How to inflate a tyre using an electronic inflator

How to use an electronic tyre inflator

Electronic tyre inflators offer a precise way of setting tyre pressures, which is important when the best riders can detect the effect of changes of as little as 0.5psi. However, you should bear in mind that just because the numbers tell you it's a certain pressure, it doesn't mean it's true. You should check the accuracy of the inflator against a calibrated pressure gauge, or else always use your own inflator so that you know what the readings mean to you.

For optimum accuracy, inflate the tyre to a pressure a couple of psi higher than you want, then switch to a calibrated gauge and use this to drop the pressure to the target. We use Accu-Gages, calibrated by LowMass Wheels, who have kindly donated a number of these for the use of EvoDevo.

Other advantages to using an electronic gauge are that they are much more convenient to carry to the pits than a track pump. The obvious disadvantage is that the battery can run out, so if you are going to rely on one at races you MUST make sure you keep it charged.

For a few pounds you can switch the manufacturer's fitting (which is often fiddly) for a push-fit adapter for presta valves - these are much quicker to use in race situations. We have done this. We simply shopped off the old fitting, pushed the new one into the air hose and secured it with a couple of zip ties. It's very easy to use but you do have to make sure that when you remove it from the valve you hold the fitting not the hose, as it's possible to pull the fitting out of the hose. (It just pushes back in though so it's not actually a big deal!)

Big thanks to Kev Brewer for capturing the video!

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