Crank Brothers Alloy Pro Pump

The Crank Brothers Alloy Pro Pump is a very interesting pump with a lot of potential. It is not their smallest or lightest pump but is still quite small (9.3″) and light (6.1 Oz., less that 1/2 pound). It also has a neat mounting system that fits almost anywhere.

This is a pump to love or to hate. It works but is tricky to use. I can never seem to remember which is the correct direction to rotate the head so that it pumps air into my tire and if you turn it the wrong way you quickly have no air in your tire. Despise Crank Brothers claim this is not a high capacity pump. I lost count of strokes but think of pumping times of 3 or more minutes. Most users will not be happy after they pump a tire to 100 PSI.

It is also not a pump that easily gets to its rated pressure. In the High Volume Position the pump works well up to about 40 PSI. Above that I have to set it to the High Pressure Position because pump effort is fairly high and the chance of damaging a tube stems is significant. In the High Pressure Position progress is not very noticeable and I get very tired of pumping. I usually give up around 60 PSI, a high enough pressure to get me home.

I am not a fan of pumps without hoses. They require awkward pumping positions and can lead to tube stem damage.

Pros:

- Small, light, and sturdy

- Makes good connection with tube valve

- Neat mounting systems, keeps pump clean
- Works well enough to get you home

- Accurate Pressure Gauge

Cons:

- Takes a long time to pump if you want to go above 60 PSI

- No hose on pump head, awkward to pump and possible tube stem damage

- Which way to turn the head is not obvious, if you turn the wrong way you lose all air in tire

Rating: Acceptable but not recommended

There are better pump choices available if you can live with a little bigger pump. I would prefer the Topeak Road Morp or possible the Planet Bike Mini Versair (tentative recommendation based upon recommendations from others).

List price for this pump is $35 but Bike Stop has it for $22.49.

Product Specs: Manufactures Web Site
Dual piston, alloy pump with high volume/high pressure switch and guage.
weight 173g [6.1 Oz./0.38 lbs.]
length 9.3″ / 238mm
material 6061-T6 aluminum barrels
pressure 130psi / 9bar
air switch high volume / high pressure
color natural or black
mounting bracket included
warranty lifetime