Crankbrothers Power Pump Ultra review
There are plenty of mini-pumps out there that give you such a workout getting your tire re-inflated that you are too pooped to pump or pedal when you’re done. The Crankbrothers Power Pump solves the volume-versus-pressure conundrum with a nifty dial on the bottom of the pump – just select High Volume to fill the tire until the pump starts to bog down, then switch to High Pressure to top up the rest of the way. Even a 26×2.5 tire was no sweat to inflate with this compact mini-pump.
In practice it just works. While 170 strokes in Hi-Volume mode and 70 strokes in Hi-Pressure mode sounds like a lot, the short and easy strokes go by very quickly and without strain. The total 240 strokes brought my WTB Weirwolf 26×2.5 tire up to 26psi – close enough to the 28psi I usually use. If you have big hands you may have a tough time finding a way to hold the pump head. At higher pressures I ended up looping a finger around a spoke to help keep everything aligned.
Where the Power Pump really saves you is when it is doing what mini-pumps do 98% of the time – riding around on your back. Weighing in at just 129 grams it is about 50 grams lighter than a spare tube. At 7″ long it fits easily in my pack or a jersey pocket, but this model does not include a mounting bracket. While this pump is rated to 115psi a quick top-up on my road bike was not an easy feat – I recommend off-road use only.
The Crankbrothers Power Pump is a decent pump for its size, and it’s well-constructed with a 6061-T6 alloy body and a durable composite head. It is small, lightweight and just right for trail-side repairs. The pump has a dual sided head; one for Presta, the other for Schrader valves, and both work equally well.
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January 31st, 2009 at 10:39 pm
These pumps are terrible! They take about 30mins on the trail to get any where enough PSI in a good trail tyre. I’ve not met one person yet who has no regretted buying this pump!
December 3rd, 2010 at 2:04 pm
I’ve had mine for about a year and it has been fine. I thought i had an issue with it recently while fixing a puncture but found that my replacement tube had a slash in it! Just ensure that you push the head firmly onto the valve. Mine came with a frame mount but since i recently replaced my Spesh HT with a Trek FS it mainly resides in either my back pack or Hydro pack. Bottom line, it’s lightweight, easy to use and effective. I recently topped my semi slick Kenda Kross tires up to 45/50psi without a problem.