Could You Guys Help Me Find a Deal on an Air Compressor for Bikes and Cleaning PCs?

Well, long story short, my brother left me with a bike that's out of my league (it's nothing too fancy, but it's a road bike that's apparently $1000~2000, that he've managed to get for $400). The tyres are losing air, so I've been thinking about getting a pump (which I have no clue what to get as well). Bikes have not been part of my life for few years and I've never owned a road bike.

Anyways, since I need to grab another can of compressed air for cleaning rather archaic PC (that have not been cleaned for 5 years), I thought about getting an air compressor that can be used for both (I'd probably get the attachment that traps moisture as well). I have no clue what to get, things that are within my budget seems to require cigar jack and therefore, I need help.

TL;DR, I need to get an air compressor for a bike and cleaning PCs, any recommendations/deals?

Comments

  • Part 1: Cheapest solution = Air pump at your local Servo. Air is air. A cheap hand pump from ebay will also work. A $400 carbon fibre pump will work too. Better solution = replace the tube. no more losing air.

    Part 2: Is the computer broken? No? Don't bother. Some people (want to) confuse electronics with mechanical car maintenance, because they got $$$ burning holes in their pockets. Still want to clean? Deep breath now… blow!!

    • Holy shit this is riddled with bad advice…

      Re Part : Don't replace the tube, you will lose a small amount of air even when the tube is in perfect condition, grab a $10 hand pump from your local bike shop, or just a random one on ebay. Otherwise grab a nice floor pump for $35 or so, which will be nicer if you need to re-inflate a tire completely or something. Get one with a Presta valve, if it's a good road bike there is a 90% chance it'll have a presta valve.

      Re Part 2: Of course you should get the dust out of your computer, it'll run cooler and be less of a fire risk. Never blow on computer components, the moisture in your breath can cause severe damage. Get a $5 can of compressed air, other than buying a rechargeable computer specific can it's the only option.

      Good luck.

      • the moisture in your breath can cause severe damage

        yes, if you are a spotty teenager with a mouthful of Monster that can happen.

        less risk of fire

        There is no dust fires either. When was the last time u saw this?? I'll give u a million dollars for each occasion. Stop being such a drama queen.

        • -1

          In completely dry seeming breath, there is enough moisture to cause damage. Dust isn't the cause of fire's but it feeds them, if you don't care about the fire aspect then the computer still runs much cooler with no dust.

      • Since I have been going 1 can per PC (well 2 PC but I ended up running out while cleaning the second one), I thought it might be worth investing on something that's long term. Do you have any recommendation?

      • Paying for air? Anyone seen The Lorax http://m.imdb.com/title/tt1482459/

        Show me one one computer repair technician who pays $10 for a can of air. C'mon guys.

        Unless you are woking with nano particles assembling soc's in a laboratory etc. you dont need to pay for air. I usually use a small painbrush and handheld vacuum cleaner to de-dust my equipment.

    • Thanks for the advice, but I don't think the tube is the issue since I've filled it up and then left it in the bike shed (I don't think the tube got punctured, and the bike shop owner who I've talked to was saying that bike lose some air anyways naturally so it's better to invest on a pump).

      Also, even if cleaning doesn't improve performance (which I do think is true, it makes the computer to be less heated), I really need to clean that archaic one. I have to open it up at one point to replace HDD with SSD, and the dust build up in it from brief glance reminds me of icing on carrot cakes (in other words, it's like 5mm~10mm think on every components of the PC).

  • Something like this on special for $118:

    Blackridge Air Compressor Direct Drive 2.0HP - 95LPM
    Blackridge Accessory Air Tool Kit - 21 Piece

    Maybe even this for $39.95:

    Ozito 12V DC Digital Mini Compresser

    It says it does 100psi.. I don't believe it (in Victor Meldrew's voice).

    • Thank you so much for the recommendation. Out of curiousity, how strong would 100psi be? I kind of am clueless on these area…

      • +1

        Pretty strong, you'll be able to dislodge most dust particles @ 50-80psi depending on the nozzle. Just use a vacuum first, and during to collect the dust. Obviously be very careful around the components - you don't want to put too much force (especially on the fans/blades depending on how old/fragile they are). Primarily you want to dislodge the dust from between the fans/heatsinks.

        Road tires typically require 80 to 130 psi, mountain tires 30 to 50 psi and hybrid tires 50 to 70 psi. Source.

        • Thank you so much for the reply, I am assuming that at least for cleaning purposes, the mini compressor looks adequate? (though I may need to get a pump for the bike).

        • +1

          @AznMitch: It really does depend on the volume.. @ 80psi, it may take you a while to clean the computer. I've only ever used compressors like the one from SuperCheapAuto.

          It would be more adequate for your bike than the computer (less volume required in a bike tyre).

          If you had time, you could ask a rep at Bunnings and if it doesn't do the job, take it back.

        • @rompastompa: Thank you so much. :)

          Just out of curiousity, would something like this work with that mini compressor?

        • @AznMitch: That filter takes a 1/4" BSP Connector. The mini compressor pdf doesn't mention anything about the connectors, so I'd assume it would be designed for their own accessories. I'm assuming you want to make sure no liquid goes on your computer. If you do it at a distance, most will evaporate before it gets to the board. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Compressed air cans are worse for liquid (in my experience).

          Personally, I would go for the SuperCheapAuto compressor. Though, it'll take up lots of space and make lots of noise.

        • @rompastompa: Space is slightly concerning for me since I have no space for it, yet at least.

        • @AznMitch: Yea, the 12V is going to be the better option then ;) I haven't used one before, found it when I was looking for compressors on Bunning's website. Good luck!

        • @rompastompa: Thank you so much for the help :)

  • Might find a good deal with the 20% ebay

    1. Buy literally any $20-30 pump from Supercheap Auto or similar. Or go to a refuse tip and grab one off a bike somebody's ditched :)
    2. Use cans of compressed air.
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