Air Compressors - anyone have one on their bike?

[VladTepes]

It's one of those things we hope we never need...

I have those little compressed air cylinder things "just in case" but I've seen miniature air compressors too, and wondered how they work in the real world.

There's a bigger version but might be hard pressed to fit this one under the seat.

[gsxbarmy]

Yes I have one - and they work surprisingly well Mike, well worth carrying under your seat. Those little air canisters work BUT (and this is from experience)
- you need at least 3 to get sufficient tyre inflation
- they are an absolute PITA to get on the front valve with the discs in the way
- fiddly so fiddly. For the 14 (IMO) you need one of the valve heads that you can buy on eBay to make them useful
- by the time you carry that lot - a compressor is smaller

[Rogues]

I've actually got a portable tyre inflater, just with all the plastics taken off it.......... becomes remarkably small when done... and fits under the seat along with the kitchen sink and odd 'n  sods...

[V_i_c_i]

I have under seat repair kit like this

[VladTepes]

Yeah that's similar to what I have.

[Snapey]

The CO2 canisters are OK to inflate a tyre one time only. Once used you're then in deep shit if you get another puncture or maybe have cocked up the first repair.

Like Rogues, my compressor started life with lots of plastic covering but with that removed it's about the size of a fist. I just added two alligator clips for the battery.

In case you're wondering, the stainless claw shaped thing in one of the photo's is a bead breaker for replacing a tube on the trail bike.

[V_i_c_i]

For me is repair kit as I posted enought. Never need them. So probability 2 defects per day or trip is zero for me.

[Snapey]

For me is repair kit as I posted enought. Never need them. So probability 2 defects per day or trip is zero for me.

You're a lucky man if you've never needed to use your repair kit. Let's hope if you do get a puncture you don't have to inflate the tyre to find the hole as happened to me. Luckily I had the compressor & could re-inflate the tyre after fixing.

At least you carry a repair kit not like a lot of riders in Oz. Word of advice too ... if you've never done a repair with the kit you have then practice on an old tyre. You don't want to be on the side of the road wondering how it all works. Rubber glue has a shelf life of about 2 years so make sure it's OK every now & then.

[ARH]

This thread made me wonder.... does everyone carry a repair kit?  I have home recovery, but don't carry a puncture kit, and fortunately for me I've never had the occasion for either... chancing fate perhaps?

[Mick_J]

I always carry  repair kit, only had to use it once but it worked for me.  I also have breakdown recovery but that can take some time.

[gsxbarmy]

This thread made me wonder.... does everyone carry a repair kit?  I have home recovery, but don't carry a puncture kit, and fortunately for me I've never had the occasion for either... chancing fate perhaps?

Ever since I got a puncture in the middle of nowhere I've carried one of the string kits and a mini compressor. Had to use it on a mates bike, but can't be bothered with all that waiting around for something you can fix yourself in about 10-15 mins.

[ARH]

Cheers ladies... don't you just hate it when common sense prevails over debatable logic...  

off order a kit now...

[Mrg]

Hi guys

It has me thinking now to ,I've got recovery to home

[Reece]

I have done the same as snapey when he showed me his I thought it was a good idea.

[rollerfish01]

I always put a good quality bicycle pump (manual air compressors  ) and puncture kit under the seat. To inflate a flat tyre manually need some effort but always reliable to me. Also manual pump can easily add 2-3 PSI when in need.  I once experienced after repaired a tyre it just flat again after 100 meter, so need to do it again.