CO2 Inflators

[2old2care]

I've got one of those silly mini pumps that makes you look like you're doing something disgudting by the roadside, and I was wondering if a co2 inflator would be able to inflate to 100+ psi, and also which one is best?

 

[ianrauk]

Yes an inflator will do 100psi. However I always start a tyre off with a bit of pump action first.
As to which one? They are all much the muchness really. They all do the same thing.
Depends on how much you want to spend. Have a look online and see what takes your fancy.

 

[byegad]

I only use my on bike pump to preinflate the tube before fitting it. CO2 gets my tyre to pressure, when I get home I let down the tyre and reinflate with a track pump. Why? Because CO2 leaks through the tube faster than old fashioned air!

 

[zacklaws]

I bought the "Giant" one and have had to use it quite a few times and had no problems with it. Plus it does not use all its CO2 up once you disconnect from the tyre like some do, so if you puncture again, there is still some gas left to pump your tyre up again and still hard enough to ride. But over time I have found that a used cartridge that has been left in the inflator does loose its CO2. I do not know what pressure it pumps up to but I find it makes the tyres rock hard on my road bike so suspect it is well over 100lbs+ as advertised.

But dispite having a CO2 inflator, its still advisable to carry your pump in case you have multiple punctures and use up all your cannisters, or as in the case of my ride just recently a slow puncture where you can just keep giving it 50 - 100 strokes to keep the tyre rideable. So long as you don't have a stupid grin with your eyes shut on your face when your stroking, nobody will think otherwise.

Also recommendable is the Lezne inflators, I searched all over in the LBS for the Giant and Lezyne ones, and then found a LBS that stocked both, so it was a hard decision to choose which one.

 

[jay clock]

I have several of these (one per bike!) http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/vision-air-pump-cartridge-17251615/ It is very small and works a treat. And works as a basic pump if needed too

 

[2old2care]

Great advice especially about pre-inflating the tyre, never thought about that, will start looking The decathlon one looks good as its two in one, less to carry

 

[Smokin Joe]

Remember to smear some silicone oil or grease round the edge of the cartridge to protect the seal in the pump from the freezing cold Co2 as this will damage the seal over time. Or buy Crossman cartridges which are pre-treated.