Co2 inflator or small pump?
08-07-23, 10:59 AM
#26
I bought a (modern) Silca frame pump. Best $175 I ever spent on a frame pump.
08-07-23, 11:02 AM
#27
Senior Member
Running tubeless on all my bikes so mostly used for topping pressure up.
Long distance multi day rides use a full size frame pump.
Commuting and regular riding, small Pressure Drive pump.
Group ride and sporting ride CO2 with 2 cartridges
Long distance multi day rides use a full size frame pump.
Commuting and regular riding, small Pressure Drive pump.
Group ride and sporting ride CO2 with 2 cartridges
08-07-23, 11:21 AM
#28
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,360
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Liked 8,542 Times
in
4,037 Posts
For most rides, I carry just CO2 with 2 cartridges for my road bike, and 3 for MTB or gravel bike. For longer MTB or gravel rides I have a mini hand pump in my hydration pack as an emergency backup.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
08-07-23, 12:00 PM
#29
Senior Member
I carry both. I prefer the convenience of CO2 but also the potential unlimited air from the pump. As for the waste of the CO2 cartridges mentioned, I do this so rarely it's a non-issue. It's been over a year since I needed to use CO2 or the pump. Knock on wood.
And in fact, I've never used the pump for myself. Just others I run across who have forgotten their pumps or had some issue with them.
I could certainly make an argument to not bother with the pump. But I treat it like a talisman. If I'm prepared, it won't happen, if I'm not prepared, I'm doomed.
As an example, I keep a foot of Gorilla tape wrapped around my pump. Just in case I need to tape something down. Sure enough, for some reason on one ride I forgot that pump. Didn't need the pump, but broke a spoke that was flapping about. I thought, "hey I'm prepared, I have that tape around the pump ... that I left at home. Dang it." Made use of a bit of tape in the small first aid kit I carry to deal with that. Yeah, I'm a belt and suspenders type.
And in fact, I've never used the pump for myself. Just others I run across who have forgotten their pumps or had some issue with them.
I could certainly make an argument to not bother with the pump. But I treat it like a talisman. If I'm prepared, it won't happen, if I'm not prepared, I'm doomed.
As an example, I keep a foot of Gorilla tape wrapped around my pump. Just in case I need to tape something down. Sure enough, for some reason on one ride I forgot that pump. Didn't need the pump, but broke a spoke that was flapping about. I thought, "hey I'm prepared, I have that tape around the pump ... that I left at home. Dang it." Made use of a bit of tape in the small first aid kit I carry to deal with that. Yeah, I'm a belt and suspenders type.
08-07-23, 12:04 PM
#30
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 15,417
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Liked 5,021 Times
in
3,455 Posts
Presta valves are the only ones I've seen this with. Schrader's being larger have a beefier boot going into the tube.
08-07-23, 01:05 PM
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 10,056
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Liked 3,055 Times
in
1,647 Posts
08-07-23, 04:00 PM
#32
Senior Member
Yes.
08-07-23, 04:19 PM
#33
Senior Member
Old fashioned here. This is what I use: Zephal HPX #4. Inflates tires many times as fast as any mini pump
08-07-23, 04:32 PM
#34
Over the hill
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 24,418
Bikes: Giant Defy, Giant Revolt
Liked 1,259 Times
in
714 Posts
Some complain of Lezyne hose pumps— which thread on— unscrewing valve cores when removed if not done with care, and I’ve pulled a core from a plastic valve stem with a fixed head Specialized Air Tool Road pump once, but I’d have thought that was rare, because most valve stems are metal, I think. Anyway, I was able to screw the core back into the stem without any problem, so maybe it was loose when I started and I only stripped a couple of stem threads pulling off the pump…
__________________
It's like riding a bicycle
It's like riding a bicycle
08-07-23, 06:12 PM
#35
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 14,080
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Liked 4,274 Times
in
2,853 Posts
I would recommend carrying the Topeak Road Morph but in most cases I also carry CO2 in case I need a quick inflate because maybe it is raining or something else is happening. The pump is really the best way to do it, it uses standard air and that way you don't have to reinflate when you get back home. However in that emergency I have the CO2 just in case.
08-07-23, 06:24 PM
#36
Full Member
I carry both. CO2 inflator and a couple of cartridges in my seat pack, along with the spare tube, patch kit, and latex gloves, plus a mini pump attached to my frame. CO2 gets me most of the way there, and then top it off as needed with the mini pump.
Likes For goaliedad30:
08-07-23, 06:43 PM
#37
OM boy
Important to use a small frame or mini pump properly, especially for Presta.
One has to support the pump/pump head and wheel when pumping...
1. When putting the pump onto the valve - put thumb on tire, directly above where the valve is located - that will allow the head to be pushed on without damage to the valve/tube.
2. Support the pump (as shown in pic) with the thumb curled over the top of Tire/wheel. Support the pump head side with the index/fore finger, support the pump head below/around the barrel of the pump. No real need to use the ring finger or pinky - but you can if you want to.
3. Don't 'lean' the wheel against anything, allow it to move as your pump hand might move - pumphead / valve at top most position.
How to Properly handle/cradle a mini pump
4. When done, to release the pump off valve - DON'T try to wiggle the pump head off. Unlock any locking lever, pump and valve still at topmost position, wheel on solid ground. Hold the pump barrel (mid or pump handle area) with one hand. The a quick downward rap of the free hand, onto the barrel directly near the pump head. It will disengage without any valve damage.
Done.
This was especially important when working with delicate silk or racing cotton tubulars which often had very light Latex tubes sewn in... But works for any direct attach pump.
You could get a pump with hose and screw-on head - but those often lose pressure as you unscrew the head... your choice.
Ride On
Yuri
One has to support the pump/pump head and wheel when pumping...
1. When putting the pump onto the valve - put thumb on tire, directly above where the valve is located - that will allow the head to be pushed on without damage to the valve/tube.
2. Support the pump (as shown in pic) with the thumb curled over the top of Tire/wheel. Support the pump head side with the index/fore finger, support the pump head below/around the barrel of the pump. No real need to use the ring finger or pinky - but you can if you want to.
3. Don't 'lean' the wheel against anything, allow it to move as your pump hand might move - pumphead / valve at top most position.
How to Properly handle/cradle a mini pump
4. When done, to release the pump off valve - DON'T try to wiggle the pump head off. Unlock any locking lever, pump and valve still at topmost position, wheel on solid ground. Hold the pump barrel (mid or pump handle area) with one hand. The a quick downward rap of the free hand, onto the barrel directly near the pump head. It will disengage without any valve damage.
Done.
This was especially important when working with delicate silk or racing cotton tubulars which often had very light Latex tubes sewn in... But works for any direct attach pump.
You could get a pump with hose and screw-on head - but those often lose pressure as you unscrew the head... your choice.
Ride On
Yuri
Likes For cyclezen:
08-07-23, 06:57 PM
#38
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Liked 2,492 Times
in
1,287 Posts
Important to use a small frame or mini pump properly, especially for Presta.
One has to support the pump/pump head and wheel when pumping...
1. When putting the pump onto the valve - put thumb on tire, directly above where the valve is located - that will allow the head to be pushed on without damage to the valve/tube.
2. Support the pump (as shown in pic) with the thumb curled over the top of Tire/wheel. Support the pump head side with the index/fore finger, support the pump head below/around the barrel of the pump. No real need to use the ring finger or pinky - but you can if you want to.
3. Don't 'lean' the wheel against anything, allow it to move as your pump hand might move - pumphead / valve at top most position.
How to Properly handle/cradle a mini pump
4. When done, to release the pump off valve - DON'T try to wiggle the pump head off. Unlock any locking lever, pump and valve still at topmost position, wheel on solid ground. Hold the pump barrel (mid or pump handle area) with one hand. The a quick downward rap of the free hand, onto the barrel directly near the pump head. It will disengage without any valve damage.
Done.
This was especially important when working with delicate silk or racing cotton tubulars which often had very light Latex tubes sewn in... But works for any direct attach pump.
You could get a pump with hose and screw-on head - but those often lose pressure as you unscrew the head... your choice.
Ride On
Yuri
One has to support the pump/pump head and wheel when pumping...
1. When putting the pump onto the valve - put thumb on tire, directly above where the valve is located - that will allow the head to be pushed on without damage to the valve/tube.
2. Support the pump (as shown in pic) with the thumb curled over the top of Tire/wheel. Support the pump head side with the index/fore finger, support the pump head below/around the barrel of the pump. No real need to use the ring finger or pinky - but you can if you want to.
3. Don't 'lean' the wheel against anything, allow it to move as your pump hand might move - pumphead / valve at top most position.
How to Properly handle/cradle a mini pump
4. When done, to release the pump off valve - DON'T try to wiggle the pump head off. Unlock any locking lever, pump and valve still at topmost position, wheel on solid ground. Hold the pump barrel (mid or pump handle area) with one hand. The a quick downward rap of the free hand, onto the barrel directly near the pump head. It will disengage without any valve damage.
Done.
This was especially important when working with delicate silk or racing cotton tubulars which often had very light Latex tubes sewn in... But works for any direct attach pump.
You could get a pump with hose and screw-on head - but those often lose pressure as you unscrew the head... your choice.
Ride On
Yuri
08-07-23, 08:40 PM
#39
Old fart
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,875
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Liked 3,481 Times
in
1,975 Posts
I carry both. I have bilateral shoulder injuries that can impede pumping to adequate pressure. But relying on CO2 alone is not sufficient.
08-08-23, 07:39 AM
#40
Senior Member
Important to use a small frame or mini pump properly, especially for Presta.
One has to support the pump/pump head and wheel when pumping...
1. When putting the pump onto the valve - put thumb on tire, directly above where the valve is located - that will allow the head to be pushed on without damage to the valve/tube.
2. Support the pump (as shown in pic) with the thumb curled over the top of Tire/wheel. Support the pump head side with the index/fore finger, support the pump head below/around the barrel of the pump. No real need to use the ring finger or pinky - but you can if you want to.
3. Don't 'lean' the wheel against anything, allow it to move as your pump hand might move - pumphead / valve at top most position.
4. When done, to release the pump off valve - DON'T try to wiggle the pump head off. Unlock any locking lever, pump and valve still at topmost position, wheel on solid ground. Hold the pump barrel (mid or pump handle area) with one hand. The a quick downward rap of the free hand, onto the barrel directly near the pump head. It will disengage without any valve damage.
One has to support the pump/pump head and wheel when pumping...
1. When putting the pump onto the valve - put thumb on tire, directly above where the valve is located - that will allow the head to be pushed on without damage to the valve/tube.
2. Support the pump (as shown in pic) with the thumb curled over the top of Tire/wheel. Support the pump head side with the index/fore finger, support the pump head below/around the barrel of the pump. No real need to use the ring finger or pinky - but you can if you want to.
3. Don't 'lean' the wheel against anything, allow it to move as your pump hand might move - pumphead / valve at top most position.
4. When done, to release the pump off valve - DON'T try to wiggle the pump head off. Unlock any locking lever, pump and valve still at topmost position, wheel on solid ground. Hold the pump barrel (mid or pump handle area) with one hand. The a quick downward rap of the free hand, onto the barrel directly near the pump head. It will disengage without any valve damage.
The pumps that have a little hose to attach to the valve seem easier to use and might avoid this.
08-08-23, 09:03 AM
#41
Sr Member on Sr bikes
Dan
08-08-23, 12:58 PM
#42
Should Be More Popular
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 43,315
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
Liked 9,216 Times
in
4,272 Posts
Important to use a small frame or mini pump properly, especially for Presta.
One has to support the pump/pump head and wheel when pumping...
1. When putting the pump onto the valve - put thumb on tire, directly above where the valve is located - that will allow the head to be pushed on without damage to the valve/tube.
2. Support the pump (as shown in pic) with the thumb curled over the top of Tire/wheel. Support the pump head side with the index/fore finger, support the pump head below/around the barrel of the pump. No real need to use the ring finger or pinky - but you can if you want to.
3. Don't 'lean' the wheel against anything, allow it to move as your pump hand might move - pumphead / valve at top most position.
How to Properly handle/cradle a mini pump
4. When done, to release the pump off valve - DON'T try to wiggle the pump head off. Unlock any locking lever, pump and valve still at topmost position, wheel on solid ground. Hold the pump barrel (mid or pump handle area) with one hand. The a quick downward rap of the free hand, onto the barrel directly near the pump head. It will disengage without any valve damage.
Done.
This was especially important when working with delicate silk or racing cotton tubulars which often had very light Latex tubes sewn in... But works for any direct attach pump.
You could get a pump with hose and screw-on head - but those often lose pressure as you unscrew the head... your choice.
Ride On
Yuri
One has to support the pump/pump head and wheel when pumping...
1. When putting the pump onto the valve - put thumb on tire, directly above where the valve is located - that will allow the head to be pushed on without damage to the valve/tube.
2. Support the pump (as shown in pic) with the thumb curled over the top of Tire/wheel. Support the pump head side with the index/fore finger, support the pump head below/around the barrel of the pump. No real need to use the ring finger or pinky - but you can if you want to.
3. Don't 'lean' the wheel against anything, allow it to move as your pump hand might move - pumphead / valve at top most position.
How to Properly handle/cradle a mini pump
4. When done, to release the pump off valve - DON'T try to wiggle the pump head off. Unlock any locking lever, pump and valve still at topmost position, wheel on solid ground. Hold the pump barrel (mid or pump handle area) with one hand. The a quick downward rap of the free hand, onto the barrel directly near the pump head. It will disengage without any valve damage.
Done.
This was especially important when working with delicate silk or racing cotton tubulars which often had very light Latex tubes sewn in... But works for any direct attach pump.
You could get a pump with hose and screw-on head - but those often lose pressure as you unscrew the head... your choice.
Ride On
Yuri
Or use pump with a hose as also suggested.
08-09-23, 02:25 PM
#43
I carry two CO2 cartridges along with a spare tube. I know that if I use the CO2 that I will need to deflate and reinflate the tube when I get home but that is not a big deal.
I used to have a long pump mounted below the top tube of my road bikes but with mountain bike frames that is not practical. I prefer to use the same repair kit under my seat for all my bikes and so have gone the CO2 route.
I used to have a long pump mounted below the top tube of my road bikes but with mountain bike frames that is not practical. I prefer to use the same repair kit under my seat for all my bikes and so have gone the CO2 route.
08-09-23, 04:48 PM
#44
don't try this at home.
I counted 200 strokes on my old Mini Morph pump, to get a 25mm tire up to maybe 50-60 psi, enough to finish the ride.
08-09-23, 06:06 PM
#45
Senior Member
I carry 3 co2 inflators 3 pumps including a floor pump, electric compressor and 5 gallon tank, tube of slime, 10 patch kits, plug kit, 15 tire levers with metal cores, and 2 extra tires and 5 layers of tire liners. It only adds 150 lbs to my total ride.
Or just have a good tire and an updated Uber app and save yourself all the hassle.
Or just have a good tire and an updated Uber app and save yourself all the hassle.
08-09-23, 06:23 PM
#46
Likes For indyfabz:
08-10-23, 01:19 AM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 1,047
Bikes: Ibis Hakka MX / team machince alr2 / topstone 1 / Cervelo zht
Liked 276 Times
in
203 Posts
If tubeless co2 is must in case your tire gets unseated. When I was running inner tubes I would carry just pump.
My Mtb, gravel and road bike all tubeless now so I carry both. I only use the pump unless a tire gets unseated then I will use the co2.
My Mtb, gravel and road bike all tubeless now so I carry both. I only use the pump unless a tire gets unseated then I will use the co2.
08-10-23, 05:37 AM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Hotel CA / DFW
Posts: 1,783
Bikes: 83 Colnago Super, 87 50th Daccordi, 79 & 87 Guerciotti's, 90s DB/GT Mtn Bikes, 90s Colnago Master and Titanio, 96 Serotta Colorado TG, 95/05 Colnago C40/C50, 06 DbyLS TI, 08 Lemond Filmore FG SS, 12 Cervelo R3, 20/15 Surly Stragler & Steamroller
Liked 810 Times
in
517 Posts
I carry both, but if you have to choose only one I would go with a pump because it is possible to get multiple flats or to have a tube fail (all has happened)
I did start carrying co2 after having a flat, then a tube failure and pumping up in the sun at 95 degrees was a pain. I also carry 2 tubes and a patch kit...so that kinda shows wear my mind set is
I did start carrying co2 after having a flat, then a tube failure and pumping up in the sun at 95 degrees was a pain. I also carry 2 tubes and a patch kit...so that kinda shows wear my mind set is
Some will even carry a spare foldup tire for those extreme blow outs.
08-10-23, 05:39 AM
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Hotel CA / DFW
Posts: 1,783
Bikes: 83 Colnago Super, 87 50th Daccordi, 79 & 87 Guerciotti's, 90s DB/GT Mtn Bikes, 90s Colnago Master and Titanio, 96 Serotta Colorado TG, 95/05 Colnago C40/C50, 06 DbyLS TI, 08 Lemond Filmore FG SS, 12 Cervelo R3, 20/15 Surly Stragler & Steamroller
Liked 810 Times
in
517 Posts
I carry 3 co2 inflators 3 pumps including a floor pump, electric compressor and 5 gallon tank, tube of slime, 10 patch kits, plug kit, 15 tire levers with metal cores, and 2 extra tires and 5 layers of tire liners. It only adds 150 lbs to my total ride.
Or just have a good tire and an updated Uber app and save yourself all the hassle.
Or just have a good tire and an updated Uber app and save yourself all the hassle.
Likes For joesch:
08-10-23, 06:18 AM
#50
Senior Member
