Bicycle Mechanics - Is it bad to use an air compressor for bike tires?

I just bought my first "good" road bike and on my previous bikes I've always used my electric air compressor to fill the tires. The guy at my LBS was really pushing me to buy a hand pump but I didnt' have the $ at the time. So do I need to go get a hand pump or is it fine to continue using an air compressor with a pressure guage built in?

Thanks!

I owned a shop and routinely used an air compressor. I set the limit to the exact amount that I wanted in the tire, and then I would let it rip. It won't cause any problems.

120 psi, delivered instantly. :D

Air Bob

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

Also works on Schrader valves without flipping the nozzle.

Just take into account that the pressure gauge on cheap air compressors can be off by a lot of psi.

I would pump up a bit and check the pressure with a tire gauge or something to see if your compressor reading is close.

I do it all the time, just set the regulator and have at it.

If you don't have a regulator or gauge, just keep your thumb pressed into the tire while inflating and add air in small increments until it "feels right". Handy tip for gas stations that may have higher pressure and/or missing or inaccurate gauges.