Best CO2 Bike Tire Inflators [Review] in 2021
written by Cycle expert Alex Bristol
Check out the results fast – here are our review winners
Lezyne Control Drive CO2 Inflator
TOP CHOICE
Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator
OUR PICK
Poweraxis CO2 Inflator
RUNNER UP
CO2 inflators are a quick way to inflate tires on the go. They are made up of a small metal canister filled with CO2. Attached to a nozzle which has a quick release trigger to deliver CO2 at high pressure. The compressed CO2 gas leaves the canister at a very speed when the top is punctured. Allowing the tire to fill quickly. Some of the advantages of using a CO2 inflator are A) they are quick and easy to use, B) require less effort with just one pull on the trigger, C) they weigh less than a pump which btw may require a mechanical or battery operated mechanism to work, and D) they have a lower initial investment. You usually have to buy a valve with 2 cartridges which seems cheaper than a small portable pump.
We’ve spent the time so you don’t have to:
2.1k
7
19
8
Our Best CO2 Inflators for Bike Tires - Reviews and Buyer Guide
Lezyne CO2 Inflator
Have you been looking for a CO2 inflator for your bike, which is compatible with both Schrader and Presta? That is right, Lezyne brings you a super lightweight, weighing in at 16g, CO2 inflator which is compatible with 2 of the most well-known valve brands mentioned earlier. The tank itself is very easy to carry around as it is compact and fits in your riding bag easily, weighs less so barely adds any weight to the bag and looks great as well with its machined aluminium and black fiber look. The nozzle also comes in a variety of different colors like black, blue, purple, red and silver, all with a hi-gloss finish option also. The price makes this inflator a very easy sell and is a definite eye catcher.
Pros
Instant inflation
Extremely durable
Good structural integrity of the inflator
Compatibility with Schrader and Presta valves
Cons
Open and close indication would be better with an arrow
Latest deal: Lezyne CO2 Inflator
Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator
Pro bike tool inflator is also compatible with Schrader and Presta, which makes it an easy sell as most bikes have these valves on the tires. The canister has an insulated sleeve which helps maintain temperature to keep the CO2 stable. The nozzle has a one-turn valve system which allows for quick open and close of release of gas, as compared to a rotation system which takes time. The nozzle and the canister comes in 3 different color schemes. Black, matte black, and red and silver. So if you want it to stand out or stay low-key, you have both options. The canister itself is very lightweight which enables ease of handling. Easy and effective CO2 delivery which inflates the tire in seconds, along with an amazing price tag makes this inflator an easy sell.
Pros
Control lever operation allows control of pressure
Compact and lightweight
Inflator head design enables installation of a variety of different capacity CO2 cans
Inflator is nice, stylish and looks sleek
Cons
Foam insulation is a little thin, makes it hard to use without gloves
Latest deal: Pro Bike Tool Inflator
POWERAXIS CO2 inflator
Ever wanted a 2-in-1 valve head on a CO2 inflator? POWERAXIS brings a CO2 inflator with configuration that makes your life easier on the go. It has an aluminium alloy canister for durability and structural integrity. It also has a textured structure on the canister so you can hold it securely when inflating the tire. The valve head fits both Presta and Schrader valves for convenience. The nozzle has a turn lever system to control the amount of CO2 released. The inflator is portable, easy to use and safe for all outdoor adventures. It is easy to carry as well due to its compactness. The price on the POWERAXIS inflator is also very competitive. Definately a top condender in the best CO2 Inflator list.
Pros
Quick inflation with lever control
Safe and efficient
Made out of premium aluminium alloy
Anti-cold protection on the canister
Cons
Heat may damage the canister
Latest deal: Poweraxis CO2 Inflator
Briskmore CO2 Inflator
Briskmore inflators have a heavy duty nozzle which is durable and fits Presta and Schrader valves. The nozzle has a twist release mechanism of letting CO2 out of the canister, filling the tire quickly and safely. The head comes in all-black color which gives it a very sleek understated vibe and allows it to fit in with other black accessories easily. The entire package comes with an insulated sleeve which you can put on the CO2 canister to prevent cold hands while tire filling. Inflator head is designed to fit all threaded sizes like 12g, 16g, 20g and 25g canisters. The package does not ship with a CO2 tank, you have to buy that separately.
Pros
Durable and lightweight
Fits both Presta and Schrader valves
Made out of strong and durable aluminium alloy
Comes with life time guarantee
Cons
CO2 tank has to be bought separately
Latest deal: Briskmore CO2 Inflator
5.
Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator with Cartridge Storage
Pro Bike Tool CO2 inflator is an all metal inflator which has a very shiny outer surface with a minimal Pro Bike Tool branding. The nozzle has a one-turn valve system which allows for precise control over the amount of oxygen that leaves the canister. The canister has an insulation which helps prevent temperature falling while filling the tire. The twin valve head threads onto well-known Presta and Schrader valves found on most mountain bike. The inflator is however only compatible with 12g and 16g cartridges, and not with others. The inflator overall is small, lightweight and easy to fit which makes it very easy to carry. The price on Pro Bike Tool inflator is also competitive.
Pros
Control lever operation allows for precise release of gas
Inflates the tire within seconds
Has a small cartridge storage
Compact and lightweight structure
Cons
Cannot fit more than 2 cartridges
Latest deal: Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator
Best CO2 Bike Tire Inflator Buyers Guide
CO2 inflators are an important component to carry with you at all times if you are an enthusiastic biker. Even if you aren’t, these inflators can save you a lot of trouble on a flat tire.
They can practically enable you to get to your nearest bike repair shop for a quick fix, and you never know when you might need it.
CO2 inflators can inflate your bike tires within seconds. All one has to do is fit the valve onto the canister nozzle and let it flow.
They also require a lot less effort as compared to pumps that require physical pumping while inflating the tire. These inflators weigh less than a pump and are also easy to carry around as they fit perfectly and easily in your backpack or your bike side holder.
These inflators have a low initial investment as most of them come with 2 cartridges along with the nozzle valve holder in the package.
What we look for in our top picks
The inflators we looked at today had to offer a lot and they really redefined what a CO2 inflator can do in terms of reducing hassle while inflating.
All inflators were compatible with Presta and Schrader valves, which are the most common valves on bike tires. Some offered sleeves to insulate the canister while pumping to avoid cold hands, while others provided a textured finish to avoid cold cans. Some had the flexibility to attach to multiple different capacity options when it comes to cartridges while others only came with the inflator head and no cartridge.
All in all, the price was kept in mind and there were a lot of appealing options in the CO2 inflators we looked at today.
What are CO2 Inflators?
CO2 inflators are devices that are used to add carbon dioxide gas into your bike through the tire valve system. They come with different designs such as the twist to inflate, push to inflate and the trigger controlled inflators. You can use them to inflate flat tires or when filling up new tubes. Some of the benefits of using them are;
Time-saving – As compared to air pumps, these ones fill up the tires faster.
Portable – You will also find that these inflators have a very compact design which means that they can easily fit in your backpack or on the frame of your bike.
Easy to use – Another benefit is that they hold gas at very high pressure which makes them easy and effortless to use. You only need to place the head onto the valve stem them press/twist.
It may not be possible to inflate a tubeless tire when using a hand pump unless you use an air compressor or a CO2 inflator. However, air compressors are a bit heavy to carry which means that CO2 inflators are the best.
How to pick the best CO2 Inflators
Just like when you are buying any other product, you need to be careful when buying CO2 bike inflators. Some of the things you should check are;
Material – Most CO2 inflator heads are made from either plastic or aluminum material. If you are on a budget, plastic ones are the cheapest. However, they are not durable which means that aluminum ones are the best.
Size – A good CO2 inflator should have a good balance of stability and size. Avoid inflators that are too small because they may not be easy to use.
Types – CO2 cartridges are either or non-threaded. Threaded ones are the most popular due to their cheap price. On the other hand, non-threaded ones are very easy to use but they are a bit expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CO2 bike pumps any good?
One of the most outstanding things about CO2 inflators is that they have a very compact size. Due to this, they are very easy to carry and are also easier to use than the hand pumps.
Which is the most durable CO2 inflator?
In terms of durability, Lezyne CO2 is one of the most durable options on the market. It also provides instant inflation.
Alex Bristol
Content Manager at Pedallers
ABOUT
Alex is a cycling expert at Pedallers and focuses on reviewing bikes, accessories, and general cycling. He searches for the most up to date products that match the needs of cyclists across the world. Whether it's recent news or the best bike set-ups, Alex is a trusted source for anything around cycling.
Related posts
