“On the back of the success of the Cranktank4, a four litre (1 US gallon) self locating, frame mounted rigid water container, Adventure Hydration has released the Cranktank3, a smaller three litre version. (Who would have guessed?)”
“While the four litre has proved popular with travellers, bikepackers and ultra racers as was it’s design intention, it has also found surprising favour with the gravel riding crowd, being used on events such as the Unbound Gravel among many others. The development of the smaller version has come in response to the many requests from this gravel riding cohort for such a size.”
“The Cranktank3 follows the same design principles as its larger sibling. The weight is as low and central as it can be in the frame to have minimal impact on handling, it occupies significantly less space than two standard bottles (yet offers the capacity of four standard bottles), mounts very securely and is easy and convenient to drink from using the supplied bite valve equipped insulated hydration straw.”
“The tank itself is uniquely shaped to locate positively around the frame tubes and is held securely in place with two 50mm wide hook and loop straps. (You’re not going to lose this one!) This design allows surprisingly universal fitment to the majority of double triangle frames. From gravel bikes and others with road derived frame geometry all the way through to mountain bikes and even fatbikes, both version of Cranktank accommodate a broad variety of frame angles and tube profiles and sizes. Check out the Adventure Hydration Instagram page here https://www.instagram.com/cranktank4_cranktank3/ to see just how universal it is.”
“The insulated tube easily attaches to the tank cap via a quick disconnect fitting to allow the tube to stay on the bike while the tank is removed for refilling. When not drinking, the tube is held securely by a clip most commonly fixed to the handlebar making your water supply very easy to access. Tank removal and replacement is simple and quick, taking just a few seconds for either process. Without doubt, it’s less time consuming than removing, refilling and replacing the equivalent volume in bottles.”
“Weight, always a factor in the minds of cyclists, is around the same as three standard bottles and cages at approximately 450 grams as fitted including tank, cap, tube, straps etc.”
“The Cranktanks are available in either Translucent Grey or Translucent White/Fleck with a choice of Black, Orange or White ancilliaries. The water level is visible in either version.”
“The Cranktank kits are an easy initial install taking just a few minutes and include all the necessary components to keep you hydrated all day.”
“Is it for everybody? Well, probably not for those looking for the carefully curated two bidon “look”, but for those after a practical solution to carry and access a larger volume of water in an efficient, secure, unobtrusive way for those big days out or longer events, it’s practicality is difficult to deny. And the Cranktank3 does look pretty tidy in our very humble and somewhat biased opinion.”
Gravel Cyclist readers can enjoy a 10% discount on either version of the Cranktank by entering the code GC10 at the checkout. (Valid until 30th June, 2022.)
Above, the bike belonging to Paul Spencer, currently on the way to the Giro d’Italia with the intention of riding (bikepacking) the route plus transfers. Following that, riding to the start of the Tour de France, riding the route plus transfers and finally, riding to the start of the Vuelta and doing the same. A huge summer for Paul!
Retail price is AUD$115 (approximately USD$84 at time of writing) plus shipping. More information at adventurehydration.com
I have the 4 L version and love it. I can drink all the water I need without stopping. If it is a shorter ride I just fill the tank 1/2 way.