Even if you have top-of-the-line carbon fiber wheels and tubeless cycling tires, you’ll eventually get a flat tire. Compact CO2 canisters are a very compact and portable solution to inflating a tire and quickly getting back on the road. The Pro Bike Tool CO2 inflator is a lightweight and sleek way to store and use CO2 canisters. With its aluminium construction and premium details such as knurling, the inflator is designed to work with 12 or 16g CO2 canisters. As with other Pro Bike Tool products the inflator looks more expensive than it is with a retail price of only $24.98. The inflator is offered in multiple finishes: a sleek glossy or matte black as well as a flashy titanium and red option.

The Pro Bike Tool CO2 inflator is a compact and easy to way to store and use CO2 canisters on the road.

Retail Price$24.98 ($19.98 sleeve version)
Rating9.0 / 10
Measured weight (in g)54
Likes+ Aluminum construction
+ Control lever offers precise control
+ Threaded head works on Presta and Schrader valves
Dislikes– Limited to 12g or 16g canisters
Where to Buy (US)Pro Bike Tool

UNBOXING

The CO2 inflator comes in a simple cardboard box with Pro Bike Tool’s characteristic red and white color scheme. Inside the box you’ll find

  • CO2 inflator with storage canister
  • Instruction manual
  • Spare gasket

FIT & FINISH

Constructed from aluminium the Pro Bike Tool CO2 inflator has a premium look and feel. While the titanium red finish is more the more flashy option, the matte black version looks sleek and has an even finish. There is also minimal branding on the inflator with Pro Bike Tool only printed on the storage container in white. The inflator consists of two components, the inflator and the canister storage which threads on. While weight weenies may prefer the inflator / sleeve variation, the storage version provides an easier way to hold the inflator and also ensures you don’t need to directly hold the cold canister after it has been used. Additional premium details such as the knurled Presta / Schrader head and elongated control valve are easy to hold and grip.

Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator - Parts
The CO2 inflator includes two aluminum parts, the inflator and the cannister sleeve.

TIRE INFLATION

To put the inflator to the test, we threaded on a 16g inflator to inflate our road tire. You’ll want to ensure the control lever is closed as the CO2 inflator is punctured when it is threaded onto the inflator. Once the canister is attached, the storage cover threads on top on top of it. We found that the threaded nozzle worked well on our Presta valve and provided a secure fit. Slowly opening up the control lever allows for precise control over the airflow which ensures you don’t damage your wheels. While we still prefer a frame pump such as the Silca Impero for longer rides, the compact size of the inflator and quick inflation it provides makes it hard to deny.

Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator - Lever
One of the best features of the inflator is the control lever that allows you to modulate the airflow.
Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator - Use
Despite the all aluminum construction, the inflator is light and easy to use to inflate tires.

THE VERDICT

Overall, we found the Pro Bike Tool CO2 inflator to be well designed with a convenient storage canister. Although the storage canister limits the inflator to 12g and 16g CO2 canisters, the design makes it easier to use as the CO2 canister gets cold. The aluminium construction also gives the CO2 inflator a premium look and feel. Details like the knurling and the dual presta and schrader valve design also make the inflator easy to use. We also found the control valve to be easy to use and allowed for more precise control when inflating tires which is particularly important for carbon fiber wheels which can potentially be damaged when inflating quickly. For cyclists looking to carry a lightweight compact inflator on the go, the Pro Bike Tool CO2 inflator is a great option.

Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Pro Bike Tool. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.

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