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Planet Bike Red Zepplin
April 21, 2010
Let's face it: getting a flat tire is not fun. But even worse than the flat tire itself, it's the time it takes to get your bike rolling again that really takes the fun out of your ride. Just a few weeks ago I was out riding when, of course, I got a flat. It was then, after the grueling process of replacing the tube, filling the tire with a mini pump, realizing that my tube was faulty, and having to do the whole thing again, that I realized just how convenient CO2 pumps really are. Planet Bike's Red Zeppelin CO2 pump is a compact and well designed tool that is great at doing what it is meant for: getting you rolling after a flat, and quickly.
If there's one thing that Planet Bike can do well, it's take simple everyday tools and make them great, and the Red Zeppelin is certainly no exception. This small and lightweight CO2 pump has a metal body, and very few plastic parts, making it very sturdy and durable. The design of this pump fits comfortably in your hand, has easy to handle parts, and is compact enough for a jersey pocket or a seat bag.
This pump is designed with the cyclist in mind, and it is these features that make the Red Zeppelin such a reliable piece of equipment. The Red Zeppelin pump works on both Presta and Shrader valves, and threads on to either type of valve stem to insure no air is lost. It also features Planet Bike's trademark "Airflation Control" knob, allowing for maximum control over the air being released. This knob is a really good feature for any CO2 pump, because it is the best way to monitor the air entering into your tire and it ensures no matter how much air is being released, that it is all going through the valve stem.
The only problem with the Red Zeppelin is a problem I have with any CO2 inflators, which is that CO2 cartridges are good for only a single use. Also, as with any CO2 pumps, there is always the possibility of failed inflation if the pump is not set up properly, and if you don't have a back up plan, you may be walking home.
Planet Bike's Red Zeppelin is a very useful tool, and includes many features that make this CO2 pump one of the best I have ever used. It is compact and lightweight, yet extremely durable, and has a simple design that does its job well. The Red Zeppelin is a must-have for anyone who, like me, does not have the patience to use a pump to fix a flat tire.
Price: $19.99 USD
Details: CO2 tire inflation
Pros: Lightweight, compact, easy to use
Cons: Single use CO2 catridges
Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars
Planet Bike
Reviewed by: Hannah