Prestaflator Review

It probably goes without saying, but properly inflated tires are essential to an enjoyable ride.  Overly-inflated tires are dangerous and under-inflated tires make me feel like I am biking through sand, expending way too much energy for the results I am getting.   Both of our bikes have a maximum inflation pressure of 100 psi, so based on our bike shop recommendation, we inflate to 70-80 psi. We also wanted something that would easily inflate both Schrader and Presta valves without a lot of effort.  Thus began our search for an inflation device that would make me happy.

With floor pumps you typically need to choose between pumping to high pressure with many strokes, or low pressure with few strokes.  Sadly, low pressure means something less than 70 psi and would not be a good option for us (something like the Topeak JoeBlow Dualie for about $60, below left).  A high pressure pump (such as the Shimano Pro Team HP for about $75, below right) would work, but also seems pricey, and my experience is that using either of these pumps is still a workout before the workout.

    

Another option is a mini pump such as Topeak’s Mountain DA G Mini (just under $35), but this seems better for an emergency road option, and under-powered for a shop solution.

Fortunately, I have a small home compressor that would do the job nicely.  Except that I was advised that these tools, due to their nature, can over-inflate a tire or inflate too rapidly and cause damage.  So we went in search of a compressor attachment that would (a) allow the safe use of the compressor, (b) have a gauge attached so that as air is being (safely) pumped into the tires, we can see what the pressure is, and (c) it had to be easy to switch between the Schrader and Presta valve stems.

After much research, I purchased the Prestaflator from Prestacycle (prestacycle.com), which comes in several different versions:

1.    Prestaflator Pro Digital Bicycle Tire Inflator – Presta & Schrader Air Compressor Tool ($79.95)

2.    Prestaflator Pro Bicycle Tire Inflator – Presta & Schrader Air Compressor Tool  ($59.95)

3.    Prestaflator Eco Bicycle Tire Inflator – Presta & Schrader Air Compressor Tool ($39.95)

So among the three options above, how to choose?  Well, I’m a tad cheap (or a lot cheap if you ask my kids). And from what I can tell, the more expensive of the two options above would require a $13 adapter to fit onto the Schrader valve stem on Susan’s bike.  So I chose option three: the Eco (probably read “economy”) version, which is supposed to autoselect between the Presta and Schrader valves without hardware changes.

Pros:    Many of pros of this tool are accompanied by a “but…”  so bear with me.  First, the tool is easy to connect to my compressor with a standard brass connector.  The gauge is easy to read (marked in three different units) with psi marked every 2 psi, but can be read between tick marks.  I have tested it on different tires against other gauges and it very reliable.  The trigger has a “soft touch” and lets us feel like we have great control over how the tires are inflating.  There is an air release button on the side.  The tool seems solidly built with the body of the tool all-metal.

Cons:   While the trigger is not engaged, the gauge reads accurately. However, when depressed and inflating, the gauge reads much higher.  So the only way to get an accurate read is to release the trigger.  This is an odd quirk that will be confusing for first time users.  Also, with the way the eco must be engaged on the valve stem, it requires two hands.  Which does not leave any hand to hold the (somewhat heavy) housing of the tool itself.  I hold it between my knees when attaching the nozzle in the first place.  Then I can pump.  Not really convenient.  Which brings me to my final complaint.  While the gauge “latches” on to a Presta valve without much trouble, it is very finicky latching on to the Schrader valve.  One of Susan’s valves took maybe six attempts before I was able to inflate.

Verdict:  I think I wish I had sprung for the more expensive models that seem to have a better method for attaching to the valve stem, but to be honest, I haven’t tried them.  So maybe not better, but perhaps much better.

I also want to give a shout out to this little tire gauge below (airbone ZT-618 (EZ618A) Tire Pressure Gauge—https://www.amazon.com/airbone-ZT-618-Pressure-Gauge/dp/B078M4D33K), which can also be attached to an inflation device.

We wanted a compact gauge to put in our travel toolkit that was independent of the compressor, and that could switch easily between Schrader and Presta valves.

Company:  Umm…This is confusing.  The packaging says “airbone bike accessories.”  However, I struggled to find that company existing on-line.  My receipt says MemoryC Inc. (based in Matthews, NC), but also says the brand is EyezOff.  Good luck!

Cost:  $14.99

Pros:  Compact, sturdy, and versatile.  We really like how the tool screws on to the valve stem, unlike standard gauges with essentially spring-load onto the valve stem and require you to be right on the money to not have air escape.  With this tool, very little air pressure escaping in the process.  We also like how easily it converts between the valve stem types—just unscrew the black plastic portion, turn it over, and screw it back on to the tool.  Seconds is all it takes.  It also measures up to 160 PSI—more than enough for our needs.  Also, you can use as a “thru” inflating tool by attaching a pump to the other end.  Note, there is no way to control the rate of inflation if using a compressor.

Con:  Look how small that gauge is!  And it only measures (essentially) in 5 psi increments.

Verdict:  Excellent for an on the road travel gauge.  Would highly recommend for using where accuracy is not a priority.