neatly within the pump, which is a good compromise.
The pump is made almost entirely of metal apart from the handle and CO2 inflator. It feels good in the hand but while pumping there’s a fair bit of wobble in the shaft. I would expect a pump of this price to feel a lot more sturdy and solid. The action itself also feels quite basic; feeling very clearly like it’s simply a tube within a tube.
If used ignoring the CO2 inflator (which only works with Presta valves), it’s not the most efficient of pumps but if used in tandem with the inflator you have the best of both worlds. You have the ability to reseat tubeless tyres and inflate a tyre super quickly and then you have the adjustability of the pump with a gauge to get yourself to your desired pressure. While it does take some elbow grease, the Klic HP is also a viable option if you have a mountain bike in the shed as well thanks to the CO2 inflator.
The Klic HP Gauge is a pricey unit but Crankbrothers offer the same pump but minus a few of the cool bits at a more wallet-friendly price. For those who primarily ride mountain bikes, they offer a high volume model.
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