Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review + F16 Tool

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Launched earlier this year, the Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump has a fold-out foothold, a proper handle, and a magnetic detachable hose. Miles has been using it for the last few months to see how it stacks up against his beloved Lezyne Micro Drive. Find his KLIC HV mini Floor Pump review and some thoughts on the Crankbrothers F16 multi-tool here…

Although new tools make their way in and out of my tool kit from time to time, it has stayed relatively the same over the years. I normally have a few trusted multi-tools that rotate between my bikes, depending on what type of ride I’m on, but the rest of my kit (pump, spare bits, tubeless plugger, tire repair kit, etc.) pretty much remains unchanged. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t forget to switch my kit between bikes sometimes, though, and I accidentally head out on day rides without much more than a small multi-tool more often than I’d like.

It’s only a matter of time before my number is called and I’m left walking home with a hole in my tire or a busted chain. So, when Crankbrothers reached out earlier this year with news of a new pump and multi-tool that might be applicable for bikepacking, I was eager to incorporate them into my rotating assortment of tools. Find mini reviews on the new Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump and Crankbrothers F16 multi-tool below.

Crankbrothers F16 Review, Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review

Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review

I’ve used the same two pumps for most of the last few years: the popular Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HV and the compact OneUp EDC Pump. The former has fantastic ergonomics, a flexible pump head, and has proven to pack a punch when running high-volume mountain bike tires. But, unfortunately, the thread-on pump head has a tendency to unthread presta valve cores. The OneUp pump isn’t quite as powerful or ergonomic, but it’s surprisingly efficient and simply pushes onto the valve, so there’s no risk of losing a valve core. Both are great pumps.

The Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump integrates several features I like about both pumps into a single package. Like the Lezyne Micro Floor Drive, it uses a mini floor pump design with a fold-out handle, a small foothold, and a flexible hose. For further convenience, it has a simple push-and-lock pump head, and the entire hose attaches to the pump body using magnets, stashing away inside the pump for transport. There is also a rotating sleeve that covers and protects the air nozzle where the hose attaches.

Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review
  • Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review
  • Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review

Compared to the Lezyne Micro Floor Drive, it’s a longer overall pump, and I’ve found it to be awkward to fit into some smaller handlebar bags and most hip packs. It’s surprisingly lightweight, considering the features Crankbrothers packed in, and while it might not be the most powerful high-volume hand pump I’ve used, it pumped up a 29 x 2.8” tire up to 15 PSI after 100 pumps, or about after a minute, which is reasonable, although not as powerful as the Lezyne. The build quality isn’t as nice as the Lezyne either, which sets a high bar with its CNC machined aluminum body and sturdy construction, but it has held up being bounced around in handlebar bags and frame bags just fine.

I like the locking pump head, which uses a standard floor-pump-style lever to lock it onto the valve. It’s not quite as secure as a thread-on chuck, but it does the job. I was skeptical of the magnetic hose attachment, but it has proved to be reliable, and the fact that it can rotate in place is handy, considering it’s not the longest hose at 9 inches (23 centimeters). Overall, it’s a great little pump for those who appreciate a proper handle and foot peg, but it would be nice to see a more compact version as it won’t fit in most small or mid-sized hip packs and even some smaller frame bags.

  • Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review
  • Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review
  • Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review
  • Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review
  • Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review

The Klic HV Mini Floor Pump has some obvious advantages over other pumps that are worth highlighting. The fold-out handle is much more ergonomic compared to the rounded handle of the Lezyne, it’s handy having the small fold-out foothold, and the combination of a rotating magnetic attachment and flexible hose puts less awkward pressure on the wheel’s valve, which is wise in the long run.

Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review
  • Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review
  • Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review
  • Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump Review

Pros

  • T-handle is more comfortable to use than other pumps
  • Magnetic/flexible hose is functional and practical
  • Lightweight
  • Rubber base and foothold create a sturdy setup
  • Comes with a five-year warranty

Cons

  • Build quality isn’t as nice as Lezyne
  • Very long, awkward to pack
  • Not as high-volume as other pumps I’ve used
  • Pump head isn’t as secure as thread-on alternatives
  • Max Pressure: 110psi / 7.5 bar
  • Weight: 171 grams (6 oz)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Price: $70 USD
  • Manufacturer’s Details: Crankbrothers.com

Crankbrothers F16 Review

I’ve always liked Crankbrothers’ multi-tools. My well-loved M19 tool has been around for seven years now, and it’s still quite often the tool I reach for when heading out on day rides and bikepacking trips. I’m not a fan of overly complicated tools with little bits that are easy to misplace, and the M19 has proven to be totally bombproof and reasonably functional. It’s also not as feature-rich as some of the latest multi-tools that pack a staggering number of functions into a small package–which isn’t necessarily a good thing.

Crankbrothers F16 Review
  • Crankbrothers F16 Review
  • Crankbrothers F16 Review

The new Crankbrothers F16 multi-tool packs more than 16 tools into a tiny package, including a full set of hex keys, a tubeless plugging kit, chain breaker, and more. Here’s a complete breakdown of what you get: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm hex keys, T25 Torx, Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, tire plug tool + three plugs, chain breaker, #0, 1, 2, 3, spoke wrenches, and a valve core remover. It also has a spot to hold a spare chain link, a bottle opener, and a nifty metal case that can double as a handle for tight bolts. The case is also magnetic, so the multi-tool and chain breaker snap swiftly into place and hold tight while not in use. The plastic carrying case for the tire plugger slides tightly onto the backside of the case, protecting the plugs from weather and grit.

Crankbrothers F16 Review
  • Crankbrothers F16 Review
  • Crankbrothers F16 Review
  • Crankbrothers F16 Review

The T16 has proven to be a capable little tool. I like having a case to stop the tool from opening up inside my bag, the magnetic components are snappy and hold strong even when bouncing down rough trails, and it’s holding up nicely so far. I only have good things to say about my well-loved M19 tool, so I’m not surprised by any of this.

Crankbrothers F16 Review

Pros

  • Small yet still functional enough for simple repairs and adjustments
  • Solid construction
  • Lots of useful tools and quick to deploy
  • Case that doubles as a handle is clever

Cons

  • Fork style tire plugger doesn’t compete with Dynaplug
  • Pricey for a small multi-tool
  • Weight: 182 grams (6 ounces)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Price: $60 USD
  • Manufacturer’s Details: Crankbrothers.com

Wrap Up

A mini floor pump is a useful addition to any bikepacking tool kit. A flexible pump hose means less tugging on your valves, and a longer pump stroke and handle means less time sitting in the dirt and more time riding. While the Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump isn’t the most powerful pump I’ve used, the magnetic hose and fold-out handle are thoughtful touches and make for a functional pump. It’s awkward to pack due to its length, so I can only cross my fingers that Crankbrothers listens and comes out with a stubbier version at some point.

As far as the F16 multi-tool goes, I think it mostly speaks for itself. I don’t mind its size and appreciate the number of tools packed inside its tiny case. If it lasts anywhere as long as my M19 tool, I’d say it’s money well spent.

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