Co2 inflators for the commute or day rides

[MrGrumpy]

Ok formumites, didn`t want to hijack the other thread, but how many of you use C02 cartridges/inflators for quick fixes when out and about ? Can see some downsides but lots of upsides less to carry etc and if like me you only have 1 pump that you carry and more than one bike , it can be a flaff. Any recommendations for inflators etc ?

 

[derrick]

Co2 cartridges are all i use, but do carry a small pump as a backup, But so far never needed to use it.

 

[PK99]

I use:
http://www.lezyne.com/product-CO2-infl-alloydrive.php#.VRQQh_nEN8E

There are cheaper versions, but this operates easily and reliably AND is easy to use to put top up a tube with a slow puncture several times on the way home when chaining is too much faff. Plus it does not result in frostbitten fingers!

 

[DWiggy]

I use co2, they are an absolute god send, I used had to use them twice today (2 separate canisters) I usually carry 3 co2 and tubes for my commutes

 

[ianrauk]

I take both co2 and a pump on both day rides and commutes. There are no downsides to carrying co2.

 

[winjim]

Commute bike has a large saddlebag with pump, tube and puncture repair kit. Fun bike has small saddlebag with lezyne alloy drive inflator (as above), 3 CO2 cartridges, one tube and some glueless patches.

They get used so rarely, I wonder what some people are doing to attract so many punctures!

 

[Kestevan]

A couple of tubes, and 2 cartridges - Never been stranded.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-co2-tyre-inflator/

 

[byegad]

CO2 and a back up pump for me. If you use the CO2 remember to deflate and reinflate with a pump once home. CO2 practically jumps out of the tyre when compared to air!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I take both co2 and a pump on both day rides and commutes. There are no downsides to carrying co2.

^This.

I've used a pump on a really cold day in preference to Co2 but only because I was freezing.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Commute bike has a large saddlebag with pump, tube and puncture repair kit. Fun bike has small saddlebag with lezyne alloy drive inflator (as above), 3 CO2 cartridges, one tube and some glueless patches.

They get used so rarely, I wonder what some people are doing to attract so many punctures!

Dearest noble faeries please forgive our friend. He hast uttered the p word in haste and error. He knows not of what he speaks.

 

[sittingbull]

........ is easy to use to put top up a tube with a slow puncture several times on the way home when chaining is too much faff.

I've done this a few times, a mini-pump simply wouldn't inflate a tube rapidly enough to seal the tube against the tyre, a CO2 pump can in certain cases. 12 miles was the longest distance I've covered but the tyre felt hard enough to continue for a few more miles, obviously once it starts going soft it deflates rather quickly. Depending on the number of cartridges I was carrying I'd happily ride 20+ miles home rather than change a tube in the wet. I use a cheap inflator, £7.99 I think, with 2 cartridges and it works perfectly

 

[Racing roadkill]

I've got the Zeffel cartridges, for when I'm out on the bikes with pneumatic tyres. They've got a clever little thing that screws down on the the cartridge, and can be turned on and off by screwing the halfs together. It means you can do away with any pump or bulkier valve. And can carry the lot in a pocket, easily. Together with the self healer tubes, and shielded tyres, the only deflation I've suffered in over 2 years, was a valve failure. The only word of caution I would give, is to make sure you have one piece valves, as to work properly, you have to screw the gas bottle to the valve. They do work without screwing them down, but there's a knack to it.

 

[fossyant]

Got the same zefal co2 as well.

Just use them commuting as well as a pump. Handy if short of time.

 

[Hacienda71]

Both for me.

 

[winjim]

Dearest noble faeries please forgive our friend. He hast uttered the p word in haste and error. He knows not of what he speaks.

Good job I'm not superstitious. We'll see if I get a puncture on my way home...