Compressors are a godsend for seating tubeless tyres, but they’re often a bit bulky to carry around in your car.
We’ve been testing out the Viair TLC PRO Compressor Kit. The American company is well known for big time air compressors, traditionally in the 4×4 space. Viair has specifically designed the compact TLC PRO edition for bikes.
There’s a couple of other portable compressors in the Viair bike range, the LITE and the PLUS. These are both lighter, smaller and cheaper than the PRO, and they don’t come with as many accessories. We’ve also tested out a much smaller portable tyre inflator from Viair.
Measuring 276x148x190mm and weighing just over 5kg, the Viair TLC PRO compressor is still fairly compact. The kit fits neatly into its ‘Deluxe’ carry bag, a very flattering accessory to carry around. You’ll get a lot of compliments.
And yet the 12V compressor packs a real punch, to the tune of 150psi in a quarter-gallon tank. Golly, what a mix of metric and imperial we have here.
Putting units of measurement aside, the TLC PRO is gutsy enough for users to setup tubeless, inflate vehicle tyres, blow out the cobwebs, and even use air tools in a roadside emergency.
The shop-style inflator has a 160psi gauge, and the kit comes with attachments for Schrader and Presta valves, as well as a blow gun, so you can give your bike a quick dust off.
We’ve chosen to run it off a dual battery setup, wiring it to an Anderson plug so it can be permanently installed. With a 9m air hose, you’ve got plenty of flexibility as to where you might mount it. But if you don’t like being tied down, there’s a 2.4m 2-pin power connection, with options to connect to battery terminals or clamp it.
If you’re using the car’s starter battery, make sure the engine is running for goodness’ sake!
The compressor works well, providing enough volume to install tubeless tyres. It feels stable on its base, and the oilless motor makes it a cinch to use and maintain. It’s backed up by a one-year warranty.
Overall, the Viair TLC PRO is a great compact compressor for the keen mountain biker, whether you’re out in the middle of nowhere or just wanting to setup tubeless at home.
There’s cheaper compressors out there, but this one has enough grunt for the job, at a size small enough to be out of the way. Plus, who doesn’t want a tan coloured ‘Deluxe’ bag?
