Bicycle Mechanics - using compressor to air up road bike tires

Are there any problems using a 150 psi compressor to air up tires? Can I purchase a brass presta/schraeder adaptor like bike shops use? Any thoughts and advice is appreciated.

Thanks

I sometimes use my air compressor to air up tires. But the key is to have a controlled situation where you know how much pressure is in the air hose. My compressor automatically keeps the air tank between something like 105-130 psi. So I can set the hose pressure to 95 psi for tires I want to air up to 95 psi, for example, and then all I have to do is connect the chuck to the valve stem (yes, you can use a presta to schrader adapter) on the tire and let the air in the hose equalize with the air in the tire, instant 95 psi in the tire. But if you're saying you've got 150 psi in the air hose, or you don't know how much pressure is in the hose, that could be a recipe for blowing your tube and blowing the tire off the rim. As long as you can set the air pressure in the hose to whatever pressure you want in your tires, it's fine. Otherwise, especially on low volume road tires, you're likely to have too much air rush into the tire too fast and.......boom-

Most compressors psi can be adjusted so you don't need to worry about blowing a tire off a rim. Go as slow as possible at first and check your bead. After a few times you'll be a pro at it.
Yes you can buy an adaptor at just about any bike shop most sell them for a dollar. You can also buy a Silca Presta Chuck and attach it to your existing hose.

One other thing to consider. If this is your own compressor then it probably isn't an issue, but many large compressors (and the system of air tubes that connects to them) can get a large volume of water vapor and actually water in them. Make sure the air is dried.

The shop I work at uses a compressor. We also have a guage that we use to make sure no one does anything stupid.

I think it is a great idea to use a compressor.

http://www.notubes.com/images/air_bob_big.jpg
Air Bob (http://www.notubes.com/product_info.php/cPath/21_60/products_id/335)

The term is air pressure regulator. I use one on my crusier fleet at work. I keep the regulator set at 40 psi and have yet to blow a tire off a rim. BTW, 40 psi is the recommended max on those beach beasts.

I've also used it with my road bike cranked up to 120 psi. Never blown one of those tires off either with the compressor. Condensation is a problem, but I maintain mine and drain the water every two weeks.

Air Bob is nice, and it should be for $90. I made this for less than $20:

http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/53/553/9/77/78/2312977780068014369vDTsYE_th.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2312977780068014369vDTsYE)

It's all I ever use. I keep my regulator set at 95#. It does have a water filter. I drain the tank once in a while. It's a 40 gallon 5hp compressor. I have it permanently installed in a cabinet outside because it's really loud.

Like everyone said on the other forum where you posted this question, just buy a freakin floor pump. It shouldn't be that physically tough to pump up a tire, you ought to before for every ride or two.

But, yes if you really want a compressor go for it. You can regulate the outbound psi. I do it all the time when I service irrigation systems at work. Just seems like a bit of a hassle to get everything set up and charge the tank just to pump up a tiny bike tire.

Thanks for the info and the cautions. I have a floor pump and a compressor and I air up before every ride. I just thought that since I have a compressor sitting in my garage, I might as well use that to air up. I especially like the Air Bob and dirtdrop's contribution.

Thanks again

Air Bob is nice, and it should be for $90. I made this for less than $20:

http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/53/553/9/77/78/2312977780068014369vDTsYE_th.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2312977780068014369vDTsYE)

It's all I ever use. I keep my regulator set at 95#. It does have a water filter. I drain the tank once in a while. It's a 40 gallon 5hp compressor. I have it permanently installed in a cabinet outside because it's really loud.

Yeah, that's what I did for cheap too. Works great. Amazing how we all hack our way to the same solution, huh?

I keep my compressor at about 130 psi, and just edge up to the pressure I want by tapping the blower. I rarely check actual pressure, as I can feel it to within 5psi anyway.

Regarding people who think it's just as easy to use a floor pump, you just haven't tried or don't have a compressor. I have my garage plumbed from my woodshop, and the hose hangs in between all my bikes. Before a ride, I just pull the hose, twist the valves open, pssssst pssssst, unhook bike and ride. It seriously takes about 15 seconds to top off two tires. Nothing to put away, as the hose just hangs there all the time. I don't have to balance my bike, or worry about which way the wheels are turned for valve access or hose reach, or deal with the pump head partially seating. It's much more convenient.

I use a straight air hose and chuck(sp). I fill it up to hand firm, then slowly in increments, til it feels right, by putting half my weight onto top of the tire. Been doing it for years without many problems. Air pressure is very dependent on body weight in my opinion.,,,,BD

Before a ride, I just pull the hose, twist the valves open, pssssst pssssst, unhook bike and ride. It seriously takes about 15 seconds to top off two tires.
Yep. Way worth it to me.

I've got one of those self-rewinding hose reels mounted on the wall. The hose tends to knock things over, so I plan to move it to the rafters one of these days.
http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/56/156/8/70/69/519987069QFzHEY_th.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1519987069068014369QFzHEY)