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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE: MARCH 7th
HOW DO WE REACH THE OVERALL RATINGS FOR PRODUCTS WE REVIEW?
Muc-Off Air Mach Electric Mini Inflator
120g £90.00
The Muc-0ff Air Mach Electric Mini Inflator is just that - a very compact mini compressor designed to provide road or trailside rescue following a flat. Small, yet mighty, it’s capable of delivering 100psi in a 700x25c from a single 25minute charge and slips unobtrusively in a jersey pocket, bar bag, or wherever you’d prefer. However, while very competent, it also lacks some conveniences offered by similarly priced competitors, which could be a deal breaker if compact size and weight aren’t top of your list.
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Pros: Compact, lightweight, efficient, rapid charge times, Presta/Schrader heads, solid.
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Cons: Less refined than others at this price point, relatively noisy.
Specification
Measuring 6.5x5.6x2.8mm it is super compact-around the size of a Go Pro type action camera. There are some definite similarities with competitor designs. For starters, it’s made from CNC machined aluminium alloy. Being sturdy and, coupled with the silicone sleeve, gives it a sporting chance should you accidentally drop, The CNC body also serves as a heat sink, protecting battery, circuits and switchgear from overheating.
It’s powered by a 7.5 v 300mAh lithium-ion battery and employs a brushless motor. These are supposedly quieter and more efficient, giving more oomph from each charge. The valve head is also CNC machine aluminium and is reversible for Presta/Schrader heads.
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You’ll need their aftermarket extension adaptor for threadless TPU tubes, to protect them from direct heat. This is only £5 and hasn’t presented any issues with traditional metal valves - unlike a hand pump, you’re just plugging on and pressing a button. Well, assuming of course, you’re not needing to switch the head from Presta to Schrader, or vice-versa.
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As I said in my opening paragraph, it’ll manage 100psi tops and will raise two 700x25c tyres to 80psi apiece. Interestingly, Muc-Off cite times and pressures for 700x25 (80psi in 80-90 seconds, 100psi in 160 seconds, and 26x1.95 (50 psi in 120-130 seconds, two to 35psi in 70-80 seconds apiece) but not more contemporary sizes-650b, 27.5, 29 inch etc. However, it serves as a reference and makes it easier to work out when best to carry some CO2, or a pump. Spoiler alert, I always carry a hand pump as a solid backup-more about that later.
Ease of Use 3.5/5
It’s super intuitive to use but practice switching the valve heads around and fully charge the battery before heading out. That aside, push gently on a valve stem, press the button for a second or so until the motor kicks in. Press again to stop. Unlike Cyc Plus AS2 Pro Max, there’s no gauge, so be mindful if you’re topping up, especially if you don’t carry a stand-alone pressure gauge. In common with others, it does get a little hot, which could be very welcome on a frigid winter day, but I wouldn’t leave home without the silicone sleeve.
Charge & Run Times 3.5/5
From the mains, ours has consistently refuelled in 25minutes, add 10minutes if its supping from a laptop, or similar third-party source. I have successfully charged ours from my dynamos in a few hours, which is practical enough for extended rides and tours. Ours arrived in early November and being a lithium-Ion cell, I wasn’t surprised that run times have been consistent in temperatures between 3 and 17degrees. However, when the mercury slid below freezing for three successive rides, capacity depleted, going from green to red when I’d reached 50% of the desired pressure. However, it held out, so no issues on that front but illustrates my point about carrying a pump or CO2 as backup.
Performance 3.5/5
I’ve tested ours with 700x25, 700x28, 700x30, 700x40, 26x2.3, and 16x1.95. Testing Muc-Off's claims, using a standalone digital gauge, I can confirm it will inflate a 700x25 to 100psi in 165seconds, 700x25c to 80psi (80 seconds apiece) and to 60psi in 60 seconds.
These 700x30mm WTB Exposure were raised from zero to 70psi in 75 seconds, 700x40mm WTB Nano from zero to 50 psi in 65 seconds before the battery light indicator was flashing red and power waning. From a full charge, the little pump has raised a flaccid 26x2.3 to 45psi in 105 seconds and a 16x1.75 to 50psi in 100 seconds, still leaving some juice in the battery.
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That said, you can see why I advocate carrying a decent pump, using this to deliver the baseline pressure (e.g. 30, or 50psi depending on tyre) before turning to the electric mini-inflator-especially on a cold, wet wintry day. I’m not singling the Muc-Off Airmach out, it's a route I’d take with any design powered by a 7.5 v 300mAh lithium-ion battery.
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I’ve had no issues latching on to stubby or very willowy valve stems alike. Direct comparisons with the CycPlus AS2 Pro Max E.Pump are a little unfair, since the latter is more powerful, bigger and notably heavier, but I consider it a more practical choice if you’re wanting to be able to inflate two, or possibly more tyres, say on a group ride. Noise-wise, the AirMach is similarly vocal to other models we’ve tested, no louder, mind. A moot point along a country lane, but likely to strain neighbourly relations if you’re topping up before scooting to work, or a dawn blast.
Care/Durability 3.5/5
The Airmach is well made and sensibly sealed from the elements. It also comes with a weather repelling zippered case, which is a nice, yet not unusual touch. I’ve happily carried ours in a jersey pocket, although tended to pop it bar bags, or my long serving SQR tour and gravel packs. I’ve managed not to drop ours and have charged often, typically after topping up tyres. Aside from keeping it primed for use; this also gives it a sporting chance of long, productive service. Muc off tells me the battery will lose 10% of capacity after 300 charge and discharge cycles.
Value 3.25/5
£90 is around the going rate for this bred of portable inflator. Probably the closest, like-for like comparator is Fumpa Pumps Nano Fumpa (£89.99) Its apparently handmade in Melbourne, reckoned to be the world’s smallest bike pump, capable of delivering 120psi and one to two tyres from a single charge. The 300mAh battery is also said to be user replaceable, However, we’ve not had the opportunity to play with one, so can’t comment further.
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Cyc Plus AS2 Pro Tiny E.Pump is a little dearer at £103 and a little heavier at 124g for the main unit. However, it’s capable of 120psi, has an integral pressure gauge and will automatically shut off when the desired pressures are reached. That said; it is quite noisy and can also get rather warm, especially reaching those higher pressures.
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I remain very fond of its Max sibling. This is £100 and though nearly twice the weight, has a much bigger battery, meaning it will inflate two or more tyres before charging’s needed. There’s an integral pressure gauge, valve extension and an auto shut off. However, while not overly sluggish, 90-minute charge times are over three times that of the Muc Off Air Mach. It’s also a bit noisier too.
Summary
The Muc Off Air Mach is well made, generally practical and convenient. It favours racers and others where weight is higher up the priority list. In my view, its qualities are best appreciated as a hand pump companion - you deliver say 50% with the hand pump and unleash the Airmach when lactic acid, rain, or chill are kicking in. Given its compatibility with short valve stems, I’ve found it equally handy for doing those “while I’m in the workshop” top-ups, although remember to check pressures periodically with your gauge.
Verdict: 3.5/5 Small, yet effective mini-inflator but best for riders prioritising size over output.
Michael Stenning
Muc-Off UK | Bicycle & Motorcycle Cleaning | Lube | Tubeless
PUBLISHED JANUARY 2025
