Lighter and easy to carry than a hand pump, CO2 inflators will help you effortlessly fill in the inner tube in seconds so that you can continue your ride. There are a vast range of CO2 bike pumps to choose from, depending on your requirements.
Looking for a lightweight and compatible inflator that supports both Presta and Schrader,Lezyne Control Drive will be your first choice. It also has an oversized control knob, which allows you to adjust the flow of CO2.
If you prefer a strong 2 in 1 Lever and CO2 inflator tool that can help you with inflating CO2 to tires as well as easily replacing tires, then you should consider getting Airace Bike Tire Lever Set.
The guide below will point out top 10 best CO2 inflators for different requirements and answer some of your key concerns when it comes to purchasing an CO2 inflator.
1. Lezyne Control Drive
Reasonable and Compatible Bike Tire Inflator
Most of the time, Lezyne Control Drive is the first product to mention when it comes to rating the best CO2 inflators for your bike.
The design and materials ensure the high quality feeling it brings to you: CNC machined aluminum dispenser with brass internals protect your hands while using it.
The dual head makes it really easy to inflate whether your inner tubes have Presta or Schrader valves. Also, it fits with most of the standard CO2 cartridges, you don’t need to take much time to find the right fit when the previous one is out of gas.
This product is lightweight yet very solid. It supports you effectively in inflating your bike quickly but doesn’t take much room in your pocket.
Pros
- Great control knob
- Compatible for both presta and schrader
- Lightweight
Cons
- Should have an arrow to indicate the Open-Close direction
2. PRO BIKE TOOL CO2 Inflator
The Most Popular CO2 Tire Pump
Having similar features and cool designs as the Lezyne, The CO2 inflator of Pro Bike Tool is also one of the most popular CO2 inflators to consider.
Made from superior quality CNC machined aluminum alloy ensures the high quality and good looking for the inflator. Also, it’s designed to fit with any size of CO2 canisters (12g , 16g, 20 or 25g), which brings you peace in mind since you don’t have to spend much time on finding the right canister for it.
What is more, the brand provides a great Refund and Replacement for any product issues so you don’t need to worry of wasting money if accidentally purchasing an out of order item.
However, this CO2 inflator doesn’t come with the cartridge so you need to purchase it separately. Also, for Presta valves with removable cores, you need to put effort to screw the inflator properly to the valve so that the CO2 flow doesn’t leak out.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Safe and easy to use
- Great Refund and Replacement policy
Cons
- CO2 cartridge is not included
- Need extra care for Presta valves with removable cores
3. BriskMore Black CO2 Inflators
Best Bike Pump for Mountain Biking and Road Cycles
Having similar cool parts with great features as the above products, BriskMore Black CO2 Inflators also serves the duty of an CO2 inflator very well:
– Compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves and for all threaded size
– Made from CNC aluminum allow and allow steel to ensure the gook looking and the solidity
– Lightweight but durable
Making it stand out is the washers seal threaded connection. The seal ensures that you won’t waste any CO2 while inflating and the inflating process will be smoother and faster. While you will need to pay a premium to acquire the seal in other products, here you can have 3 other spare seals when purchasing BriskMore.
One thing to keep in mind is that the CO2 cartridges are not included, which ensures the safety for storing this bike pump. However, it also causes a bit uncomfy to you since you have to purchase the carbon dioxide canisters separately.
Another minus point of this CO2 pump is that the Insulted Rubber foam sleeve is made for 16g cartridges only, which is not really comfortable if you use the bigger cartridges.
Pros
- Great Refund and Replacement policy
- Compactible, durable and portable
Cons
- The foam sleeve works for 16g cartridges only
- Need to purchase the CO2 separately
4. BLACKBURN Wayside CO2 Thread On
Inflators for No Brainer
Dealing with a too complicated CO2 bike pump while having flat tires during the ride is the unpleasant moment that no one would like to experience. BLACKBURN Wayside will help you out of that situation.
It offers a really quick and easy operation: you only need to screw in onto the CO2 cartridge and push down for inflating.
What is more, it’s really lightweight and takes a small room to store in your frame bag, tube, or pocket
Out of the box, the spring function does a really good job of controlling the CO2 flow. It prevents you from wasting CO2 into the air. It also offers repeated uses, you can use the canister with the spring inflator head screwed without replacing the new one for the next use.
One small downside is that it doesn’t come with the foam sleeve. Meaning to say you need to use gloves while inflating to avoid your hands from cold burning feeling.
Pros
- Simple to use
- Take up little room in your pocket
- Compatible with both Presta and Schrader
- Good price
Cons
- No foam sleeve provided, need to use glove while inflating
5. Tiny Object CO2 Inflator
Functional Comes with Cool Design
Functional product doesn’t mean to be with plain design, and Tiny Object proves that statement is completely true.
The inflator head designed with rugged alloy and the control knob works greatly for Presta valves in regulating the amount of CO2 flow to your tube. You can easily pack it and cartridges in your jersey pocket, hydration pack, or saddle bag.
Comes along with it is the cool design leather sleeve. It only keeps your skin from cold CO2, but also ensures the high quality looking for the product.
One thing to take note, this CO2 pump works for Presta valves only so you need to consider other brands if your bike tires are Schrader valves.
Pros
- Cool design leather sleeve to avoid cold burning
- Durable and compatible
- Take less room to store
- Control knob to easily regulate CO2 flow
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Work for Presta valves only
6. Microflate Nano CO2 Inflator
All-in-one Pocket Inflator
Microflate Nano is another versatile, portable, and easy to use CO2 pumping option that is worth your consideration.
Its innovative patented, simple, twist-to-inflate technology offers a fast and convenient usage with any bike tire. Just follow the simple steps and you’re good to get on your pedals in no time:
– Screw the inflator head into the CO2 canister
– Connect the inflator with the valve and press down to release gas
One more cool thing about this product is the solidity. Since it has no moving parts to break, it will be your life-time partner if you store it carefully.
Also, since it’s compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves, there are no extra tools required to use when switching between these 2 types.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable, portable and compatible
- Lightweight
Cons
- Can only use with the threaded cartridges
7. Manual Transport
A Lightweight CO2 Pump
This carbon dioxide pump comes with a great price and outstanding performance.
The pumping process is simple as such. You just need to insert a CO2 cartridge, connect to the tire valve, and twist to use. It inflates your tires quickly and you will be back on the road in no time.
This product is designed for both Presta and Schrader so you don’t need to carry any other tool kit with you. It totally weights only 1.28 pounds, small enough to store in your seat, stem, or saddle bag.
Different from the BLACKBURN Wayside that you can store the using CO2 canister for repeated uses, it is recommended not to store the CO2 tank more than 24 hours when the CO2 bike pump head is already on it.
Same as the BriskMore, you need to buy CO2 tanks separately since they are not included.
Pros
- Portable and compatible
- Inflates the tire within seconds
- Foam sleeve keep your hands from CO2 cold
Cons
- Can not store it when the inflator head is already screwed on
- CO2 tank has to be bought separately
8. Airace Bike Tire Lever Set
Best Bike Tool Kit
This is a great choice for those who are on a budget and also for those who prefer having a tool kit for bike tires. Both inflator and levers are lightweight and made from aluminum, which makes them strong and durable.
The CO2 pump helps you to fill in your flat tubes on the road with ease. It is compatible for both valve types and also equipped with the foam sleeve, you don’t need to look for extra tools or extra gloves for using it.
High quality polished aluminum tire levers ensure the solidity and makes replacing a tire easy and quick. However, it’s a bit smaller than the normal size, and the black plastic is easy to pop off if you put too much effort on it.
Pros
- 2 in 1 CO2 pump & tire lever integration complex for your needs
- Solid and lightwieght
Cons
- Levers are not compatible with narrow tires
- Levers might slip off
9. Bontrager Air Rush Elite CO2 Inflator
Great Inflator For Easy and quick- back on Trail
Having flat tires out of nowhere is no longer a nightmare when you are with Bontrager Air Rush Elite. It won’t leave you deflated on the roadside any more.
Using a similar spring-loaded mechanism as BLACKBURN, it greatly regulates airflow for both Presta and Schrader valves. You only need to screw the head in and press down to open the valve – simple and easy.
Comes with capatable form, it’s easy to carry in a jersey pocket, regardless of hơ big the CO2 canisters are.
Reusable rubber cartridge sleeve does a good job of protecting your hands from freeze CO2. It’s a simple design but a nice touch.
Pros.
- Compact and lightweight
- Rubber sleeve protects your hands from cold burns
Cons
- Can only use with the threaded cartridges
10. Shiny Object CO2 Inflator
Good Choice
The Portland Design Works is famous for their cool design and functional products. Shiny Object is obviously not an exception.
The ever-durable aluminum alloy material makes the inflator look cool and solid.
This CO2 bike pump is easy to use and control. The airflow regulation knob with a simple but helpful direction to ensure you can easily connect it with the valves. You only need to:
– turn the knob clockwise to close the valve
– thread on your CO2
– then turn the knob counter-clockwise to inflate your tube and you’re done.
There is one small downside that you might need to know. The sleeve is not included so you might need to purchase it separately or use gloves while inflating to avoid your hands from freezing.
Pros
- Compatible with both valve types
- Cool design
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Doesn’t provide the sleeve
4 Things to Consider Before Purchasing A CO2 Inflator
Types of CO2 Pump
Inflator heads are categorized into 3 main types according to the ways to release the carbon dioxide into your tires:
– Press to release: the easiest and most user friendly. The items using this method are Pro Bike Tool
– Unscrew canister to release:
– Turn to release
Materials
Plastics and aluminum are the 2 most popular materials you can find at an inflator. The plastic ones have a very good price, but the durability is not that good. The aluminum ones’ durability is great, thus their price is a bit higher.
Types of CO2 Canister
Based on the design, there are 2 main CO2 cartridges: threaded ones require you to screw it to the inflator head, with the non-thread ones you only need to push or press it into the head.
Threaded cartridges will take less space in your pocket but provide a bit more CO2 than the non-threaded ones. Thus, they are a bit pricey than the non-threaded. Depending on your budget and your storage, you can pick the one that suits you best.
Ease of Use
You are frustrated because your tires flat. Of course you don’t want to be more nuts if your CO2 inflator requires a complicated installation and inflating process. Pick the inflator that you can easily control the CO2 flow and doesn’t take you much time to set up in order to enjoy the riding experience to the fullest.
Conclusion
There are a vast range of appealing inflators with different cold features and price to look into.
For someone who prefers the elegant design, the compatibility and price is not a big matter, Lezyne Control Drive is truly a good choice.
Those who are on a budget and want to save money by purchasing a set of both lever and inflators, Airace is what you’re looking for.
FAQ
How to use a CO2 inflator
Below are the 5 simple steps on how to use CO2 inflators:
- Tighten the inflator head to the CO2 canister in order to open a hole in it
- Connect the inflators head to the valve, make sure it is connect properly to avoid any waste of CO2
- Turn the head/press to let the CO2 flow go into your bike tubes
- Unscrew the head once you’re finish using it
- Check to see if your tire is fully pump and the leftover CO2 is away into the air.
How much CO2 should I inflate in my bike?
To know how much CO2 your bike tires need, please refer to this chart so you can inflate them properly.
Is it bad to fill tires with CO2?
CO2 is known as a substance in many consumer products: fizzy drinks, fire extinguishers, life jackets and it is proved to be safe to use for years. Meaning to say, both air or CO2 are okay to fill in your bike tires.
CO2 inflators are quick, safe, easy to use, which can help you inflate tires and get back on pedals quickly. However, the CO2 will seep out of your tires if you leave it overnight, so make sure you inflate them with a regular pump when you get home.
