TakingMyTime

For all of you that have been using Co2 cartridges on the side of the road I'm sure you're reading this, smiling and saying to yourself "another convert". You are correct. I can't believe I've been a chump for so long (years and years) and never given them a try. No more sitting on the side of the road and pumping that darn mini-pump 700 strokes just to get the tire to reasonable pressure so that I can continue my ride.

For any of you that are nervous about blowing up (exploding) a tire or something like that... all I can say is it couldn't have been easier. I never tried it at home first in order to get a feel for how it works. I was on the side of the road, used my hand pump to seat the new tube and tire properly and slowly release the gas. My 28mm tire was at 90 psi in seconds. I am the latest advocate and convert.

Lemond1985

What about the Co2 that eventually escapes from your inner tube, and winds up in the atmosphere??? Can't you see, you're killing the planet!

(J/K)

OldTryGuy

to the DARK SIDE

Cyclist0108

I have to admit it never occurred to me to try to use dimeric cobalt to inflate a tire.

indyfabz

When you get home remember to dump the CO2 and refill with air. CO2 escapes much more quickly. Seriously. You may find your tire nearly flat in a week and think you have a slow leak. Ask me how I know.

indyfabz

And don’t leave the spent cartridge by the road/trail. We don’t need another of those threads here.

_ForceD_

I didn't/don't find that necessary. The one and only time I've had to use CO2 roadside I didn't do it when I got back home. And as I rotate through my several bikes for my rides...the next time I got to that bike...maybe a week or so later...the tire pressure was still "rideable"...just not up to my likening. I pumped up and rode. All was well.

Dan

DrIsotope

I too have a drawer full of mini-pumps now. I tried to combat my most recent tire cut with the pump, and ~150 strokes had the tire... almost tire shaped. Pulled out a CO2, and it was full in a few seconds.

For your future, seek out "food grade chargers." These are 16g CO2 cartridges that cost about half as much per unit, as they don't have a nifty bike-related label on them. For home beer kegs, I think? In quantity, they can get down to around $1 each.

indyfabz

Forgot once. My tire was nearly flat the following weekend. Figured I had a tiny puncture. Changed the tube but couldn’t find the leak even after filling the tub. Then came the “DOH!” moment.

Cyclist0108

Carbon dioxide has a much higher solubility in butyl rubber than does nitrogen or oxygen, so it will leak out about fivefold faster.

Mountain Mitch

Interesting! But in the real world, I’ve never had a problem.

Drew Eckhardt 

My full size frame pump takes 90 strokes and still works when an unfindable tiny piece of tire wire punctures my replacement tubes producing slow leaks.

Oneder

Make sure to save your empties to throw on the trail next time you pass through humboldt, we need a sequel to that thread.

Garfield Cat

Did you ever try a pump that is not mini-pump? If you see a rider who needs help, do you offer one of your cartridges to help with his/her inflation? Do you feel the need to change a tire in record time to get back on the road? Do you use exclusively the cartridge even when you are not in a group ride or in a organized century, or an actual race? Do you race often?

79pmooney

Now some of us have never "evolved" from frame fit pumps that get 100 psi in less than 100 strokes to mini pumps. Yes, pumping up takes me about 90 seconds and is a little (upper body) work (that never hurts a cyclist!). Of course, the drawback to carrying a real pump is that you end up pumping others tires when they run out of CO2 or their mini pumps (or arms) fail them. I did a group grave ride where I finally got tired of pumping others' tires, had them use my pump and a hack destroyed it. (It still worked but the spring mount for the frame was ruined.)

2 dozen flats or more among 12 riders. I rode big enough tires, had no flats and finished the ride with a pump that could still get to full pressure easily. Just ruined by those less prepared.

Ben

Oneder

I got excited for a moment imagining a goth group ride but then I realized it must be gravel

DrIsotope

The "I carry a pump for <insert reason here> because CO2 yadda yadda yadda," please keep that in your saddlebag. A CO2 inflator is about convenience. It's not trying to make a global statement. No one can successfully argue that ANY pump is more convenient than a CO2 cartridge.

I carry 3 cartridges on each bike-- they're real small, you know. Yes, I would and have offered them to others. They cost a dollar. I'd give someone a dollar bill to use as a boot, too. But I don't ride tubed tires, either. So those CO2s spend most (if not all) of the year just nestled together in the bag. They're happy to get out and help.

bruce19

I've done CO2. Went back to a mini pump. Then I went to tubeless. I don't need the CO2 and haven't had a flat since I went tubeless.

TakingMyTime

I only carry a high-pressure mini-pump and 2 cartridges (plus 1 spare tube). I offer help to anyone who appears to need it. I would offer the use of my pump and/or my Co2, yes. I carry 2 cartridges. I'm never in a hurry to get back on the road, but in this case I was riding with 2 friends and I wanted to get back on the road asap. I don't ride in/with groups other than a couple of close friends on casual rides and I do not race.

wolfchild

You can call me a luddite, I have no interest in Co2 and I will continue to use my pump.

TakingMyTime

Sorry, I was only posting my new found observations regarding the use of Co2. For me, it was a "wow" moment. It's one of those things I wish I would have incorporated into my saddlebag years ago.

I'm familiar with the good and bad points regarding its use. I don't litter, I don't want to carry a full size pump. I know it will dissipate quickly. I did my due-diligence before taking the dive. I just wish I would have started using these things a long time ago.

wolfchild

Do you run 200psi in your tires ??...I don't understand why so many people are having trouble with pumps. I usually run between 50-80 psi depending on which bike and tires I am riding and I never had a problem with my Topeak Road Morph or Lezyne mini pump. Sure a mini pump may take slightly longer than a Co2 cartridge but what's the rush ??

CAT7RDR

I have had and witnessed operator error with both Co2 and mini-pumps. Now I carry both. I prefer the pump just because my skinny arms need the workout.

_ForceD_

Another reason that I was welcome to CO2...
Most frame pumps don't utilize a hose to connect to the valve. A few do, but in general the pump head attaches right to the valve. Holding the head-valve in place...especially during those last several pumps that get harder due to the increased air pressure...is difficult. There have been a few times the brass presta valve tube has snapped right off. Not a problem with CO2. Just screw the CO2 valve onto the presta, then open the valve to inflate.

Dan

solman

Forgive a newbie question.
How many 700-32 tires can 1 co2 cartridge fill to say 60psi?