In what seems like an arms race of electric tire inflators, Silca is the next brand to join the fray with the launch of two new pumps: the Elettrico Ultimate and Elettrico Micro. That is, unless you’re based in the United States. With current US tariffs on imported Chinese goods (the country of origin for Elettricos), Silca reluctantly decided to largely abandon the product release for its home market rather than absorb the significant additional import fees or pass them along to customers. Just 100 sample Elettrico Micro and Elettrico Ultimates will be available in the US at launch (US$119/$159), which the brand blamed on what it called the "significant impact" of US tariff policy.
“These products are not economically viable for sale within the US market currently," said Silca in a press release announcing the launch, which means that "unfortunately, Silca's largest historical market will not have immediate access" to the new inflators.
They will launch internationally as planned. Suggested retail for the Elettrico Micro and Ultimate, respectively, is CAD$200 / $240; €139 / €179; AUS$179 / $219; and £119 / £149. The two pumps share many features, including a USB-C rechargeable battery and Presta and Schrader compatibility. The Ultimate has a digital display that the user pre-sets to a 3-100 psi range (auto shutoff) and is accurate to a claimed ~1%. The Micro is smaller due to the absence of a digital gauge and automatically cuts off at 72 psi (the max pressure for today's hookless rims.)
Silca claims the battery on the Ultimate is equal to 9+ CO2 cartridges and charges in about an hour, whereas the Micro is equivalent to 3+ CO2 cartridges and charges in 20 minutes. We will be compiling another portable inflator roundup, with both Elettrico models included, so stay tuned for our take on these new pumps.
But the big story for US consumers at least is that other than a few lucky buyers, most won't be able to get the new inflators. We asked Josh Poertner, Silca's president, about the tariff scenario and the brand’s decision to forego Elettrico sales in the US. His substantial and remarkably candid response spoke to far more than just the fate of a couple of inflators.
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