Top 18 Best CO2 Inflators Reviews In 2021

You don’t realize how much you need a CO2 inflator until you’re miles away from home and have a flat. In your arsenal of bike gears to carry along every riding trip, it is a must for emergency inflation.

If you’re new to this gear, let me help you. Below are the 17 best CO2 inflators in 2021 that I’ve spent months searching, test, and analyze.

Okay, that’s enough buildup. Let’s dive right in now!

Top 18 Best CO2 Inflators Reviews In 2021

PRO BIKE TOOL CO2 Inflators

When searching for cycling CO2 inflators, I found this to be the most popular one on Amazon. At the time I checked, it had over 3200 ratings, the overall scoring of 4.5/5, and was Amazon’s Choice tagged.

And an interesting fact is its manufacturer – PRO BIKE TOOL – is still a very new brand name in this box industry (founded in 2015). So, why?

After testing, I’ve realized that its biggest selling part, which is also the thing making this CO2 inflator stand out from the rest, is its unique lever design.

While other models just dispel gas from the CO2 cartridge in one go, which might cause the tires to be overly inflated, this allows you to slowly and carefully regulate the gas flow.

In fact, this new design from PRO BIKE TOOL is currently pioneered and also key to win Outdoor Gear Lab’s Best Buy Award in 2018.

Besides, it is well-loved for ease of use. No matter of your threaded Presta & Schrader tire valve type, it can fit nicely with no additional tool required.

That’s a big thank you to the clever ‘universal’ head design. The way it works is expelling gas force to open the tire valve.

Product Specs

Material	CNC machined aluminum alloy
‘threaded’ CO2 cartridge sizes	12g, 16g, 20g & 25g
Sleeve	Rubber EVA Foam
Highlight Features	unique lever design; clever ‘universal’ head design; Pocket-friendly design

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BriskMore Black Bike Tire CO2 Inflators

Moving on to the BriskMore Black CO2 Inflator.

This one is priced around $36 – quite pricier than the previous, however, I find it to be usually on and off discount at somewhere nearly $16.

Because of its indeed excellent quality plus a satisfaction guarantee provided by the manufacturer, I highly recommend you to try at least once in life.

My most favorite feature is its washers seal threaded connection, meaning that there’s nothing leaked at all. And there are three extra spare washers included as well.

Regardless, it is lightweight, super-compact, and durable to last longer than the average.

Product Specs

Material	aluminum alloy and alloy steel
‘threaded’ CO2 cartridge sizes	12/16/20/25g
Sleeve	Rubber foam
Highlight Features	washers seal threaded connection; three extra spare washers included & a full-refund satisfaction guarantee

Vibrelli Performance CO2 Inflators

I really like the Vibrelli Performance CO2 Inflator. If you want something to inflate your bike during emergencies but don’t like the mini bike pump because it takes forever, this is a great alternative.

It is strong, easy to use, and small enough to fit nicely in a saddlebag.

The valve works great. You can control the gas flow like a breeze while filling your tube to find out a puncture.

The foam that goes over the cartridge is a nice touch and importantly, you won’t get freezer burn on your hand. Besides, the added patches are great to not just prevent leakage but also last long.

Product Specs

Material	6061 Aluminum Alloy
‘threaded’ CO2 cartridge sizes	16g, 20g, and 25g
Sleeve	insulated CO2 Cartridge Sleeve
Highlight Features	Fits Presta and Schrader & Any threaded CO2 inflator cartridge; Frost Guard; include a glue-less puncture repair kit; Easy Airflow Valve

Portland Design Works CO2 Inflators

The Portland Design Works CO2 Inflator has just the right balance of function and form.

It has a screw-type valve on it to easily inflate a tire super-fast at first and then slowly to reach your desired pressure.

One thing that appears to be quite highly valuable is the leather sheath fitting around a standard 16g CO2 cartridge, which not just looks cool but also keeps my hands from getting cold. I like that it is vegetable tanned and dyed with natural waxes and oils.

The color is hard to get dirty easily.

The worthiest-mentioning thing is while lots of other $30+ CO2 inflators are made of cheap-feeling plastic which commonly doesn’t hold up well, this one is longer-lasting yet less expensive.

Product Specs

Material	aluminum alloy
‘threaded’ CO2 cartridge sizes	16-gram
Sleeve	stitched leather sleeve
Highlight Features	Control knob; Sleeve leather; Backed by a lifetime warranty

Crankbrothers Klic CO2 Inflators

For mountain bike tires, this high-volume CO2 inflator is a great choice.

The price is around $45, but as it includes a gauge to attach to the pump while the product itself is tested and proven by world-class athletes, I feel that’s worthy.

Not the most compact design, however, it works great for a small backpack carry. The entire pump is of high-quality materials, and I’m glad that its hose is concealed during transit for excellent cut/poked prevention.

It does have a plastic mounting bracket to mount on a water bottle but the Velcro straps make me rest assured while riding tough terrain.

Lastly, the hidden hose makes hooking the pump to the tube very easy.

Product Specs

Dimensions	12 x 4.5 x 1.2 inches
Weight	5.3 ounces
Highlight Features	Provide plastic mounting bracket & Velcro straps; the hidden hose;

Innovations Air Chuck CO2 Inflators

This is my favorite CO2 kit from doing research online, and both reading and watching reviews. Incredible price for including 2 C02 cartridges.

And the performance? It is very straightforward since you can use and tanks with this as long as they’re threaded, then the tire gets filled in just seconds. The only moving part is the spring valve.

The best part is it shuts the airflow off so that it doesn’t waste what you didn’t have to use – a crucial thing when getting a bike off the trail.

A wonderful thing is you don’t have to deal with those situations in which the top gets out of alignment with the plastic bottom and it is truly a serious pain to open. With this one, as it fits all the cartridge sizes, the use is pretty simple.

I also appreciate that it doesn’t leak like most other contenders would do after a short while.

Product Specs

Material	metal alloy
‘threaded’ CO2 cartridge sizes	16 gram and one 20 gram
Sleeve	rubber
Highlight Features	Push-to-inflate technology; Includes one 20 gram and one 16 gram threaded steel CO2 cartridge

Allnice CO2 Inflators

For bike riders, Allnice CO2 Inflator is a must.

It is lightweight (weigh only 0.8 ounces), durable (as made from premium aluminum CNC processing alloy), and last but not least, versatile.

Not only can the unit pair with both Presta and Schrader valves but also designed for most threaded CO2 cartridges, comprised of 12, 16, 20, and 25 grams. But note that cartridges don’t include in this package.

To keep your hand from freeze burn while the gas is discharging, it is added with an insulated sleeve with smooth hand-feel texture.

Another worth-mentioning feature is a reliable adjustable knob switch where you can safely control the amount of gas flow to your tires. It is also easy to use with no leakage.

Product Specs

Material	high-end quality aluminum alloy CNC processing
‘threaded’ CO2 cartridge sizes	12/16/20/25g
Sleeve	Insulated Foam sleeve
Highlight Features	measured by 1.57″ x 1.7″ in & weigh 0.8 ounces; both Presta and Schrader valve compatibility & fit most threaded CO2 cartridges; insulated sleeve & a reliable adjustable knob switch;

MARQUE AirJet Max CO2 Inflators

The MARQUE AirJet Max CO2 Inflator is another good backup option for your bike rides without putting a dent in your wallet.

Even when compared with other big brands, this has same-same performance, especially in terms of quality materials and craftsmanship. It inflates tires in only a few seconds while you’re allowed to control the released CO2 rate.

With no valve head switching required (which is a big plus), it is still able to fit valve head threads onto either Schrader or Presta valves.

Its head design is also compatible with all sizes of threaded CO2 cartridges, and for the 16g, it has neoprene foam sleeve for freeze burn prevention.

Another good thing about this option is although it is a less-brand name, or if this is your very first buy, it’s reliable when providing a replacement or a refund if you don’t feel satisfied with the product.

Product Specs

Material	Quality aluminum alloy
‘threaded’ CO2 cartridge sizes	12g, 16g, 20g & 25g
Sleeve	Neoprene Foam sleeve
Highlight Features	Fit all threaded CO2 cartridge sizes; provide a full refund or a replacement; fit valve head threads onto either Schrader or Presta valves

LEZYNE Trigger Drive CO2 Inflators

This is currently the most bestseller out of the three main CO2 inflator lines of LEZYNE.

It is specifically designed to work well with threaded 16g CO2 cartridges with highlight points on neoprene sleeve to save your hands from freeze burn and CNC machined aluminum alloy to last longer but still being lightweight.

For souped-up durability, its internals is made from high-quality brass but don’t worry, it doesn’t add tons of weight to your saddlebag. The weight of this CO2 inflator, in fact, is only around 26 grams.

Importantly, the connection is guaranteed to be 100% secure for no leakage.

It also has trigger valve operation and is able to fit either Presta & Schrader valves while the LEZYNE Trigger Speed line cannot.

Product Specs

Material	CNC machined aluminum
‘threaded’ CO2 cartridge sizes	16 grams.
Sleeve	Neoprene Sleeve
Highlight Features	Twin Chuck head; CNC machined aluminum alloy & brass internals

Birzman Infinite CO2 Inflators

Introducing to you another effective CO2 inflator, and this one is from Birzman, also a newcomer in this industry.

It appears to be durable and strong yet lightweight, all thanks to the aluminum construction. It’s also easy to use. Featuring Pump-CO2 bracket combo, you can attach CO2 cartridge and pump to your bicycle at a time to save more time.

Besides, the flex hose is smartly designed to be capably stored inside the product’s handle where it is quickly taken out and screwed into place.

Last but not least, it has a built-in valve for precise inflation controllability. Ah, take note that its capacity is 160psi.

Product Specs

Dimensions	10 x 1 x 1 inches
Weight	11.2 ounces
Highlight Features	Pump-CO2 bracket combo; The Flex Hose stored inside the handle; Turn Pierce Function;

Fabric CO2 Inflators

The Fabric CO2 Inflator gives you everything that could be needed for emergency inflation if your bike tires unfortunately flat out. It is compact, lightweight, simple, and discrete.

It is comprised of a Presta/Schrader compatible head with a control valve, 2 solid silicone bands, 2 glass fiber levers, and two 16g CO2 cartridges, all are designed with signature innovation and style.

Therein, I do appreciate the added silicone bands for better grips as well as protection against freezing burn during the use.

When not in need, just detach them and store anywhere available for the next use, such as in your jersey pocket, a saddlebag, or mount on a seat post.

Overall, if you don’t want a pump mounted to your frame but just a lightweight and minimalist kit designed to quickly get you back on the road, this is it.

Product Specs

Dimensions	6.69 x 3.94 x 1.57 inches
‘threaded’ CO2 cartridge sizes	16g Co2 cartridges
Weight	6.4 ounces
Highlight Features	Include a Presta/Schrader compatible head with control valve, 2 solid silicone bands, 2 glass fiber levers, and two 16g CO2 cartridges

WOTOW CO2 Inflators

With over 10 years’ expertise in the CO2 inflator industry, WOTOW is also one of the top options popped up in my head when I want to look for a reliable one.

This unit is a shining example for my saying,

It includes a CO2 inflator, glue-less patches, metal rasp, bike tire pry bars, and other bike tire repair kit, all are stored neatly in a little hard case that you can easily place anywhere, such as saddlebag.

This one, like most other counterparts here, is created to fit both Presta and Schrader valves.

It is also heavy-duty and long-lasting as made completely of premium aluminum alloy CNC processing, however, the weight is super-light – only 0.8 ounces.

Designed with safety in mind, it has foam sleeve for insulation when gas is released.

Product Specs

Material	high-end quality aluminum alloy CNC processing
‘threaded’ CO2 cartridge sizes	12/16/20/25g
Sleeve	rubber foam sleeve
Highlight Features	the kit is packed in a little hard case; premium aluminum alloy CNC processing; foam sleeve

Lezyne Control Drive CO2 Inflators

Lezyne Control Drive CO2 Inflator is one of the finest options during my personal tests.

It’s lightweight and looks and feels well-made. Goes on and off the valve like a knife through butter and kept a seal, and the best thing is you don’t have to mess around with crappy plastic tools.

The adjustable valve works fantastic, allowing you to at first slowly add air preventing a possible pinched tube, which is much better than a large gun.

You will need two hands to inflate an MTB tire, but thanks for an insulated sleeve for the cartridge, your hands won’t freeze.

The petite design allows it to not take much room in your jersey pocket or saddle bag

Product Specs

Material	CNC-machined aluminum with brass internals
‘threaded’ CO2 cartridge sizes	16g CARTRIDGE
Sleeve	rubber
Highlight Features	0.32 ounces; One simple over-sized control knob; crafted with brass internals & CNC-machined aluminum; CNC Knob Twist Operation

Genuine Innovations G20310 CO2 Inflators

I’m impressed that it appeared to work with threaded and unthreaded cartridges – something that other counterparts here hardly do, even the higher-end.

The operation is quite smooth – Just one quick squeeze and the tire is inflated in a few seconds. It is straightforward to utilize thanks to the trigger-controlled technology and makes airing a tire so easy.

What I like the most is the integrated trigger lock to avoid accidental discharge, saving CO2 safer and better.

A good thing is no leakage at all.

Besides, you can flip it over and store it in the base until you need it if not wanting to attach the cartridge to the head. All-in-all, it works exactly as described.

Product Specs

CO2 cartridge sizes	non-threaded 20g threaded 16g, 20g, and 25g
Highlight Features	work with threaded and unthreaded cartridges; trigger-controlled technology; integrated trigger lock

SKS Air Buster CO2 Inflators

The SKS Air Buster CO2 Inflator weighs only around 3 ounces and is measured by 9.8 x 2.6 x 1 inch, which is neat enough to fit even the narrowest storage space.

As you can see, it is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry along.

Like most other options here, it is compatible with either Presta or Schrader valves like a breeze. Meanwhile, the flow-controlled knob plays a huge role in adjusting the gas flow, making it safer and more controllable during the use.

The flexible hose, on the other hand, is one of its notable features. It lets you pay 100% attention to dispense gas without fighting the spokes for access to the Schrader valve.

Besides, the threaded Schrader attachment guarantees a tight connection for no leaking issues, and you don’t have to exert pressure at all.

Product Specs

CO2 cartridge sizes	16g or 24g threaded CO2 cartridges.
Highlight Features	flow-controlled knob; flexible hose; threaded Schrader attachment

Zefal Fez Control CO2 Inflators

The Zefal Fez Control CO2 Inflator is created with a built-in pressure control regulator and an aluminum housing to let you adjust the amount of gas flow released to prevent over-inflating your tires.

Take note that this one works great on both 16g and 24g threaded CO2 cartridges. A big bonus is it also includes a two-point pump holder, a replacement 16g cartridge, and a water bottle clip for quick access.

It has insulated wrapping on the outside to keep your hand from the unwanted freezing burn.

I really love the added dust protection cap, which is so thoughtful to save the internals from dust and debris during the ride.

So, at the price point of around $25, I find it to be well worth it.

Product Specs

Material	aluminum
‘threaded’ CO2 cartridge sizes	12g, 16g, and 25g threaded Zefal cartridge.
Sleeve	rubber
Highlight Features	a built-in pressure control regulator; include a two-point pump holder, a replacement 16g cartridge, and a water bottle clip; dust protection cap

Topeak Air Booster CO2 Inflators

This would be the best choice for those bike riders who use standard threaded CO2 cartridges. It is relatively lightweight and compact.

Designed with an only 0.79-ounce net weight with the dimensions of 7.5 x 1.2 x 3.5 inches, but don’t let that petite silhouette fool you. It is very durable and dependable, highlighting double-end design with CO2 cartridge engagement on one side and CNC aluminum construction.

A noteworthy feature about this model is it doesn’t burn the whole cartridge unnecessarily. Instead, it allows you to save leftover CO2 by using the CO2 head.

Take note that it fits both Presta and Schrader valve types.

Product Specs

Material	CNC aluminum construction
‘threaded’ CO2 cartridge sizes	standard threaded CO2 cartridges
Sleeve	rubber
Highlight Features	double-end design with CO2 cartridge engagement on one side and CNC aluminum construction; CO2 head

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best CO2 Inflators In 2021

Ease of use

After replacing an inner tube on a cold-day ride, your fingers usually get wet and cold. If your CO2 inflator has a downright fiddly design or is too small to hold firmly, it’s hard to use right then.

So, a simple-to-operate design is important, especially for emergency inflation, like racing or in the winter.

CO2 cartridge size

While most CO2 inflators are designed with versatility in mind to fit most cartridge sizes (including 12g, 16g, 20g & 25g), some are more specialized to work only on a few of them.

To know which is the right for your needs, consider the type of bike.

If it is an MTB tire, the cartridge should be larger (like 20 or 25g) depending on the pressure and volume. In case that you have a road board, a 16g cartridge fits the bill.

Threaded v non-threaded cartridges

There are two main types of cartridges – threaded and non-threaded, and they have some certain differences.

Size

The non-threaded cartridges appear to be bigger and heavier because they need some body-form to keep the cartridge secure in place.

While some people don’t like it because of bulkier measurement, meaning for more storage space taken if you want to carry along, the others love it because the bigger body keeps the hand from freezing burn when the gas is released.

Not to say that it is grippier to hold.

The threaded cartridges are almost contrasting. It is lightweight, compact, and easy to store. This is a better option for those riders who have limited storage space.

That said, these days, there are a few special models designed to work as a threaded and a non-threaded. For example, the Genuine Innovations G20310 CO2 Inflator.

Price ranges

The non-threaded cartridges are commonly a bit more inexpensive than the other.

FAQs

Are co2 bike pumps any good?

CO2 bike pumps are better than the traditional manual design in some aspects:

• Inflate tires in just a few seconds
• Take less effort
• Lighter and more compact to carry along

But in terms of environment-friendliness, it is inferior because this type of bike pump is commonly used once or twice.

What are the best bicycle pumps?

My recommendations are:

• PRO BIKE TOOL CO2 Inflators
• BriskMore Black CO2 Inflators
• Vibrelli Performance CO2 Inflators
• Portland Design Works CO2 Inflators
• Crankbrothers Klic CO2 Inflators

How long do co2 cartridges last?

Nearly forever provided the CO2 cartridges haven’t been damaged yet.

Does co2 leak faster than air?

Compared to nitrogen, CO2 leaks up to 12 times faster.

Which bike pump do I need?

It depends on the valve type that your inner tube has. There are two common valve types – Schrader valves (commonly used in MTBs) and the Presta (found in road bikes).

Conclusion

Choosing the best CO2 inflator can be trying, and there are just several main elements to consider when looking for the one most suitable for your needs.

This review is specifically written to help you figure out what to look for before making your purchase. hopefully, I’ve been able to help you sort out the things to keep in mind before picking the pump for your bike ride purposes.