THIS SITE USES GOOGLE ANALYTICS TO ANALYSE TRAFFIC. CONTINUING TO USE THIS SITE MEANS YOU ACCEPT THE USE OF COOKIES. LEARN MORE OR SEE OUR PRIVACY POLICY
SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE: APRIL 25th
HOW DO WE REACH THE OVERALL RATINGS FOR PRODUCTS WE REVIEW?
Muc-Off Airmach Electric Mini Inflator Pro
171g £100
The Muc-off Airmach Electric Mini Inflator Pro, is to some extent, what I felt the otherwise very likeable (and still regularly used) Airmach Electric Mini Inflator I reviewed back in January should’ve been. There’s little between them size-wise and the Pro features a bigger battery and a very legible digital pressure gauge. It also charges remarkably quickly and will manage two big volume tyres to higher pressures, while various adaptors ensure its compatible with most valves, including TPU types, which are more vulnerable to heat damage.
​
Pros: Intuitive to use, compact but powerful, quick charging & decent run times.
​
Cons: Vibrates and gets warmer than some bigger models.
Specification
Measuring 64.5x632x28mm, its virtually the same size as its Air Mach Electric Mini Inflator and uses similar technology, specifically, a brushless motor, popular because of their efficiency and relative quiet. The CNC machined body serves to protect the internals from accidental knocks, while doubling as a heat sink, giving the bigger (7.4V 450mAh) fit and forget Lithium-Ion battery and switchgear the best chance of long and useful lives.
Muc-Off has also managed to cram in a useful, easy to read digital pressure gauge that will measure psi and bar up to 120psi/8.2bar. You set the desired pressure, and the auto cut out shuts off when this is reached. This time round, there’s also a hose and adaptors for Schrader and ball valves. Muc-Off cite 4 tyres from a full charge. 700x25 to 80psi, specifically. But it will also do a few rounds with bigger volume gravel and mountain bike rubber, too.
​
Again, it nestles in an embossed, removable silicone pouch, which adds some further protection but also serves to protect the hands against heat buildup. Staying with this a moment, TPU valves can easily melt - you can pop on and off to mitigate this risk, but the hose virtually renders this the stuff of urban myth. This and the accessories all fit nicely inside a water-resistant zip lock type bag for convenience and additional protection. Oh and no issues fitting it inside most jersey pockets, wedge packs, bar bags etc.
Ease of use 3.75/5
In common with its sibling, I’ve found the Pro very intuitive to use, but it’s well worth familiarising yourself with the easy-to-follow instructions and giving it a proper charge before heading out to the arse end of nowhere. Straight from the box, it’s setup for Presta valves. The crescent shaped power button is opposite the USB C charge port. It’s sensibly positive and requires a sustained press, this will bring the display to life. Pressing the +and – buttons together toggle between PSI and BAR, and from here, you can adjust the desired pressure up, or down. There’s a memory function, so that’s the pressure you’ll get next time you reach for it.
​
Either attach the hose or carefully push onto your valve and hold steady while the compressor does its thing-rapidly. As I suggested earlier, it does get quite warm, especially if you’re bringing bigger volume tyres to the higher end of their pressure range. Not painfully so, especially wearing mitts, or full-finger gloves but I’d not leave home without the silicone sleeve. Oh, and don’t touch the CNC machined valve head-I did and singed my digits!
​
Unlike some bigger units, such as the Cyc Plus AS2 Pro Max, the vibration is more obvious, and I’ve found myself needing to adjust the valve very subtly during inflation to prevent subtle, though unwanted pressure bleed.
​
A moot point with the extension hose, mind. The display is similarly well proportioned, bright and easy to read, even in intense sunlight. Besides, the auto cutout will ensure you don’t blow tubes to smithereens-assuming you’ve not pinched it during fitment. Come on, we’ve all been there.
Charge & run times 3.75/5
Given the proportionally bigger battery, I was pleasantly surprised by how rapidly it charged - 30 minutes from the mains and though it took a good while longer, dynamo USB chargers such as this K-Lite Ultra will also do the business (with the lamps off, obviously) making it a practical option for touring, endurance rides, bike-packing etc.
​
True to claims, in spring like temperatures, it will raise two 700x25c tyres to 120psi apiece before running out of grunt-Its only died on me once, when I’d finished raising a 26x1.95 from pancake flat to 58psi and then deciding I’d better top up a 26x2.3. I should also point out I was down to two bars before I’d started with the 26x1.95.
The user-friendly charge indicator is more nuanced, dare I say useful than the simpler green/red gauge employed by its humbler sibling. This means you’ll have a better idea of how much you’ve got to play with and whether you reach for a traditional pump. That said, even allowing for battery quality, bargain on reduced operating times when the temperatures tank closer to zero. Besides, with the speedy refuelling, there’s no excuse for not keeping it topped up.
Performance 3.75/5
Increasing the battery size and adding an intelligent gauge has made a huge difference and inflation times align very closely to those cited by Muc-Off. I’ve tested ours with 700x25c, 700x32, 700x32, 700x40, 26x1.95, 26x2.3 and 16x1.95- a broad, albeit not totally comprehensive range. I managed two 700x25c from zero to 120 from a full charge and approximately 70 seconds apiece.
​
On the road, you could always go to 100 (or 90, depending on the recommended range) and conserve some battery power for emergencies, or to protect it from total discharge). I was pleasantly surprised to discover it managed 0-80psi in this Pirelli Angel DT Urban and 0-105psi into a 700x28mm Schwalbe One365 with a solid, single bar (roughly 30% charge) remaining.
Arguably more surprising was that I was able to raise a Maxxis Ravager (700x40c) and a Continental Cross King (both tubeless compatible but running butyl tubes) to 55 psi apiece with two bars still showing.
This would also allow for topping up, say a trailer tyre mid tour following a flat, or two on the bike.
​
A 16x1.75 went from 0-55 in 65 seconds. Though not unduly so, in common with other mini compressors, it does vibrate and make a fair bit of din. The latter is not going to be an issue along a country lane, or bridleway, but might not win friends among neighbours, say if you’ve realised your tyres could do with a few psi before heading out for a ride during unsocial hours.
​
Thanks to the positive switch, I’m yet to find ours powering up while bouncing around a pannier along lumpy lanes and trails. No issues with stubby, or willowy valve stems and if you find you’ve left the extension at home, it’s possible to inflate a TPU type by doing so in short bursts. Indeed, doing so across the board has a positive impact upon generated heat.
Care & durability 3.5/5
In keeping with others at this end of the market, the Muc-Off Airmach Electric Mini Inflator Pro is solidly made and well-sealed from the elements and I’ve had no issues using it in the rain.
​
That said, I’d be keeping it within the water repelling baggie and within a similarly water repellent wedge pack, or bar bag-especially on wet gravel, or mountain bike excursions, let alone river crossings. Spare rubber valve seal and O’ring come with the pack and other parts can be acquired via Muc-Off’s customer service team.
​
Muc-Off tell me battery capacity will dip 10% after 300 charge/discharge cycles, so a few years, with moderate use. Ensuring the battery doesn’t dip below 70% (2 bars) too regularly will do it a big favour.
Value 3.5/5
£100, though hardly small change is in line with others. The Cyc Plus AS2 Pro Tiny E-Pump comes in at £103 had a similarly useful gauge and accessories as standard. It also charges in 30minutes. However, Steve found it would only manage two full inflations, whereas I’ve found the Muc-Off Airmach Electric Mini Inflator Pro has consistently had a little in reserve, even with bigger section tyres.
The Cyc Plus AS2 Pro Max E Pump remains my personal favourite and thanks to the larger battery, will do more tyres from a single charge. However, while not unduly long, charge times are double that of the Muc-Off Airmach models, it’s also a little heavier and palpably bulkier in a jersey pocket. Fumpa Pumps Mini Fumpa Bike Pump (shown below beside the Muc-Off Airmach Electric Mini Inflator Pro) is £109 (although we’ve seen it discounted online).
It is also capable of 120psi, will inflate 2-3 tyres from a single charge and features a user replaceable battery, which has some obvious benefits long term. However, there’s no gauge and, as with the Cyc Plus AS2 Pro Max, charge times are twice that of the Muc-Off models.
Summary
I stand by my opening statement that the Muc-Off Airmach Electric Mini Inflator Pro is a marked improvement upon a generally likeable design. One offering excellent value for money alongside similar competition. On balance, the Cyc Plus AS2 Pro Max has a slight edge when it comes to run times and refinement. Nonetheless, the Muc-Off Airmach Electric Mini Inflator Pro is a few grams lighter and a better fit in jersey pockets.
Verdict: 3.75/5 Competitively priced and very capable mini-inflator with rapid charging.
Michael Stenning
Muc-Off UK | Bicycle & Motorcycle Cleaning | Lube | Tubeless
PUBLISHED APRIL 2025
