PCL debuts bike air tower

Pneumatics specialist PCL has extended its tyre inflation portfolio with the introduction of the UK’s first air tower for bicycle tyres. The Digital Bicycle Tyre Inflator is designed for public use and available across Europe and worldwide, including the Far East.

The unit incorporates a 5.5 bar compressor and an easy-to-read display and instructions. It was developed following extensive research in the UK, and PCL notes that no comparable product is available here at present. To use the Digital Bicycle Tyre Inflator, all a cyclist must do is hang the bike at the side of the machine, connect the dual valve connector and enter the desired pressure. Then the unit does the hard work of inflating the tyres, eliminating the laborious and time-consuming task of manual pumping.

The tower is available as free vend or with card payment facilities for revenue generation. Created to withstand harsh environments, the digital inflator is manufactured from stainless steel and features a 240V power connection, heavy-duty tyre connector and reinforced coiled hose.

Sidebars on the towers have been tested to securely carry the heaviest and lightest cycle, and tools are also available to help with any unexpected repairs. “This means riders can travel lighter, leaving repair kits and pumps at home. For professional cyclists this could add valuable seconds to performance,” comments PCL.

Equipment for a range of markets

According to PCL, this latest advancement into the leisure market underlines the company’s expertise in manufacturing ground-breaking equipment for a wide range of markets, from automotive to aviation. It follows the recent launch of the Sports Ball Inflation Station, a plug and go mobile cart that can service up to four balls at once via an on-board air supply – ideal for outlets such as sports retailers.

“We are really excited about the launch of our Digital Bicycle Tyre Inflator as there is nothing like it on the UK market,” says Lee Wright, PCL managing director. “This is a new and advanced product that will make cycling safer and more enjoyable for all riders, from the novice to the experienced or professional cyclist.

“We know a lot of people give up cycling due to the inconvenience of maintenance, so we want to help make sure they don’t by providing equipment that can be installed in places that bike riders frequent or pass by.

“The tower is equipped with an onboard compressor and flow reduction safety valves, so the cyclist can choose the correct psi and feel confident their tyres will be inflated accurately and safely, whilst removing the time and effort required to manually pump up tyres themselves.”

Wright concludes: “This product comes fully tested with the PCL guarantee and has the brand’s pedigree DNA running through it. Therefore, users can be assured that inflating their tyres with our new Digital Bicycle Tyre Inflator will be as easy as riding a bike.”