Crank Bros Power Pump Pro: Dual piston high volume/pressure composite pump. Air Switch changes pump to high or low volume. Twin head fits both Presta and Schrader valves.
Submitted by
npoblador
a Weekend Warrior
from chicago, il, usa
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2010
Strengths: Small and lightweight.
Weaknesses: Bulkier than expected. Not sure how you can get it up to 115 PSI. Surely you don't have to get up that high.
Bottom Line:
Not sure why you all are having problems. Push it in and twist to lock and it hangs there on its own. There's a handy Hi-volume/ High-pressure knob at the handles end and I could pump up road tires to about 80 PSI.
I'm surprised to see such bad reviews for this pump. Mine works perfectly seals great and the gauge works as well. I used this at home when I first received it to test it out and have fixed two flats in the bush with this pump now with no complaints.
Some people complaining about low air volume as a weakness but it's a compact lightweight pump... It's not as efficient as a larger pump obviously, but from my experience this pump performs great and does exactly what it was designed to do perfectly.
Submitted by
cornonthecobra
a Weekend Warrior
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2009
Strengths: Good workout. Some air comes out. Compact. Looks good - as with most Crank Bros stuff IMHO.
Weaknesses: Everything else. I can get to 40PSI when the guage is working. The guage only reads when pumping presta valves on mine. Takes forever to fill anything, reverted to my $10 zefal pump.
Bottom Line:
As I'm slowly finding out, the lower end of Crank Bros' product range (i.e. not $100 pedals and adjustable seatposts) is of very low quality. Style over substance (just like their lower-end rusty pedals with awful bearings).
Submitted by
DarkStarPT
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary,Alberta
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2009
Strengths: Light weight. Does quickly fill tire to 20 psi.
Weaknesses: Hard to get a seal. Will not pump past 25-30 psi. Arms will fall off before then.
Bottom Line:
Maybe all compact pumps can only pump 30 psi. Im not sure. But this one will wear you out trying to fill a tire. So if your already breathing heavy during a ride and have to fix a flat. This will set you over the edge. Hard to keep the seal on the pump and very hard to pump. No way it will do 115 psi like it says. 30 psi MAX.
Weaknesses: Simply does not work at all, can only acheive about 30lbs pressure after using for several minutes. The biggest disappointment and poorest bike product I've ever purchased. DON'T BUY THIS PUMP, IT SUCKS BIG TIME!!!
And it's too heavy for a mini-pump.
Bottom Line:
Buy something else, or you'll ride home on a flat!!
Similar Products Used: Blackburn mini-pumps, Performance brand mini-pumps. Not the greatest, but they work!
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
sk8dad
a Cross Country Rider
from Fremont, CA
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2009
Strengths: Bomb proof construction. Built-in gauge. Instant switch presta and shraeder head. High volume vs high pressure switch.
Weaknesses: The screw cap valve heads. On my trials rig with it's 2.4" wide shraeder tires, it's nearly impossible to get the head seated far enough on the valve and the screw cap threaded tightly enough to prevent leaks! Also the bulty head prevents the pump's usage in tight places (like my kid's 12" rear wheel). It's damn heavy for those of you who care.
Bottom Line:
Nice concept, imcompletely executed, and probably not test a lot in the field.
Similar Products Used: Various Topeak pumps, and the new (AWESOME) Lezyne Pressure Driver.
Bike Setup: Specialized Stumpjumper FSR w/ Rockshock Reba Race.
Czar stock trials bike w/ FFW setup.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
waynohh
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2009
Strengths: None
Weaknesses: Pressure guage doesn't work. Presta side doesn't work. Can't get over 30psi - which is only a guess of course because no guage! Not enough pressure to seat tire beads on rims, so completely useless when putting (back) on tires.
Bike Setup: 2005 Giant NRS 1, Mavic 819, Maxxis Crossmark, Hayes HFX-9, Derore XT, Race Face Evolve, Reba Race, Fox Float R, etc.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chrisy9001
a Downhiller
from Phoenix, Arizona, US
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2008
Strengths: The pump is very sturdy. The aluminum barrel is of very high quality and so are the internal seals of the pump. Also, it looks really good.
Weaknesses: The pump's rubber seals for both the presta and Schrader valves leak air while pumping. However, I sent an email to Crank Brothers and they sent me another set of rubber seals. The warranty for these pumps is amazing, as Crank Brothers will send you any part for this pump, free of charge.
One thing I can say about this pump is that it is really hard to pump alot of air into the tires. The pump hurts your hand alot while using it. It's almost like getting a workout for your forehands.
Bottom Line:
This pump is expensive. However, the warranty and service from Crank Brothers is excellent. They will send you any part you need for this pump, free of charge, so that is something you won't get with other manufacturers. However, it is very hard to put alot of air into your tires with this pump, but it is good for emergencies when you have nothing else to use. Other than that, if you are using this for home use, get a floor pump instead.
Similar Products Used: Blackburn Air Stick
Planet Bike Airship
Bike Setup: I have three bikes, so I am too lazy to write. lol
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
BrentP
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2008
Strengths: Coolest looking micro-pump on the planet.
Built in gauge (the reason I retired my previous pump and got this one)
Weaknesses: Works like crap. Had a flat on the weekend and two of us pumped for 10 minutes straight (had to switch off) and it barely reached 30 psi (too little for my weight).
Bottom Line:
I don't know if I got a defective pump, but mine simply doesn't work. I'm taking it back to the shop to see if there's a problem with it and whether the others they have will work any better. Bummer, because it's tiny, light, and very cool looking.
I just picked up a Power Pump Pro, and have some silly questions.
When connecting the pump to the valve...
If I don't insert the valve far enough, it's not engaging (no psi rea Read More »
