Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just push a button and your tires were automatically inflated to the perfect pressure? That’s basically what ENVE is offering with their new Air Pressure Station. Technically though, the Air Pressure Station is just the regulator – you’ll still need an additional air compressor or bottled air system to make it all work.
While there are plenty of inflation devices out there, few offer a way to automatically inflate tires to a preset air pressure. Fewer still are geared towards the world of bicycles with the ability to seat tubeless tires, and work at both low and high pressures. The ENVE Air Pressure Station looks to offer all of those things while having a few other neat tricks up its sleeve.
To start, you’ll need an air compressor or bottled air system that is capable of 120-140psi. That system is then attached to the Inlet port of the Air Pressure Station (referred to as APS from here out). Note that while the Air Pressure Station includes ¼”x ¼” NPT Automotive & Industrial Style Fittings, you’ll need to supply the air supply hose and air supply hose fittings for it to work.
With the air supply connected to the APS, you are then able to dial in the desired pressure between 3 and 145 psi. As far as we know, no other automatic air pressure regulator comes close to that range. Most are either designed for low or high pressures, but not both. You’ll also have the ability to set three individual presets which could be useful for say, road, gravel, and MTB tire pressures.
Not sure what tire pressure to select? If you have an NFC compatible smart phone, the APS includes a scannable near field communication tag which brings up ENVE’s tire pressure charts in a flash. Pretty neat.
Once you’ve connected the 15′ hose with an adjustable ENVE x KCNC presta-valve chuck to your presta valve, the unit will provide hands-free automatic inflation to the preset pressures, and provide an audible indication that the tire is inflated. If the tire is completely flat or you’re setting a tubeless tire, there is a Flat Tire Override button which is designed to safely seat the tire. The APS is said to be accurate to +/- 0.5% of psi and is IP66 rated for complete weather protection. Because of that, it can be mounted to mobile service trucks or hardwired into your workshop. The APS doesn’t include any option for schrader valves, but it seems like you could can simply connect another longer hose with a schrader valve chuck for use on your vehicle or bikes without presta valves.
Now for the catch – as awesome as the APS is, you’ll have to pay for the convenience. The APS itself will run you $750, but remember that doesn’t include the air compressor and air inlet line, mounting hardware, etc. Add another $100-200 to the mix (at least), and you’re pushing $1,000 for the entire set up. But you’ll also never have to pick up a floor pump or a separate tire pressure gauge for perfect inflation again – as long as the APS is close by, and the compressor is running. Worth it? For shops and those inflating a lot of tires it certainly seems like it would be.
EACH AIR PRESSURE STATION INCLUDES:
• Quick Start Guide
• Inflation unit with air supply inlet and outlet fittings
• Power cord
• 15ft. coiled output air hose
• ENVE x KCNC Adjustable Presta-Valve Air Chuck
• ¼”x ¼” NPT Automotive & Industrial Style Fittings
• Wall mount bracket and hardware to attach bracket to unit
NOT INCLUDED BUT REQUIRED:
• Air compressor or bottled air
• Bottled air regulator (if using bottled air)
• Compressed air supply hose
• Air supply hose fittings
• Wall mount hardware – is not included as there are too many surfaces and customized ways this unit can be mounted. Be sure to use the appropriate hardware and anchors for the surface you intend to mount the unit to.)
Learn more at Enve.com.