The best bike Co2 inflator pumps for all your roadside tyre inflation needs
(Image credit: Josh Croxton)
Choosing the best bike pump is very much dependent on your tyre inflation needs. A floor pump is fast, but cannot be taken with you on a ride. A mini pump is portable but slow to inflate. A Co2 inflator is portable and fast, and the go-to choice for many cyclists.
Punctures are a pet peeve for any cyclist. They can strike at any time no matter how robust your tyres might be - even chunky mountain bike tyres aren't immune. Having a Co2 inflator at hand is important for fast tyre inflation when at the roadside.
CO2 inflators are the best bike pumps for those looking for one-time effortless inflation at the roadside. CO2 canisters offer a huge benefit in convenience and speed as well as being very packable in a jersey pocket or saddlebag. Small canisters of compressed carbon dioxide connect to an adaptor and deliver a powerful blast of inflation.
Being able to inflate a tyre in a matter of seconds can be crucial mid-sportive or at the side of the road in the freezing rain. A 16g canister will happily inflate a road tyre to around 90psi and if you have larger volume tyres there are 20g and 25g options available.
As CO2 canisters provide a finite amount of inflation, you're reliant on having enough cartridges, so consider whether CO2 is the most practical for your ride or a mini-pump should also be taken for backup. An element of care must be considered when using CO2, the discharge of gas will freeze the outside of the canister and unless protected by a cover or gloves, your skin will stick to the metal. The cost factor and waste must also be considered due to the throwaway nature of emptied canisters.
Pro Bike Tool makes a mountain of innovative cycling tools for the spanner-happy cyclist. The Pro Bike Tool Co2 Inflator is a simple system, but comes with an open-close valve that allows you to shut off the airflow once you've topped up your tires.
Once connected, the inflator creates a strong seal. Inflation can be modulated and a partly used canister can be closed for topping up tires later.
Rather than a simple head that screws onto a canister, Genuine Innovations has designed a trigger system that makes accurate inflation easy. A safety switch on the back allows you to save leftover gas for later on and stops the Ultraflate going off in your pocket.
The head is compatible with Presta and Schrader valves, as well as both threaded and non-threaded canisters (a non-threaded 20g cartridge is included). The holder will fit 16g, 20g and 25g canisters. The unit is also fully enclosed protecting your hands from the freezing action of the discharging Co2.
The Control Drive is a small 100 percent CNC'd Co2 head from Lezyne that gives control over inflation. Whether a large blast is needed to re-seat a tire or you are fine-tuning tire pressure, the knurled dial on the back makes flow adjustment easy.
In use, the Control Drive simply presses onto both Schrader or Presta valves with no need to make any adjustment. The head will work with any size of threaded canister and Lezyne supplies a 16g canister to get you started.
You don’t have to spend a lot to be able to get yourself out of a bind on a ride. If you’re not looking for any bells and whistles, the BriskMore Co2 inflator will give you what you need without breaking the bank.
Its classic design includes an innovative insulated sleeve to shield your fingers from the freezing Co2 blast. The body of the inflator is CNC-machined aluminum alloy, designed for longevity. You can rest assured you’re buying something long-lasting that’s compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves, and does the job it promises.
Ditch the single-use canisters for something reusable
This tubeless inflator from Airshot is a simple and effective tool that also does its bit for the environment. Instead of working your way through a pack of single use metal canisters, you can refill the airshot with a track pump, and use it to quickly inflate your tires when needed.
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Mildred joined as Reviews Writer for Cyclingnews and BikePerfect in December 2020. She loves all forms of cycling from long-distance audax to daily errand-running by bike, and does almost everything on two wheels, including moving house, and started out her cycling career working in a bike shop. For the past five years she's volunteered at The Bristol Bike Project as a mechanic and session coordinator, and now sits on its board of directors.
Since then she's gone on to write for a multitude of cycling publications, including Bikeradar, Cycling Plus, Singletrack, Red Bull, Cycling UK and Total Women's Cycling. She's dedicated to providing more coverage of women's specific cycling tech, elevating under-represented voices in the sport, and making cycling more accessible overall.
