Weight is less of an issue here… In fact, a heavy base keeps the pump stable A dual head that works with both Presta and Schrader valves is important The testing process Solid build quality is essential for surviving the rigours of a home mechanic’s garage, boot and life. As rims become deeper pump heads have less stem to grab hold of. It is essential that the pump head can work with short valve stems. A bleed valve allowing you to fine-tune pressures without having to detach the valve is also a welcome sight. A dual pump head that works on Schrader and Presta valves is essential, and one that does not insist on winding out the valve core. Both pumps and standalone inflators have a hard life so the build quality should be robust and durable enough to survive rattling around in the back of a van, or getting repeatedly kicked over in the garage. The main function of the tubeless inflator is to deliver a large volume of air quickly enough to push even the most belligerent tire bead onto the rim, the faster the better. What makes a good tubeless tire inflator? However, gauges found on tubeless inflator pumps can be hard to use accurately. Good pumps feature a pressure gauge to allow you to continue inflating the tire to the correct pressure after it beads. For maximum accuracy, we recommend using a dedicated pressure gauge for fine-tuning your tire pressure. However, the gauges on tubeless inflator pumps are not as easy to read and use as their ‘standard’ floor pump counterparts, as it often takes time for the pressures to equalize in the chamber. All these pumps have a gauge for setting correct tire pressures and can be used as a regular pump too. Specialist tubeless floor pumps integrate a standard floor pump with an additional high-pressure cylinder.

If you don’t own a nice floor pump, or if you are a regular tire swapper, then a fully integrated option may be a good option for you. However, a floor pump will still be needed to charge the chamber and set the final pressures. Affordable, basic and more transportable, the independent charge cylinders deliver maximum inflation for your money and are compact enough to leave in the boot of your car. If you already have a nice floor standing pump, a sound investment would be a standalone ‘charge’ cylinder option. There are a host of models for every budget, but the first decision boils down to the following two choices: “I already own a good floor pump” No swearing, no sweating, just an overwhelming sense of accomplishment: this is how you should feel after following our tubeless setup guide. The inflator is then connected to the tire and using a lever, the air is rapidly released, the rush of air forces the bead of the tire onto the rim and seals it tight. Tubeless tire inflators have a high-pressure cylinder that is charged with air from either an integrated floor pump or a separate pump, normally to a pressure of 140-200 psi depending on the model. But then someone invented the tubeless tire inflator and the world was well again. Anyone who has tried to mount a stubborn tire the night before a big ride will have experienced ‘the struggle’, that feeling of helplessness as you sweat furiously over a pump, swearing at your bruised knuckles and pulling sealant from your hair. When it comes to marital harmony, there are few innovations that have brought such relief as the tubeless tire inflator.

Airshot tubeless inflator