New products and tech come along with incredible regularity and the rechargeable inflator is one of those. This device however, much like Clik Valves from Schwalbe will definitely make life easier for any cyclist. with There are now a large number of rechargeable inflators on the market, your socials feed may be full of adverts from many unknown brands. Here we compare pumps from trusted brands that are easy to buy here online or in store.
Buying a branded product gives you the confidence in the build quality and the back up from the retailer and manufacturer should you need it.
Firstly what are the alternatives?


- C02 inflators are certainly fast but can be tricky to use and are a once only use with the need to buy replacement cannisters
- Mini pumps often have no pressure gauge, too big for your saddle bag and often bend the presta valve. Also require a lot of effort to reach high pressure.
Rechargeable mini pump benefits
- More expensive to buy but once only purchase
- Little or no effort to inflate a tyre
- Check tyre pressures before your ride or on the go
- Inflate to accurate pressures
- Small enough to fit into a saddle bag
Lets look at the models we are testing.
The things to consider when buying are build quality, price, size, weight, battery size & included accessories.
- Muc Off Airmach £75
- Muc Off Airmach Pro £100
- Trek Air Rush £80
- Topeak e-Booster £100
Muc-Off AirMach – £70



Muc-Off launched the Airmach a few months ago and its been very popular. It’s one of the smallest and lightest of the ones we tested but lacks a pressure gauge and accessories are extra.
- Inflates up to 2 tyres on one charge
- Recharge in 25 minutes
- Max air pressure: 100psi
- Measuring in at 64mm x 56mm x 28mm
- Weight 97g without case, 114gr with case
- Compatible with Big Bore, Presta & Schrader valves*
- Universal USB-C Connection
- Adapter available separately for use with plastic valves/TPU tubes
Muc-Off Airmach Pro – £100
Hot on the heals of the original Airmach Muc-Off released the Airmach pro which is slightly bigger and a little heavier but has the digital pressure gauge, higher psi and bigger battery.
- Inflates up to 2 tyres on one charge
- Recharge in 30 minutes
- Max air pressure: 120psi
- Measuring in at 64mm x 63mm x 28mm
- Weight: 122g, 140g with case
- Compatible with Big Bore, Presta & Schrader valves*
- Universal USB-C Connection
- Adapter hose included
TREK – Air Rush – £80
Brand new from trek comes the Air Rush. A different shape to the competition, slightly longer but thinner and lighter than the Airmach Pro. The 2 separate nozzles are included and stored easily, its also a very good price.



- Inflates up to 2 tyres on one charge
- Recharge in less than 1 hour
- Max air pressure: 120psi
- Measuring in at 80mm x 45mm x 32mm
- Weight: 108g
- Compatible with Big Bore, Presta & Schrader valves*
- Universal USB-C Connection
- Adapter hose included
Topeak e-Booster – £100
Probably the biggest and heaviest of all those we shortlisted but with the most power and biggest battery. Includes smarthead for easy use for different valves.



- Inflates up to 2 tyres on one charge
- Recharge in 45 minutes
- Max air pressure: 120psi
- Measuring in at 86mm x 59mm x 35mm
- Weight: 162g
- Universal USB-C Connection
- Adapter hose included
Summary
When we first tested the original Muc-off inflator there was a lot of discussion about a pressure gauge. Our initial thoughts were that weight and size were more important than a pressure gauge. Having tested all models the conclusion is that the gauge is super useful and probably worth compromising on weight and size if necessary.
In test we found the Topeak inflated a road tyre from 0 – 80psi in 1 min 9 seconds and would comfortably inflate 3 tyres. The TREK inflated the same tyre in 1 min 19 seconds and would comfortably inflate 2-3 tyres.
All 4 are great products from trusted brands, if you are happy with the price, extra size and weight then the Topeak e-Booster is the best inflator, biggest battery and most powerful option inflating quicker than the competition. If you still want a quality product but price, size and weight are more important then the Trek Air Rush is the way to go.