So how easy or difficult is to repair a roadbike tire with those Co2 thingies?
08-02-20, 01:54 PM
#51
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I've never used CO2, just a mini pump and patch kit. It takes time to fill the tire, but I'm not usually in that much of a hurry, and the upper body workout is welcome. 
08-02-20, 01:56 PM
#52
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I have always had a frame pump but considered getting a Co2 inflator. I just never knew how many cartridges it takes to fill a tube. Some on this thread have had bad experience and stay with a frame pump. I am old school and always stay with the tried and true but last time I had a flat, the Arthritis in my hands made it somewhat uncomfortable to use the pump. So I think maybe I should try the C02 but still keep a frame pump as a last resort backup just in case.
*probably just jinxed myself there.
08-02-20, 02:04 PM
#53
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08-02-20, 02:33 PM
#54
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I've carried a frame pump (Silca Impero with Campagnolo head) for so long, I feel naked riding without it. 
Like I said, I've yet to even try the CO2, so I don't know how full it will get my tires, or if fumble-fingers will vent too much of the CO2 getting it to work.
Why bother with the pump when a 16g CO2 will fill a 28mm road tire. Now if you have a MTB, then use a larger cartridge.
08-02-20, 05:22 PM
#55
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I've carried a frame pump (Silca Impero with Campagnolo head) for so long, I feel naked riding without it.
Like I said, I've yet to even try the CO2, so I don't know how full it will get my tires, or if fumble-fingers will vent too much of the CO2 getting it to work.
Like I said, I've yet to even try the CO2, so I don't know how full it will get my tires, or if fumble-fingers will vent too much of the CO2 getting it to work.
08-02-20, 06:14 PM
#56
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Your life must be really great if using a pump once in a while is "miserable".
It's funny that people exercising are complaining about exercise.
It's more "miserable" to have people fail with C02 and have to use the pump you are carrying.
(Use C02 but be wary about relying on it.)
It's funny that people exercising are complaining about exercise.
It's more "miserable" to have people fail with C02 and have to use the pump you are carrying.
(Use C02 but be wary about relying on it.)
08-02-20, 06:45 PM
#57
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The problem is that if you do not attach the adapter properly, you can lose much, most, or all of the CO2 before you get any into the tube. And even if you do get the CO2 inside with no mistakes, it tends to fill up the tire to only about two-thirds the pressure I usually ride with. A good compact pump (like a Road Morph) works far better.
08-02-20, 07:14 PM
#58
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I carry a frame pump (Silca Impero with steel Campagnolo head) or a compact mini-pump even if I do carry my Co2 inflator. That way I can help another bicyclist if they need it. I've met many a bicyclist walking along a rail-trail because they've flatted and didn't have a patch kit or pump. It's a nice feeling knowing that I've saved them a long walk on a hot and humid day.
Cheers
Cheers
08-02-20, 07:15 PM
#59
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08-02-20, 07:25 PM
#60
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08-02-20, 07:37 PM
#61
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I've met and helped many an inexperience bicyclist who was just getting into the sport and hadn't been told to carry even a basic repair kit. Over the years I've made friends with a lot of them and I've directed many of them to a decent bicycle shop where I know they wouldn't be ripped off or sold a lot of stuff they didn't need.
I like helping people out of a jam especially whn it's hot and humid and they're many miles from home or their vehicle. YMMV and sounds like it does.
Cheers
08-02-20, 07:42 PM
#62
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Nice of you. LOL
I've met and helped many an inexperience bicyclist who was just getting into the sport and hadn't been told to carry even a basic repair kit. Over the years I've made friends with a lot of them and I've directed many of them to a decent bicycle shop where I know they wouldn't be ripped off or sold a lot of stuff they didn't need.
I like helping people out of a jam especially whn it's hot and humid and they're many miles from home or their vehicle. YMMV and sounds like it does.
Cheers
I've met and helped many an inexperience bicyclist who was just getting into the sport and hadn't been told to carry even a basic repair kit. Over the years I've made friends with a lot of them and I've directed many of them to a decent bicycle shop where I know they wouldn't be ripped off or sold a lot of stuff they didn't need.
I like helping people out of a jam especially whn it's hot and humid and they're many miles from home or their vehicle. YMMV and sounds like it does.
Cheers
Last edited by GlennR; 08-02-20 at 07:46 PM.
08-02-20, 09:42 PM
#63
Non omnino gravis
I have never, ever, not ever even once-- had a failure with a CO2 cartridge, dating back to using them in paintball guns in the '80s. I wish I could say I cannot grasp how a person could possibly fail in the use of a CO2 inflator, but I realize all too well that a great number of people are born with no mechanical aptitude whatsoever, and remain that way their entire lives.
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08-03-20, 11:51 AM
#64
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CO2 is a great timesaver
CO2 is a great timesaver. You'll need a foam sleeve around the cartridge or you'll freeze your fingers. I run 28F/32R tires at a lower pressure so I don't just blow the cartridge in all at once. I'm a boy scout by nature so it's 2x CO2 plus a Topeak mini pump with pressure gauge, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a sidewall repair kit. As a ride leader I've had multiple times where it took 2 tubes or more tubes to get someone going again.
And then there are times when walking that last mile makes more sense than a questionable trailside repair. The location reference below accounts for about 11 miles between the impact and the resultant blowout.
And then there are times when walking that last mile makes more sense than a questionable trailside repair. The location reference below accounts for about 11 miles between the impact and the resultant blowout.
08-03-20, 12:09 PM
#65
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08-03-20, 12:16 PM
#66
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They are very easy to use. Just be sure that you don't overfill the tire and blow it off of the rim. If you have carbon wheels, overinflating them can cause them to become delaminate. This normally happens if you use the 16 ounce cartridges on road tires instead of the recommended 12 ounce. The larger size is designed for MTB tires.
08-03-20, 01:21 PM
#67
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So easy that i haven’t carried a pump (in my road kit) for at least 5 years. yes, learn like any important tool, know how the thingy functions before you are sidelined hours from your destination.
08-03-20, 01:51 PM
#68
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Pumps
I use the Ryobi pump before I ride that thing is phenomenal for $50 and I already had bunches of their batteries from other tools
I throw the mini frump in the back of my jersey with a small dyna plug tube kit and go. I’ve never had to use it on my bike since I went tubeless but I have used it for others and to me it is just so much more convenient and quicker then co2. I can add just a little to make sure the tire is going to seat and before I put the tire on if I need to. I also think it can get the tire to a higher pressure and you have way more control getting it to what pressure you want.
I would agree with others co2 is not that hard if you have one with adjustable pressure but I bet the success rate I have seen on inflating with co2 is 60%. I am usually the one changing tires in our group and before this pump I would hand them the tire when it’s ready unless it’s a co2 pump I’ve used before. I had one blow up in my hand bc it wasn’t threaded right that someone handed me and that actually hurt more then you would think and scared the crap out of me.
If I use the pump ill just charge it that night, so far money well spent but everyone is different in budget and what they perceive as value I guess. For the stupid irrational amount of money I spent on my bike, $150 for a pump is the least of my worries
I throw the mini frump in the back of my jersey with a small dyna plug tube kit and go. I’ve never had to use it on my bike since I went tubeless but I have used it for others and to me it is just so much more convenient and quicker then co2. I can add just a little to make sure the tire is going to seat and before I put the tire on if I need to. I also think it can get the tire to a higher pressure and you have way more control getting it to what pressure you want.
I would agree with others co2 is not that hard if you have one with adjustable pressure but I bet the success rate I have seen on inflating with co2 is 60%. I am usually the one changing tires in our group and before this pump I would hand them the tire when it’s ready unless it’s a co2 pump I’ve used before. I had one blow up in my hand bc it wasn’t threaded right that someone handed me and that actually hurt more then you would think and scared the crap out of me.
If I use the pump ill just charge it that night, so far money well spent but everyone is different in budget and what they perceive as value I guess. For the stupid irrational amount of money I spent on my bike, $150 for a pump is the least of my worries
08-03-20, 01:53 PM
#69
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disposable tech
Co2 cartridges are a disposable techmology that is bad for the environment. You end up with a non-reusable piece of trash and dispersing carbon dioxide into the environment. And you paid money to do it. As an emergency device, when you’re about to freeze, about to burn up, or the gun shots are getting closer, maybe that time savings is worth it. Otherwise once you’ve got a good pump the air is free and you’re also more likely to spot tire cuts or poorly seated beads, and correct anty problems in time, without waste.
08-03-20, 01:55 PM
#70
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They are very easy to use. Just be sure that you don't overfill the tire and blow it off of the rim. If you have carbon wheels, overinflating them can cause them to become delaminate. This normally happens if you use the 16 ounce cartridges on road tires instead of the recommended 12 ounce. The larger size is designed for MTB tires.
I usually carry 12oz, but have used a 16oz and never had any problem. And if a 16oz damages your carbon wheel, then it was already compromised and you didn't know it.
08-03-20, 02:11 PM
#71
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Always on my bike: mini pump, two spare tubes, a stick-on patch kit and a couple of cut up pieces of tire in case my tire gets ripped.
Over-kill? Yeah, but I’ve had three flats on the same ride. I’ve also had to use a dollar bill to hold the tube in the tire.
I used to use CO2, but it was always hit or miss if I did it right. I should look into it again. The mini pump will get my tire to about 85 to 90 lbs, but it’s not quick or fun
Over-kill? Yeah, but I’ve had three flats on the same ride. I’ve also had to use a dollar bill to hold the tube in the tire.
I used to use CO2, but it was always hit or miss if I did it right. I should look into it again. The mini pump will get my tire to about 85 to 90 lbs, but it’s not quick or fun
08-03-20, 02:22 PM
#72
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I see a number of cyclists on the MUPs with bags like this. I always thought they had their lunch and extra water in that. But after reading this topic it seem they must be filled with spare parts and tools.
Now i ride on Long Island so there really isn't anywhere that Uber doesn't service so I only carry what I need to fix a flat or two and minor mechanical repairs, and my bag is a bit smaller.
Now i ride on Long Island so there really isn't anywhere that Uber doesn't service so I only carry what I need to fix a flat or two and minor mechanical repairs, and my bag is a bit smaller.
08-03-20, 03:35 PM
#73
Junior Member
It is not difficult to use a CO2 inflator. It's a good idea to get a couple of spare cartridges and practice with the gadget at home though - you don't want to be figuring it out in the middle of nowhere. If you do use one of the screw-on inflators, be careful that you don't unscrew the valve core when taking it off after filling the tire. The inflator connectors have an O-ring that makes a really tight seal with the valve stem when screwed on. Not all tubes have removable cores, but many (like Continentals) do. I learned this the hard way and now carry a Michelin tube with a non-removable core as my spare. Also, always take two CO2 cartridges. They're not heavy and you may need one to help someone else out.
08-03-20, 09:18 PM
#74
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And once you DO use CO2, I have been told that it's not very long lasting in a tire, it's smaller molcules (or somehting) seep out more quickly than plain old air, so when you get home, refill the tire with your floor pump.
08-03-20, 09:19 PM
#75
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I've always carried a frame pump, but the latest flat convinced me that the arthritis in my hands and shoulders makes that inadequate. I got up to about 60psi when the hands and shoulders told me "that's it; we're done." So now I carry a CO2 inflator and two 16g cartridges. I still carry the frame pump as well. I figure I can start inflating with the pump, then top it off with CO2 when my arms complain. Haven't (yet) had an opportunity to try the inflator*, so I can't say how many cartridges I'd use to fill the tube.
*probably just jinxed myself there.
*probably just jinxed myself there.