BriskMore Black CO2 Inflator Presta Schrader Review
You’re out on a long ride, the sun is perfect, the trail is flowing, and then, hiss. The dreaded flat. I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit, which is why I started looking for a reliable emergency inflation tool that doesn’t weigh me down or cost a fortune.
After digging through hundreds of user reviews and specs, the BriskMore Black CO2 Inflator Presta and Schrader Valve Compatible kept popping up as the smart, affordable choice for riders who want a simple backup.
If you’re a cyclist who values speed and portability over a manual pump, this little device is worth your attention. It’s not a full replacement for a floor pump, but for getting you home in minutes, it’s hard to beat. Let’s walk through what makes it tick, who it’s best for, and where it falls short.
What it is
A CO2 inflator is a small, lightweight device that screws onto a disposable cartridge of compressed carbon dioxide. When you open the valve, the gas rushes into your tire, filling it in seconds. The BriskMore Black CO2 Inflator is a dedicated head that accepts both Presta and Schrader valves without needing an adapter.
It comes with a neoprene sleeve to keep your fingers from freezing during use. Compared to brands like Genuine Innovations or Lezyne, the BriskMore sits in the budget-friendly tier, but the aggregate feedback from hundreds of cyclists says it performs just as well as models costing twice as much.
Setup & first impressions
Out of the box, the BriskMore is refreshingly simple. You get the brass inflator head, a neoprene sleeve, and a small instruction card. No CO2 cartridges are included, which is standard for this price point.
Expect to buy a pack of 16g or 25g threaded cartridges separately. Verified buyers across many reviews mention that the brass head feels solid and the threads are clean. The sleeve is thin but provides enough grip to turn the head without burning your fingers.
The first time you attach it, you’ll notice the o-ring inside the head seals well against the cartridge. A common tip from user reports: screw the head onto the cartridge first, then attach it to the valve, then crack the cartridge by tightening the head. This prevents accidental gas loss.
The whole process takes about 30 seconds once you’ve done it once.
| Material | Brass head, aluminum body, neoprene sleeve |
| Valve compatibility | Presta and Schrader (no adapter needed) |
| Weight | 1.5 oz (42 g) head only |
| Cartridge size supported | 16g and 25g threaded CO2 cartridges |
| Overall length | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Included accessories | Neoprene sleeve, no cartridges |
| Warranty | 1 year limited (manufacturer) |
Daily-use experience
Performance
The primary job of a CO2 inflator is to fill a flat tire fast, and the BriskMore delivers. With a 16g cartridge, user reports consistently show that a standard 700x25c road tire goes from completely flat to 80-90 psi in about 5-7 seconds. A 25g cartridge handles a 2.2-inch mountain bike tire to roughly 30 psi in the same time.
The flow is smooth and the head doesn’t freeze up as badly as some cheaper models, thanks to the brass construction which dissipates cold better than plastic. That said, you lose about 10-15% of the gas if you don’t seat the cartridge quickly, so practice at home before you need it.
Ease of use
The dual-valve head is the standout feature here. It works with Presta and Schrader without any flip or adapter. You just push it onto the valve and tighten the thumb screw.
Verified buyers mention that the thumb screw is wide enough to get a good grip, even with gloves. The neoprene sleeve slides over the cartridge and protects your fingers from the extreme cold that comes with rapid CO2 expansion. A common complaint is that the sleeve is a bit thin and can tear if you’re not careful, but it’s cheap to replace.
Overall, the learning curve is minimal.
Portability
This inflator is tiny. The head alone is barely three inches long, and with a 16g cartridge it’s about the size of a small energy bar. It fits easily in a jersey pocket, a saddlebag, or even a hydration pack.
The weight is negligible. Many riders carry two cartridges and the head in a small ziplock bag to keep everything dry. It’s light enough that you won’t notice it until you need it.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Affordable price point — costs less than a single replacement inner tube, yet does the critical job of getting you back on the road
- Dual valve compatibility (Presta and Schrader) without extra parts — perfect for households with both road and mountain bikes
- Compact and lightweight — fits in a jersey pocket and adds almost no weight to your ride
- Brass construction resists wear and stays sealing well over many cartridge changes
- Included neoprene sleeve prevents frostbite during rapid CO2 discharge
✗ Cons
- No CO2 cartridges included — you must buy them separately, adding to the initial cost
- Single-use per cartridge — you can’t stop the flow mid-inflation, so you’ll waste gas if you overestimate
- Neoprene sleeve is thin and may tear after a few uses; some users replace it with a piece of old inner tube
- Not ideal for cold weather riding — CO2 pressure drops in low temperatures, leaving tires underinflated
Score breakdown
Who should buy it
Buy it if you…
You’re a road or mountain cyclist who wants a lightweight, no-fuss emergency inflation tool. If you’ve ever had to wrestle with a mini pump on a busy road shoulder, you’ll appreciate the 5-second fill time of CO2. The BriskMore is also a great choice for riders who own multiple bikes with different valve types, the dual head saves you from carrying two inflators.
It’s cheap enough that you can buy one for each bike bag and never have to swap.
Skip it if you…
You prefer a manual pump that never runs out of gas. CO2 cartridges are disposable and cost about $1-2 each, so if you ride frequently and get flats often, the ongoing expense adds up. Also, if you ride in sub-zero temperatures, CO2 loses pressure when cold, so your tire might feel soft after a few minutes.
In that case, a frame pump or a mini pump is more reliable. And if you use tubeless tires, CO2 can freeze the sealant, so proceed with caution.
Better alternatives
If you want a more premium feel with a built-in pressure gauge, check out the Genuine Innovations Air Chuck. It’s a bit pricier but offers a flip-style head. For a minimalist option that’s even lighter, the Lezyne Control Drive CO2 is a great choice, though it costs more and requires a separate head for each valve type.
Both are excellent, but the BriskMore offers the best value for most riders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does it work with both Presta and Schrader valves without an adapter?
Yes, the head is designed to accept both valve types directly. You simply push the head onto the valve and tighten the thumb screw. The internal rubber seal grips both types snugly.
Verified buyers confirm it works well with standard Presta and Schrader valves on road and mountain bikes.
What size CO2 cartridges should I use?
The BriskMore works with threaded 16g and 25g cartridges. A 16g cartridge is enough for a road tire (up to about 100 psi). For a 2.2-2.4 inch mountain bike tire, you’ll want a 25g cartridge to get to 30-35 psi.
A 16g will only get you to about 20 psi on a fat tire, which is rideable but risky.
Can I reuse the inflator head after the cartridge is empty?
Yes, the head is reusable. You just unscrew the empty cartridge and screw on a new one. The brass threads hold up well over many changes.
The o-ring inside the head may wear out after a few dozen uses, but replacements are cheap.
Is it safe for tubeless tires?
CO2 can be used for tubeless tires, but there’s a catch. The rapid expansion of CO2 can freeze the sealant, causing it to coagulate and not seal properly. It’s better to use a regular pump for tubeless setups.
If you’re in a pinch, CO2 will get you home, but you may need to re-seat the bead and add fresh sealant later.
How do I attach it without wasting gas?
The recommended technique from experienced users: screw the head onto the cartridge first (just snug, not tight), then attach the head to the valve and tighten the thumb screw. Finally, turn the head to pierce the cartridge. This minimises gas loss.
Practice at home before you need it.
Final verdict
4.5 / 5 stars
The BriskMore Black CO2 Inflator is a smart, budget-friendly solution for cyclists who want a reliable emergency inflation tool. It’s small enough to carry every ride, works with both valve types, and gets the job done in seconds. The only real downsides are the lack of included cartridges and the single-use nature of CO2, but those are inherent to the category.
For the price, you won’t find a better balance of performance, portability, and value.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes my recommendation, I only suggest gear I’d actually buy myself.
1. BriskMore Black CO2 Inflator Presta Schrader
If you’re replacing a bulky old pump or just want a backup that fits in your jersey, this is the one. Pair it with a pack of 16g cartridges and you’re set for the season.
