The non-user-replaceable batteries inside these devices will eventually die or wear out after a few years. Less if you’re unlucky. CO2 cartridges are infinitely replaceable. I typically get 2 flats a year, so if I used 2 carts a year, that’s only ~$8 a year. CO2 also takes a few seconds to inflate a tire, a mini pump can take a couple of minutes. If you leave the pump inside your saddle bag for months on end, you might forget to charge it occasionally, leaving you stranded and calling for an Uber ride home. Keep a whole case of CO2 carts handy and just replace them in your bag as needed.
heygos on
I have this one. Is loud, a bit heavy, but it works. I currently don’t carry mine because I’m using the last of my co2 cartridges. Not as worried about the battery like others are. You won’t use it that much let’s be honest, unless it’s the only pump you have which at any point I don’t suggest.
no1name on
Save your money, invest in better puncture proof tires instead. I very rarely get punctures, maybe 1 in the last 5 years at most.
Max_Powers42 on
I get maybe 1 flat a year, if that. I wouldn’t want to constantly remember top up the battery in my pump before rides just in case today’s the day.
A CO2 can rattle around in my saddle bag for years and work perfectly when I need it.
nickobec on
Yes owned a generic one with pressure gauge for over a year, carry it all my rides, never had to use it on my own tires, running tubeless.
However, on a bunch ride, as soon as anybody has a puncture, it is called into action (now by request). It is not quiet, takes 75 to 90 seconds to inflate a road tire. Most it had to inflate on one ride was two tires (the rider doubled punctured) and it still had charge left.
ps I can recharge from my light which doubles as a powerbank on the ride if required.
Crash217 on
I have one. It’s pretty sweet. I have seated mtb tires with it.
It’ll run a couple minutes total before it needs recharging.
SF-cycling-account on
I haven’t had one, but on a gravel ride i got a flat and had forgotten my flat kit at the car
A guy on a mtb saved me a long walk back because he had one of these. It was the first time I’d ever heard of them or seen one
I honestly thought it was super super cool. You also get multiple inflations from one charge with most of them
Worth it for routine city riding? Probably not
Worth it if you live out in the country, or for longer 60-100 mile rides into said country? Probably. Especially for groups, it could come in handy
People are ignoring that it’s also a lot more reliable than C02, at least in my opinion
I’ve had multiple instances of C02 system failing on me. One was user error, I screwed the C02 onto the valve adapter without checking that the valve was closed. Lost the entire cartridge in a second
The other time, inside the adapter there are a small o-ring and a “spikey thing” that punctures the C02 cartridge. Unbeknownst to me, the o ring and spike had fallen out of the adapter, rendering it useless
Neither of those would have happened with the mini electric pump. I’m honestly like 1 for 3 on success with C02. Electric pump you don’t need to worry about the exact pressure as much either, you can always get it right again later. C02 you kind of get one shot
I’m not a shill for these things, I don’t even own one. I just think there is a knee-jerk Luddism reaction to them, as there seems to be with anything convenient and electric in cycling
Acrobatic-Employ9004 on
I got one this year. I’ve used it 3 times so far. Worked perfectly. I like that I can put a little air in while seating the tube then fill it all the way up after the tire is properly seated. I also like that I’m creating more waste with every CO2 cartridge. Is it necessary? No. Is it a nice upgrade, yes
JackfruitGuilty6189 on
I have a cycplus version of this mini pump. I use it often for all our bikes, even in the shopYou can get 2-3 tires out of it. Pretty quick charge. No more co2. I Still have a mini hand pump emergency backup. We ride with lots of thorny areas, so this was a nice addition.
vaancee on
They work great. As long as I am not the one that has to carry it.
Sudovoodoo80 on
The really missed the mark here by not calling it the Fumpa Pumpa.
frumply on
once my turbo morph wears out maybe, but that’s also been going strong for 12yrs.
johnyj7657 on
Think I’d still keep a little hand pump one on the bike as a backup.
No-Discount7853 on
What’s the advantage of this one over a regular pump? You will still need a regular one as a back up in most cases when you actually need a pump
thetrickstergib on
I’ve had a couple. But the best one currently is from cycplus as it has a lcd to tell you the pressures.
I’ve been eyeing them on Amazon for a while. I’m going to wait till Prime Day and see if any go on sale.
chitownadmin on
I have one. Best investment I’ve made. I have the cycplus max. It’s great.
papaki72 on
I have one (the mini). Although small, it is pretty loud. I pump my tires to 85psi (700x25c, 90Kg) and it can do two tires at 85 psi and another one at 50-60 psi. It also gets somewhat hot. There is no pressure gauge so you have to do by feeling the pressure of the tire, or use a separate gauge to read the pressure until full. I bought it in Europe for €90, but I prefer carrying two CO2 cartridges in my back pockets and a mini hand pump (always) inside the bag under my seat. This one is a bit heavy for your back pocket although it nice, small, and very well made.
Considering that I rarely get any punctures, I prefer the two CO2 canisters and a mini-micro hand pump for those moments.
18 Comments
The non-user-replaceable batteries inside these devices will eventually die or wear out after a few years. Less if you’re unlucky. CO2 cartridges are infinitely replaceable. I typically get 2 flats a year, so if I used 2 carts a year, that’s only ~$8 a year. CO2 also takes a few seconds to inflate a tire, a mini pump can take a couple of minutes. If you leave the pump inside your saddle bag for months on end, you might forget to charge it occasionally, leaving you stranded and calling for an Uber ride home. Keep a whole case of CO2 carts handy and just replace them in your bag as needed.
I have this one. Is loud, a bit heavy, but it works. I currently don’t carry mine because I’m using the last of my co2 cartridges. Not as worried about the battery like others are. You won’t use it that much let’s be honest, unless it’s the only pump you have which at any point I don’t suggest.
Save your money, invest in better puncture proof tires instead. I very rarely get punctures, maybe 1 in the last 5 years at most.
I get maybe 1 flat a year, if that. I wouldn’t want to constantly remember top up the battery in my pump before rides just in case today’s the day.
A CO2 can rattle around in my saddle bag for years and work perfectly when I need it.
Yes owned a generic one with pressure gauge for over a year, carry it all my rides, never had to use it on my own tires, running tubeless.
However, on a bunch ride, as soon as anybody has a puncture, it is called into action (now by request). It is not quiet, takes 75 to 90 seconds to inflate a road tire. Most it had to inflate on one ride was two tires (the rider doubled punctured) and it still had charge left.
ps I can recharge from my light which doubles as a powerbank on the ride if required.
I have one. It’s pretty sweet. I have seated mtb tires with it.
It’ll run a couple minutes total before it needs recharging.
I haven’t had one, but on a gravel ride i got a flat and had forgotten my flat kit at the car
A guy on a mtb saved me a long walk back because he had one of these. It was the first time I’d ever heard of them or seen one
I honestly thought it was super super cool. You also get multiple inflations from one charge with most of them
Worth it for routine city riding? Probably not
Worth it if you live out in the country, or for longer 60-100 mile rides into said country? Probably. Especially for groups, it could come in handy
People are ignoring that it’s also a lot more reliable than C02, at least in my opinion
I’ve had multiple instances of C02 system failing on me. One was user error, I screwed the C02 onto the valve adapter without checking that the valve was closed. Lost the entire cartridge in a second
The other time, inside the adapter there are a small o-ring and a “spikey thing” that punctures the C02 cartridge. Unbeknownst to me, the o ring and spike had fallen out of the adapter, rendering it useless
Neither of those would have happened with the mini electric pump. I’m honestly like 1 for 3 on success with C02. Electric pump you don’t need to worry about the exact pressure as much either, you can always get it right again later. C02 you kind of get one shot
I’m not a shill for these things, I don’t even own one. I just think there is a knee-jerk Luddism reaction to them, as there seems to be with anything convenient and electric in cycling
I got one this year. I’ve used it 3 times so far. Worked perfectly. I like that I can put a little air in while seating the tube then fill it all the way up after the tire is properly seated. I also like that I’m creating more waste with every CO2 cartridge. Is it necessary? No. Is it a nice upgrade, yes
I have a cycplus version of this mini pump. I use it often for all our bikes, even in the shopYou can get 2-3 tires out of it. Pretty quick charge. No more co2. I Still have a mini hand pump emergency backup. We ride with lots of thorny areas, so this was a nice addition.
They work great. As long as I am not the one that has to carry it.
The really missed the mark here by not calling it the Fumpa Pumpa.
once my turbo morph wears out maybe, but that’s also been going strong for 12yrs.
Think I’d still keep a little hand pump one on the bike as a backup.
What’s the advantage of this one over a regular pump? You will still need a regular one as a back up in most cases when you actually need a pump
I’ve had a couple. But the best one currently is from cycplus as it has a lcd to tell you the pressures.
https://preview.redd.it/31r9hv2sytad1.jpeg?width=1152&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d4237a62a9925ea95bab9df2538d96654fe720a
I’ve been eyeing them on Amazon for a while. I’m going to wait till Prime Day and see if any go on sale.
I have one. Best investment I’ve made. I have the cycplus max. It’s great.
I have one (the mini). Although small, it is pretty loud. I pump my tires to 85psi (700x25c, 90Kg) and it can do two tires at 85 psi and another one at 50-60 psi. It also gets somewhat hot. There is no pressure gauge so you have to do by feeling the pressure of the tire, or use a separate gauge to read the pressure until full. I bought it in Europe for €90, but I prefer carrying two CO2 cartridges in my back pockets and a mini hand pump (always) inside the bag under my seat. This one is a bit heavy for your back pocket although it nice, small, and very well made.
Considering that I rarely get any punctures, I prefer the two CO2 canisters and a mini-micro hand pump for those moments.