looking for a good portable compressor for EMTB tires

[Expidia]

I run mine at 42 lbs, so buying a compressor seems overkill that goes up to 160 lbs.
I'm in the U.S. so I'm looking for a decent compressor. Even if I use it on my car tires those are only 46 max.
I don't own any tires that require high pressure.

When I don't get a chance to use my EMTB's after 2 weeks having to pump them back up manually with many strokes of my standing hand pump is getting old.

Any brand or model suggestions?

 

[steve_sordy]

I have no recommendations for a compressor, but I have one for the specification that you are looking for.

What about blowing your tyres onto the rims when going tubeless? You don't need a particularly high pressure, but you do need volume! 45psi ought to be enough to set the beads on to the rim, but you do need instant volume to get them there!

Therefore, it's a compressor with a big reservoir. How big is big? I dunno, I'd have to work it out, based upon the storage pressure, or go with user recommendations.

I pressurise my "Airshot" tubeless inflator to 130psi and that blows the beads of the 29x2.5" tyres on to the rims first time every time. I can hear the beads banging and cracking into place within seconds.

 

[Expidia]

I have no recommendations for a compressor, but I have one for the specification that you are looking for.

What about blowing your tyres onto the rims when going tubeless? You don't need a particularly high pressure, but you do need volume! 45psi ought to be enough to set the beads on to the rim, but you do need instant volume to get them there!

Therefore, it's a compressor with a big reservoir. How big is big? I dunno, I'd have to work it out, based upon the storage pressure, or go with user recommendations.

I pressurise my "Airshot" tubeless inflator to 130psi and that blows the beads of the 29x2.5" tyres on to the rims first time every time. I can hear the beads banging and cracking into place within seconds.

Thanks. Maybe I miss worded what I was looking for. I have a Trek one shot pump for setting beads. I just don’t want to have to manually pump up my tires or hook up my portable compressor I keep in my cars trunk. I just want to find a small battery operated low volume compressor to top off my tires when I have not ridden my rides for a couple of weeks. One Trek has tubes which only lose 5 lbs or so but the other Trek has tubeless and they drop like 12 lbs over a two week layover.
I’ll check some of the Amazon reviews for various battery operated compressors because so much of what they sell is Chinese junk.

I also recently had the Trek store install new tuneless tires and they still seep air over a two week period.

 

[RM Rilke]

I use Rigid brand cordless tools from Home Depot so I picked up the one they make as I already had the batteries and chargers. If you already have cordless tools, whatever brand will make one. The batteries are the expensive part, so why buy something you already have?

 

[Stihldog]

42psi seems high for a typical mtb tire. 30psi is usually the max for riding but an initial 40+psi is sometimes needed to set the bead as Steve said.


A very slow leak over 2 months is ok. But 2 weeks …not ok. The rim tape could be installed incorrectly. The valve may be loose. The valve core could be loose or failing. Trek sometimes uses a plastic rim insert instead of rim tape and that can fail. Air will escape through the vent holes in the rim.

Spray soap and water on any suspect areas and carefully watch for small bubbles, or a slow large bubble.

I have no suggestions for small portable compressors. But a slow leak over 2 weeks would drive me crazy.

 

[nickf]

I just want to find a small battery operated low volume compressor to top off my tires when I have not ridden my rides for a couple of weeks. One Trek has tubes which only lose 5 lbs or so but the other Trek has tubeless and they drop like 12 lbs over a two week layover.

I bought the Cycplus AS2 Pro. Works very well, small and light enough to carry with you if needed. Lots of YouTube reviews. Other brands now available too, but the Cycplus seems reliable and well made.

 

[steve_sordy]

Ref slow leaks: I must have them in both tyres! I spent a lot of time to get the correct tyre pressure that works for me and my bike. Therefore, I check the pressure before every ride. I have 17psi front and 20psi rear, so one psi makes a difference. Checking psi regularly also warns me when my sealant is running out, because the loss starts to increase.
If I'm going somewhere new or where I'm expecting it to be rocky, I'll put 1-2 psi extra in.

 

[Giff]

I’ve had this on my wish list for a while…..or the same with a gauge is a bit more expensive.

 

[Beaker2135]

I also use a Cyclus Pro for the exact same reason as you are asking about
To repeat advise already given, 42psi seems really high assuming your running tubeless, I’m running 22 front and 24 rear but you could add an extra 2-3psi if you’re trail riding

 

[zizajaun]

Milwaukee 12v.

 

[Stihldog]

I’ve never had a flat/puncture, that I know of, on my rides but I have burped the rear a number of times. Fortunately I’ve installed a Cushcore in the rear tire only for both bikes. Gravity helps me limp home if that happens.

I don’t carry a small hand pump with me anymore but instead carry a Co2 cartridge and adapter. Our trails are rocky and loamy …no nasty thorns.

I thoroughly check for psi leaks after a new tire, valve, or sealant with soap and water spray. Whatever happens on the trail is out of my control or operator abuse.

When I need to, I top up the psi with a shop compressor. I use a floor pump when we travel to remote areas. If anything goes really bad I can always go to a local Bike Shop. (Whistler, Kelowna etc).