28 replies to this topic

[Bad Boy]

Got tire changer and balancer on order. Next an air compressor.

My thought was to check out Craigslist and pick up something for around $100. Not knowing what to look for I ask you guys what do I need for setting the bead and filling new cycle tires? What should I be looking for or avoiding? I will use it for changing 6-12 cycle tires per year and occasionally topping off my car tires.

[Rice]

I use this guy: Craftsman 120 volt Air Compressor Inflator

Works great for both, m/c and cage tires.

[alwaysaware]

I have a Rigid two tank compressor that has two hose attachment locations, built in water filtration and is strong enough to run two nail guns at a time. The compressor is small enough to be hand carried yet produces psi like the big ones. Works like a charm. I had it for three years with no regrets. The best thing about Rigid is the lifetime warranty against factory defects.

Edited by alwaysaware, 02 January 2009 - 04:20 PM.

[rangerscott69]

Depends on how much room you want taken up. I have an 8 gallon oiled compressor I use. If you get a compressor compressor, make sure you install a filter and water seperater inline with the hose.

[Rivcyko]

Shame:

I'm using a H.F. Central Pnumatic 5 gal, 2 hp, 110 volt. Bought the 5 year extended. Just over 100 bucks.

Redemption:

I have beat the hell out of it, and,......well,....knock on wood.

Craigslist is prolly your first, best bet. But for new, cheap, I love my POS. It has more than paid for itself.

[jeremy556]

You can never have too much compressor.

Don't bother with oilless. They don't last, and they are LOUD.

You CAN seat beads with a 12v or small tire inflator type 120v, but having a tank makes it a LOT easier.

[gr8vfr]

I think mine is a Campbell/Hausfeld four gallon four horse power contractors grade.

I bought it for running multiple nail guns.
Once I moved here, I don't have access to 220v power to hook up my 60 gallon Ingersol Rand, so I use this.
It gets to 125psi fast!

If you are going to start doing other peoples tires, you will want a good compressor with high PSI.
Some wheels are hard to seat the tire... One that comes to mind is the RSV Mille' R.

Don't go cheap. You get what you pay for from Harbor Freight.

[Bad Boy]

You can never have too much compressor.

Don't bother with oilless. They don't last, and they are LOUD.

You CAN seat beads with a 12v or small tire inflater type 120v, but having a tank makes it a LOT easier.

How big of a tank starts to make it easier? On trips I found that our 12v portable inflater usually worked after plugging a flat but when the bead came loose on time it just did not work.
Many of the compressors I see for sale are for air tools and have 1 to 5 gallon tanks or double tanks. Or do I need larger capacity to force the bead to seat?

Oiled sounds better. I hate buying cheap crap that I have to replace in a few years. I can add oil.

[hondalover]

How big of a tank starts to make it easier? On trips I found that our 12v portable inflater usually worked after plugging a flat but when the bead came loose on time it just did not work.
Many of the compressors I see for sale are for air tools and have 1 to 5 gallon tanks or double tanks. Or do I need larger capacity to force the bead to seat?

Oiled sounds better. I hate buying cheap crap that I have to replace in a few years. I can add oil.

I would look for at least a 3-4 gallon for setting beads. If you happen upon ATV tires, they will give you the hardest time. You may think that you'll only use it for tires, but if you ever get a die-grinder hooked up to it you'll be waiting for the compressor more than you will be grinding.

Like rangerscott69 said, how much room do you want to take up? And if your budget is the $100 like for the CL one, keep on savin'.

[Bad Boy]

How big of a tank starts to make it easier? On trips I found that our 12v portable inflater usually worked after plugging a flat but when the bead came loose on time it just did not work.
Many of the compressors I see for sale are for air tools and have 1 to 5 gallon tanks or double tanks. Or do I need larger capacity to force the bead to seat?

Oiled sounds better. I hate buying cheap crap that I have to replace in a few years. I can add oil.

I would look for at least a 3-4 gallon for setting beads. If you happen upon ATV tires, they will give you the hardest time. You may think that you'll only use it for tires, but if you ever get a die-grinder hooked up to it you'll be waiting for the compressor more than you will be grinding.

Like rangerscott69 said, how much room do you want to take up? And if your budget is the $100 like for the CL one, keep on savin'.

Thank you for the advice. This is new to me.
I can make room or spend what it takes to get something that will work well. I would like to get just what I need with out getting more or spending more than I need for changing cycle tires. Craigslist can be a way saving money and get a better quality unit if I know a good deal when I see it. I need to do my homework.