Could electric inflators consign CO2 canisters and mini-pumps to history?
Until recently, you had two options to reinflate your tyre when you punctured on a ride: a mini-pump or a CO2 canister.
Now you have a third solution in the shape of electric bike pumps, with several big brands having released similar products recently.
Here are two we had a close look at…
Trek: Air Rush Electric Pump
RRP: $140
This unit has everything you need in an electric pump including a colour display in a convenient location, a carry case, a lanyard, a small hose and presta, schrader and needle valve adaptors.
Another novelty that makes it stand out above the rest is a small light that comes on when in use.
There’s also an extra thread on the side to screw in an unused valve adaptor.
So, if you need to pump presta and schrader valves often, you’ll always have quick access to both.
The refined rounded edges make it easy to slip in and out of your pocket and the carry case’s water resistant feel makes it a prime candidate to carry in your jersey.
Speed isn’t necessarily the aim of the game of these inflators, as the Cyclist team typically uses them to top up a mostly inflated tyre before heading out for a ride. However, it’s interesting… this pump infl ated a 700x28c tyre from 0-68 psi in 93 seconds.
MagicShine: Airro
RRP: $155
The large display and tough casing with textured grip makes the Magicshine stand out as a unit you can depend on.
It comes with presta and schrader valve adaptors (which are labelled – handy!), as well as a needle valve for balls and a hose when you need to get into tight spots, such as on kids’ bikes.
A win for Magicshine customers (or Magicshiners) is the silicon sleeve.
It makes the aforementioned texture on the casing redundant, but it ensures the user won’t suffer from the unit heating up during use. More importantly, the sleeve ensures the pump survives the inevitable drop on the floor!
The Airro is also slightly quieter than Trek’s electric inflator, but such is the intensity at which these machines work, it’ll still wake up the household if you use it in the early hours before a ride. The pump infl ated a 700x28c tyre from 0-68psi in 62 seconds.
