Air Compressors - General Recommendations

The first consideration for using a compressor to inflate Bicycle tires is available pressure. The maximum PSI and the cut-in restart PSI are both important numbers when shopping for an air compressor. If your compressor only meets your PSI needs at it's maximum, you will often find less air than you need available in the tank. As an example, a compressor with a Max of 120 PSI will have a cut-in restart of around 90 PSI. It may only get you 115 PSI or less due to tank drainage as you inflate. More often you will find less than 100 PSI available in such a unit. If you want to regularly inflate your Road tires to 120 PSI, a compressor with a Max of 150 PSI and a Cut-in restart of 120 PSI will always have enough pressure when it's plugged-in.

A larger tank size may be beneficial to your other compressor needs, but is not important to inflating. In fact, the only benefit of a larger tank is to be able to inflate more tires when electricity is not available. Be aware that an oil-lubbed compressor (and even most floor pumps which do not use a leather plunger) offer a chance that small amounts of oil will go into your tire. This should not pose any real concern in daily conditions, however we would use a modern oil-free compressor at pro racing events, so why not every day?

Compressors without air tanks (inflators) can be used with Prestaflator, however inflation speed might be slow. Smaller and battery-powered inflators are usually slower than a floor pump. For that reason, we would have no reason to recommend such units. High-powered 12V Inflators are available, these should work well but we have not done any testing with these. Air tanks are also an option. Please note the maximum pressure rating of any air tank. The obvious disadvantage is the same as CO2 cartridges. Once you drain an air tank, you no longer have a source of air.

PORTER-CABLE® C2025

The PORTER-CABLE C2025 is a great portable compressor for use with Prestaflator. At 24 pounds, this compressor is very lightweight. It has a nice carry handle built-in to the top of the motor that is comfortable and in a balanced position for carrying. The small size of this compressor makes it easy to fit in many places. It will fit on the rear seat floor of most passenger cars.

A 2 1/2 gallon tank holds air ready-to-go to inflate a number of tires even without power. The compressor can inflate tires up to 150 PSI, and with a cut-in level of 120 PSI will always offer 120 PSI or more when plugged-in. The motor is oil-free and maintenance free.

We use this compressor ourselves here at Prestaflator. It's great to take out for ride and racing events, trade shows and general every-day use. We're giving one away as part of a Prestaflator shop kit. Register to win at the Prestaflator Booth # 5807 at the 2008 Interbike Trade show in Las Vegas, NV on September 24-26, 2008.

PORTER-CABLE® C2002 & C6001

The PORTER-CABLE C2002 & C6001 are great options for shop use with Prestaflator. Both units have the same configuration in the head unit although the C6001 does use a more powerful motor. The C2002 has a 6 gallon tank and the C6001 has a 17 gallon tank. A larger tank offers more reserve so the compressor will run less often under frequent use. A benefit since there's no such thing as a quiet compressor.

At 34 pounds, the C2002 is also a good option for portable use. It's low and wide, so it's pretty stable in your trunk or cargo compartment.

The C2002 offers two hose connectors and the C6001 can have one added in the same spot, so two tools can be connected at once. There is actually the ability to add a third tool connector on the left, however that one would not be controllable by the regulator. Both units have a handy power cord wrap and offer multiple hand positions at the top. The C6001 has some very sturdy wheels and stands upright to take-up virtually the same amout of floor space as it's little brother. Both compressors can inflate tires up to 150 PSI, and with a cut-in level of 120 PSI will always offer 120 PSI or more when plugged-in.

We use one of these compressors as our shop unit here at Prestaflator. It provides all the power we need for tire inflation, parts cleaning and various other duties.

Please visit PORTER-CABLE's website to review all thier models and purchasing options.