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review
£24.99
VERDICT:
Never run out of puff. Cracking pump and CO2 rolled into one
Weight:
218g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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The Bontrager Air Rush Road CO2 Pump is a nifty little dual design that won't leave you deflated on the roadside.
The problem with a mini pump is that they are slow, and also an unnecessary upper-body workout for the weedy cyclist. The problem with CO2 canisters is that they are a one hit wonder. Combine the two and you might just have the ultimate solution.
> Find your nearest dealer here
The pump on its own is actually a very capable little design. I had no issues reaching 100psi, but it does take a little time. That's the downside of the small size as it can only generate so much air. The upside, however, is that it's easy to carry in a jersey pocket, independent of the CO2 canisters and mounting bracket. This will be a plus for those wishing to keep their frames clutter-free. The low weight of a pump this size is also an added bonus. At 68g, the Air Rush isn't the lightest out there, but it's very good considering in has an integrated adaptor.
The pump also acts as the regulator for the CO2 canisters. The head has two sides, with one being a threaded aluminium adaptor for the canister. The adaptor feels very well made and the canisters thread easily.
The inclusion of a cartridge insulator is really useful for protecting your hands from the super-cold canisters. It's a simple rubber sleeve but it's a nice touch from Bontrager that's not always included in other kits. The canisters themselves can be easily replaced with any common 16g canister, making replacements quite inexpensive.
> Read our guide to the best pumps and CO2 inflators
The kit also includes two 16g cartridges, which will comfortably inflate a 25mm road tyre up and over 100psi. I had just enough gas in one canister to get both my 700x25 tyres up to a decent pressure. I also found that I could top up a tyre with a partially used canister after doing the leg work with the pump. The mounting bracket stores all of this together behind the bottle cage, with the pump on one side and the canisters on the other. The mounting is secure and I had no issues with anything coming loose.
Considering the £25 price, this is a very good kit that only costs slightly more than a decent CO2-only inflator kit. The benefits of having both pump and CO2 in one mean you'll never be out of air.
Verdict
Never run out of puff. Cracking pump and CO2 rolled into one
road.cc test report
Make and model: Bontrager Air Rush Road CO2 Pump
Size tested: 2-in-1 design combines CO₂ inflator and mini pump
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
From Bontrager: "The convenience of CO₂ with the ever-ready capabilities of a mini pump, the Air Rush Road combines safe, controlled CO₂ inflation with the back-up security of a telescoping pump. At just 68g, the Air Rush's compact design easily fits in a jersey pocket or seat pack."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Bontrager:
Key features
2-in-1 design combines CO₂ inflator and mini pump
Ultra-compact size easily fits in a jersey pocket or seat pack
Regulator provides safe, controlled operation
Includes reusable cartridge insulator to protect hands
Pump inflates tires if you're out of CO₂
Super light at 68g (2.4oz)
Includes two 16g cartridges and mounting bracket
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
I got very good pressure in my tyres with minimal effort.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
The aluminium threaded head is built to last and the pump feels solid too.
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
7/10
The pump is slightly heavier than regular ones, but this does have an in-built adaptor.
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
8/10
The included canister sleeve relieves a lot of the cold discomfort.
Rate the product for value:
10/10
For the price of a decent CO2 adaptor, you get the added bonus of a very good mini pump.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The pump is brilliant on its own and also acts as a very solid adaptor for the CO2. It's well made and also reasonably light for the sturdy construction.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
It's not a new idea but this seems to be one of the best packages available for £25. It's well made and functions perfectly. It only loses a mark for being slightly heavier than others.
About the tester
Age: 22
I usually ride: Rose Xeon RS My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, club rides, general fitness riding, I specialise in the Cafe Ride!
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4 comments
I've just needed mine for the 2nd time in the 2 years since I've bought it and it came apart in my hands renedring both the pump and the inflator useless. The way it mounts to the frame has a tendency to pick up water and grit in the bottom part of the pump holder
While it worked it was brilliant but I can't be left pumpless with a pucture again. Thanks to the guys that stopped to help, even if they did pucture as well just after helping me...
Anyone any idea of the dimensions of this?
I've got one of these and it is incredibly useful. I tend to use the pump more than the canisters but it's there if you need to get going again in a hurry. I'd never use co2 on a solo training ride but on a group ride or timed event that is definitely not a race...
I've had one of these for a while - it's brilliant, but it rattles a bit in the bracket and the rubber perishes over time: probably worth rinsing it and drying it carefully after you've been out when it's mucky...