Check out the results fast – here are our review winners
Lezyne CO2 Inflator
Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator
Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator with Cartridge Storage
Looking for an easy and quick way to inflate your tires on the go?
Well, a CO2 inflator may the answer to your prayers.
CO2 inflators are small canisters fill with C02 and have a quick-release trigger that delivers CO2 at high pressure, which quickly inflates your tire on the go. They super easy to use, makes inflating your tire super quick without hardly any effort– they get bonus points for being cheap!
As a rider, we all strive for convenience on the go, and CO2 inflators are just that! But it can be quite hard to find the right one for your bike; you need to work out your tire pressure and whether it will fit your bike too.
But wait, let me tell you something.
To make life easier for you, I have hunted down the top CO2 bike inflators, looking at over 20 different brands to factor down to my top 5 picks. I have done all the research so you can sit back and relax– I’ve got you covered.
Here’s a tip: make sure you check to see whether you need to buy a valve with two cartridges as in most cases you do– this is still much cheaper than having to buy a whole portable bike pump, though!
Let’s jump in; you won’t want to miss this!
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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!
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 aluminum and black fiber look.
But wait here’s the best bit!
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.
Their design comes with a control knob that is knurled for grip, it even included a neoprene sleeve to insulate the hand during discharge. Plus being only 16g in weight, it is super easy to use.
The CNC machined aluminum dispenser even comes with brass internals, a twin slip chick head which is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves– what more could you want?
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
best co2 inflator road bike
Pro bike tool inflator is also compatible with Schrader and Presta, making 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.
Get yourself back into riding with this super fast and reliable tire inflation; it will inflate a tire in seconds with the 1-turn valve system. The twin valve head will also fit onto either Presta or Schrader valves without any head switching needed.
Complete convenience? Absolutely.
The nozzle has a one-turn valve system that allows for quick open and close of gas release compared to a rotation system that takes time. The nozzle and the canister come 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 is very lightweight, which enables ease of handling; it provides easy and effective CO2 delivery, inflates the tire in seconds, and an amazing price tag makes this inflator an easy sell.
It has safe and secure with zero leaks; the inflator is designed for any size of ‘threaded’ CO2 cartridges– from 12 all the way up to 25g! Plus, the rubber EVA foam sleeve is included; say goodbye to frozen fingers when operating!
The Pro Bike Tool will save you tonnes of money in the long run as it will last you a long time thanks to its CNC machined aluminum alloy, which is both durable, precise, and built to last.
The company is so confident in their product they offer both a replacement or refund– tick tick tick!
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
Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator with Cartridge Storage
Never have to spend half an hour again with this Pro Bike Tool fast and reliable CO2 tire inflator; this tool will inflate your tires in seconds so you can get back to doing what you love and shredding the trails.
Pro Bike Tool uses a 1-turn valve system; the control lever operation regulates the speed of the CO2 release for complete control and preciseness. The twin valve heads can be used with either Presta or Schrader without needing the switch the head!
This CO2 inflator ensures there is a secure connection with zero leaks. The canister can be integrated within the inflator for safe storage while also insulating from the cold during inflation– plus, the secure and safe screw-on valve connection delivers no leaks too!
But wait, let me tell you something.
This Pro Bike Tool CO2 inflator is one of the safest and most reliable options as it is small, compact and lightweight. It will make a brilliant companion on all your riding adventures; it can be stowed away in a saddle bag or even in a pocket– it’s that easy!
You’ll have to read the glowing reviews raving about this product; it’s pretty amazing.
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
- Designed for threaded cartridges only (12g and 16g)
Latest deal: Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator
Briskmore CO2 Inflator
The top thing I love about this product is that it can take some damage with the heavy-duty nozzle and compact and durable design. It will fit Presta and Schrader valves like a dream and will ensure safe and quick inflation without any frozen fingers.
So what makes this CO2 valve so durable?
It is made from a strong and durable aluminium alloy and alloy steel; it has been precisely machined and heat-treated to get the strongest and most reliable product.
The reliable and simple control valve ensures precise adjustment and ease of use; it will inflate your tires in seconds so you can get back on the road, back to
shredding the trails and doing what you love.
As if that was enough, Briskmore offer a lifetime warranty with a full refund or replacement so you can be guaranteed both customer satisfaction and product quality– you can order with complete confidence.
I cannot recommend this product enough for my fellow riders out there; it’s a brilliant bit of kit. It makes inflating your tires that much easier, no air loss, smooth valve control, and it’s compact and lightweight!
What more could you want?
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
MARQUE AirJet Max CO2 Tire Inflator
best co2 inflator mountain bike
Looking for a CO2 inflator that can tackle even high-volume tires? Well, with Marque AirJet, you can fix your flat and inflate road, mountain, and even fat bike tires within seconds with this Presta and Schrader compatible valve!
Marque AirJet Max COW2 bike inflator comes in a small, compact yet precise design. The oversized knurled knobs make it easy to control the rate of C02 released into the tire, even with gloves on!
Pus the compact design makes it brilliant for storage; it can be stowed away in your saddle bag or even in your jacket pocket for on the go; it makes repairing your tire that much easier!
But that’s not all.
This CO2 bike pump inflator provides a safe and secure connection with zero leaks; it will fit any size or threaded CO2 cartridge, making it a super versatile product! Plus, the Neoprene foam sleeve prevents frostbite while operating.
All in all, this product comes of great quality. It is machined with quality aluminum alloy and precision CNC machining so that you can guarantee a durable and precise product.
For a versatile pump that can pump up any tire, I don’t think you can beat it.
Pros
- Versatile design, can be used to pump up any tire, even fat bike tires
- No-leak design
- Made out of premium aluminium alloy and CNC machined
- Anti-cold protection on the canister
Cons
- Can be tricky to use
atest deal: MARQUE AirJet Max CO2 Inflator
Looking for the best budget road bike instead?
We’ve put an in-depth guide together for that.
We have looked over 18 budget road bikes to make sure you’re getting the best for your money. We looked at material, size, speed, and brakes to make sure we’ve found the greatest products available to buy – you can see the full guide here which will be more relevant than the one you’re reading now.
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 I look for in the best CO2 inflators
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, 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 for 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 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.
Here are some benefits:
Time-saving: As compared to air pumps, these fill up the tires faster. They can inflate your tires within seconds so you can get back riding within a blink of an eye. For regular bike pumps, you may be standing there for around 10 minutes tirelessly trying to pump up your tire.
Portable: That being said, CO2 inflators are super portable, especially in comparison to regular bike pumps. Regular bike pumps are massive, and they’re heavy too, whereas CO2 inflators are often pocket-sized so that you can carry them in your saddlebag, backpack, or even your jacket!
They are usually super lightweight, too; they won’t take up too much space– you’ll forget it’s there! When I switched to CO2 bike pumps, I never forget my inflator again; I never had to worry about flats as I was covered.
Easy to use: Another benefit is that they hold gas at very high pressure, making them easy and effortless to use. You only need to place the head onto the valve stem them press/twist.
Some can even inflate tires as big as fat bike tires within seconds, you heard me, within seconds!
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.
Versatile: Most designs are super versatile too, I have selected pumps that are both Presta and Schrader compatible without any head switching needing.
Some CO2 pumps will fit any tire, too: road, mountain, and fat bike tires.
How to pick the best CO2 Inflators
Just like 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.
I would recommend splashing out a few more dollars and getting better quality aluminum as they are lightweight and much more durable, especially if you’re a trail shredder. It will be rattling around in your backpack, saddlebag, or pocket.
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. The size all depends on where you’ll be storing it on your bike; make sure it fits.
You should look for a balance between storability and stability, you don’t want a CO2 inflator that is too bulky, nor do you want one that is too small.
This probably the most personal part of choosing an inflator is the size and type. It depends on what you’re comfortable with and how it will be stored on your bike.
That being said, you should also ensure that the canister isn’t too heavy, as every hill, every trail-shredding adventure, every commute, you will have to carry this inflator. So in terms of practicality, I would recommend going for a lightweight design.
One of the major benefits of CO2 bike inflators is that they’re super lightweight and compact, making them extremely portable and easy to use on the go.
Types:
CO2 cartridges are either or non-threaded. Threaded ones are the most popular due to their low price. On the other hand, non-threaded ones are straightforward to use, but they are expensive.
There are also three ways to release gas from the cartridges: press to inflate, turn to inflate or unscrew to inflate. When choosing which one is best for you, you should consider which one is easiest for you.
Make sure you practice at home at too, so in the case of a tire flat, you know exactly what you’re doing, plus so you know exactly what tire pressure your bike tire will need.
Pressure:
When looking for a CO2 inflator, you should look for one that allows you to have a good amount of control over how much psi you put in your tires.
Different bike tires need different psi levels, so it’s important first to know how many psi’s your bike needs and get a co2 inflator to make your life easier when inflating.
These tend to be slightly more expensive, but you don’t need to waste a whole canister every time you have a flat. This is also helpful as it allows you to add a small amount of air before you even fit the tire.
You should also look for ease of use; flat tires occur at the most inconvenient times and tend to happen in bad weather. To make things easier for you, you should look for an inflator that is easy to use and will work quickly.
The best type of valve for complete convenience has to go for one that has a push-fit, they do tend to be quite pricey, but they’re definitely worth it!
Threaded v Non-threaded:
Before you buy yourself a CO2 inflator, you should always make sure it is compatible with your bike tire. If you’re unsure, I would recommend going for one that is compatible with threaded and non-threaded valves.
Luckily nowadays, most CO2 inflators are both Presta and Schrader compatible, meaning that they will fit both threaded and non-threaded valves without needing to change the head.
Canister’s Wrapping:
This is arguably the most important factor to consider. If the canister is metal and not wrapped in anything, it will become cold within seconds of inflating your tire.
If it doesn’t have any protective wrapping, then go for one that does have some, or even invest in a good and warm pair of gloves as this can cause frostbite in your pretty fingertips.
If your CO2 inflator doesn’t have an outer casing around it, then you must use a towel, sock, or long gloves when using it to prevent damage from the cold. Most brands offer an outer casing to prevent this, luckily.
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 straightforward to carry and are also easier to use than hand pumps.
They will also inflate your tire much quicker than a regular bike pump; instead of puffing out all your energy using a bike pump, CO2 inflators will pump up your tires within seconds! They can then be chucked in your backpack or saddlebag, ready to go for the next time you need them.
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. But the next best has to go to Briskmore, thanks to their heavy-duty, durable aluminum alloy and alloy steel.
The canister itself will last you a long time, but the CO2 canisters may only last 3-4 days after opening, so if you do get a CO2 inflator where you get the option to not use all of the canisters at once, it may not be worth it as you will need to get rid of it after 4 days.
Do I Use an Entire Cartridge?
Every time you inflate your tires, you will have to use a whole canister; some inflators will allow you to use however much you need, but since the canister only lasts up to 4 days after opening, it isn’t really worth it.
How do you use a C02 bike tire inflator?
If you’re a beginner, you may be asking yourself, how on earth do I use a bike canister? Well, never fear, as this YouTube video massively helped me when I first started using CO2 bike inflators.
All you really need to do is screw the threads of the CO2 canister all the way in to puncture the canister top and then unscrew to let the CO2 flow out, and it will inflate the tire! Then screw it back in to stop the flow, and you’re done.
However, all CO2 inflators work slightly differently, so if you’re still confused, I recommend consulting your local bike shop.
Summary:
All in all, CO2 bike inflators are the way to go when it comes to complete convenience. Carrying a pump not only takes up a lot of space, but it also takes up a lot of un-needed time, especially you’re just trying to commute home in horrid weather, and you get a puncture– it’s the worst!
The best CO2 inflators will inflate your tire within seconds, so you can get back to shredding the trails, get back to enjoying your ride, or just get out of the rainy winter evening and get home.
Choose any of the CO2 inflators I have selected for you today; I can guarantee that they will make your life so much easier and make flats less of a hassle and less of a tedious job.
Get cycling!