Performance Bike’s house brand of accessories, Spin Doctor, offers products that are similar to major brands, but generall at a better price. Often produced in the same factory as larger brands, they can be a great way to build out a bike tool kit without breaking the bank. The Spin Doctor Pro HP floor pump has a nice dual-textured handle, aluminum alloy barrel and base, aluminum switchable head, and a 160psi gauge with high-contrast red needle.
The $59.99 pump packs a punch similar to its mini-pump siblings we reviewed last month. So what are the trade-offs of private-labeled ODM products? Take a read inside to see how the Pro HP pumps up…
For a sub-$60 pump, the head is the shining gem. Constructed entirely of aluminum, it was smooth to operate, and even smoother to switch between valves. The simple chuck unthreads by hand, is flipped around, and re-inserted. There are no other small parts to switch or lose, and nothing will fall out of the head when you have the chuck removed. Both sides of it are clearly labeled for the valve type it will work with, and there is even a nice little bleed valve to release pressure without removing it from the wheel.
Following a similar process for testing other pumps, we used a control tire of a Clement XPlor MSO 700×40 tire mounted to a Velo Orange RAID rim. We also used a separate Accu-Gauge at each step to check the pressure.
- Spin Doctor Pro HP – 13 pumps to 30psi on pump’s gauge, measuring 23psi on Accu-Gauge
- Spin Doctor Pro HP – 26 pumps to 60psi on pump’s gauge, measuring 49psi on Accu-Gauge
- Spin Doctor Pro HP – 41 pumps to 90psi on pump’s gauge, measuring 79psi on Accu-Gauge
The large difference between the pump’s gauge reading and the Accu-gauge was suspect, so we re-performed each test, with the same result, showing the Pro HP’s gauge may be about 15% off.
FEATURES:
- Hi-Q Twin Valve easily converts to fit Presta or Schrader valves
- Integrated bleed valve in head to make pressure adjustments
- Tall barrel provides efficient inflation of high pressure or high volume tires
- Large gauge with indicator bezel registers to 160 PSI
- Comfortable molded handle and wide, sturdy base
- Durable aluminum barrel and base
So what did we think? Performance does a good job offering value with the Spin Doctor brand. The pump worked as a pump should, but the questionable accuracy of the gauge might be trouble for some. There is a rotating bezel on the gauge so that even if its not accurate to the measurement, you should be able to get back to the same pressure time and again if you set the bezel arrow. It sounded a bit tinny in use, but the full metal head was nice and easy to use, easy to switch valve types, and should last a long time. If you are not picky about exact pressures, but want a simple, affordable pump that works well, the Pro HP should serve you well.
