Silca is known for their premium products. Whether we're talking tools, floor pumps, sealant, chain wax, or any of their other products - they've built a reputation for top-shelf quality.
I'll be honest - I've never owned a Silca product... until now.
Last December I caved and embraced the finer things in life. Silca had recently come out with the Elettrico Mini inflator and half a dozen other brands also launched their own version of the product. We do well with Silca at The Pro's Closet, so we immediately jumped on board and began carrying this sweet new pump.
I try not to play the "it's new, I must have it" game. For my own personal collection I ask myself, are the current solutions really less convenient? I thought about carrying a clunky hand pump in a jersey and fully inflating a tire from zero on the side of a trail. 100 pumps later and you've maybe achieved 20psi. I thought about how wasteful (and costly) it is to blow through single-use CO2 cartridges each flat. It's costly, messy, and creates waste.
Both these things do kinda suck.
Alright Silca, you got me. I decided to join the cult and purchase my very first product from Silca.
The Silca Elettrico is rechargeable and comes in 2 sizes - each of which have their pros and cons. You have the choice between the smaller Silca Elettrico Mini Inflator Micro or Ultimate.
Photo Courtesy of Silca
Micro ($129):
Max PSI: 72 (will automatically tap out at 72psi)
Digital Gauge: No
Weight: 111g
Dimensions: 65 x 46.5 x 28 mm
Equivalent to 4 CO2 cartridges
[button]Shop Silca Elettrico Mini Inflator - Micro[/button]
Ultimate ($159):
PSI Range: 3-100psi (ability to set target psi with digital gauge)
Digital Gauge: Yes
Weight: 222g
Dimensions: 681 x 60 x 32 mm
Equivalent to 10 CO2 cartridges
[button]Shop Silca Mini Inflator - Ultimate[/button]
Photo Courtesy of Silca
The small drawback of both (and every electronic pump on the market currently):
They're loud.
This will likely be your first impression as well as anyone else nearby. Especially if the first time you turn it on is indoors. It seems to be the feedback for every brand's version of this product. It's a lot of power packed into a small package, so it makes sense, but it is alarming the first time you hear it. Once you're outside and the pump is attached to a valve stem it does quiet down a bit, but it's still a bit noisy.
Imagine an old school electric hair buzzer or tattoo gun.
Which one did I pick?
On paper, the choice seems pretty easy. An extra $30 for a digital gauge, more psi capability, and more than 2x charging capacity? Easily worth it. Well, I didn't spring for the big boy, and here's why:
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My Needs:
- I don't have any tires that I would inflate over 50psi
- The narrowest tire I run is a 38mm tubeless slick
- The gauge is nice, but in a pinch, not necessary. Most riders could get a decent sense of appropriate pressure to get them through a ride using the 'ole thumb on the tire
- It's not likely I'll be on a ride where I'll need 10 CO2's worth of refills - 4 seems plenty.
- I don't have any tires that I would inflate over 50psi
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Size:
- The micro feels significantly smaller, lighter and fits in a jersey or bib cargo pocket much nicer. This was the ultimate deciding factor for me.
Comparing the size of the Silca Elettrico Mini Inflator - Micro to a SRAM AXS battery
What would change my mind?
If I fell into any of the following circumstances, the Ultimate would easily be justified:
- If I had a bike with skinny roadie tires that needed higher than 70psi
- The micro maxes out at 70 psi
- If I always rode with a pack
- Size might be less of a concern with a pack and the added features may now outweigh (no pun intended) the bulk.
- If I was touring
- The 10x CO2 would be welcomed now, with much longer days in the middle of nowhere and less access to re-charging
- If I was the type of rider who really needed to know PSI
- There are some riders who want to know. For them, the gauge will be worth the extra cash.
Real Life Use:
I've used the Silca Elettrico a handful of times over the past 6 months and appreciated it more and more each use.
Both my wife and I struggled with persistent slow leaks on our tubeless setup for a bit, which resulted in the occasional mid-ride top off. So nice to not have to waste a CO2 for something like that.
I caught a piece of glass in my center tread recently. My tire sealant ultimately saved the day and did it's job, but I lost some tire pressure in the mean time. Topped it off with the Silca Elettrico and kept cruising on a speedy tire.
Also, bumped into a guy at the top of a trail that was suffering a slow leak on his MTB and dreading his descent on almost zero pressure. His hand pump was broken, but the Silca Elettrico saved the day. I saw him at the trail head later and he had a great, issue-free, session down. Yay Silca.
In conclusion:
After a solid 6 months with the Silca Elettrico mini inflator, I'd say it's worth it. In fact, I'm planning to buy a second one for the occasional times my wife and I are both out riding, but not together. It's one of those tools that once you have it, it's hard to leave home without.
Whether you decide to go with the Micro or Ultimate comes down more to do with your use-case rather than cost. The $30 up charge is negligible, but the size and features of each pump are tangible. My advice, don't just go with the more expensive option because more expensive must mean better. However, don't skimp out on features that may matter to you just to save $30. Choose the one that suites you best.
Photo Courtesy of Silca
It's a great gift idea...
The Silca Elettrico might be one of the coolest gift ideas for the rider in your life. The product is sleek and Silca has a premium reputation. That alone will elevate the gift and tell the cyclist on your list that you put some serious thought into it. It's incredible useful and when they have to use it on the trail or the side of the road they'll think of you and thank you for saving their butt - it's a gift that keeps on giving.
[button]Shop Silca Elettrico Mini Inflator[/button]
