Simplifies tubeless tyre inflation with speed and portability.
Words: Jack Lynch
It’s a massive statement, but perhaps the biggest advancement in road bikes in the past five years is the refinement and reliability of tubeless tyres. They let us run lower pressures that are more comfortable, less prone to punctures, and even more aerodynamic. However, despite how far they’ve come in terms of usability, tubeless tyres can still be a pain in the neck to change without compressed air. I’d say every road bike rider needs to try tubeless tyres and, therefore, every road bike rider needs some form of compressed air to seal and seat their tyres.
Yes, some track pumps will do the job and Co2 canisters also provide the desired inflation, but an air compressor will get those tyres on faster, cleaner and with less swearing than other methods. Enter Viair, an inflator behemoth founded in the 1990s in Southern California and a world leader in portable air compressors. An expert in compressors in the motor industry, its foray into bikes is relatively recent. Compressors don’t mind if you’re a road rider, gravel grinder, mountain biker or 4WD enthusiast, as long as the fittings are correct and the compressor’s power is adequate.
The Viair TLC Pro’s only suitable power source is a car battery, requiring 12-volt power to reach 150psi in its small one-litre tank. This limitation allows for a compact design that doesn’t monopolise valuable storage space. If your garage doubles as a bike workshop, you’re in luck. Despite initial nervousness about connecting the unit to my car (my experience with alligator clips had been limited to jumping my housemate’s old Corolla in my early 20s) the process was super straightforward. After clipping the unit on and starting the car – crucial to avoid draining the battery – I switched on the TLC Pro.
The compressor was much quieter than others I’ve used and it worked extremely hard. You could hear it filling up quickly and was ready to go in an instant. My first use of the Viair Pro was fitting a brand-new pair of Maxxis tyres on my road wheels and was thrilled with the first crack at the compressor. I’ve never seen a tyre inflate so quickly – I actually removed the brass fitting off the tubeless valve prematurely, worried I’d explode the tyre.
This speed was so gratifying and immediately made me understand the value of a 12-volt compressor and, more specifically, the Viair TLC Pro: quiet, fast and high-quality. From the hose fittings to the Presta and Schrader connections, it’s clear why Viair is so highly regarded. Tubeless tyres have vastly improved our experience as bike riders, both on and off-road. The Viair TLC Pro eliminates the headaches associated with changing tyres. Its portability, compact storage, and quiet operation make it a valuable addition to any cyclist’s toolkit.
Model: Viair TLC Pro Compressor Kit
Price: $869.95
Power Supply: 12-volt
Motor: Permanent magnetic motor
Duty Cycle: 33% @ 100 PSI
Max Working Pressure: 150 psi
Dimensions: 276.09mm (L) x 148.09mm (W) x 189.98mm (H)
Net Weight: 5.35kg
Features: 0.25 gallon extruded aluminium air tank, shop-type inflator with 160 PSI gauge, fully rebuildable Presta head attachment, 90-degree twist-on Schrader attachment, 9m inside braided coil hose, blow gun, extruded aluminium air tank, 2-pin SAE connection with battery
Contact: viairbike.com.au
