CO2 Inflators

[stu1903]

Got a puncture today and used my Topeak Cobra CO2 inflator for the first time. I was using it on my road bike tyres, presta type valve. After filling the tyre with CO2 the valve turned white and the nob at the top ceased. I wasn't able to close the valve until I got home and used a pair of pliers on it.

Anyone else use a CO2 Inflator and is there any tricks to it?

 

[fenlandpsychocyclist]

The white is just "ice". The co2 is probably at 1000psi in the can, going to 100psi in the tyre, which results in cooling.

I suppose filling slowly is the way to go?

 

[YahudaMoon]

Here is a good example why I dont use CO2

Top athlete Chrissy Wellington

 

[Cush]

Lesson here carry two tubes

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Here is a good example why I dont use CO2

Top athlete Chrissy Wellington

You don't use CO2 because some people don't know how to use it properly? Eh?

Or do you mean you don't rely solely on it?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Got a puncture today and used my Topeak Cobra CO2 inflator for the first time. I was using it on my road bike tyres, presta type valve. After filling the tyre with CO2 the valve turned white and the nob at the top ceased. I wasn't able to close the valve until I got home and used a pair of pliers on it.

Anyone else use a CO2 Inflator and is there any tricks to it?

Yes. Valve always turns white. Knob will stiffen (seized) as it is frozen and on humid/wet days this can be worse. I've never been unable to remove it though.

A tip, take the co2 off the valve stem with your gloved hand not bare skin.
Tip, use a neoprene sleeve on the canister. I've had a bare one stick to a wet glove.

 

[Manonabike]

Lesson here carry two tubes

I always carry three tubes!!!

 

[machew]

Using a compressed air can to clean out a computer in a very humid office (Staff room in a swimming pool). I managed to "freeze" the can to my hand.

 

[YahudaMoon]

You don't use CO2 because some people don't know how to use it properly? Eh?

Or do you mean you don't rely solely on it?

I just like the feeling of having a piece of kit (pump) I can truly rely on if I'm 100's of miles from home in the middle of nowhere and the same applys if Im going to the shops.

Nothing wrong with CO2 if you use em correctly and don't run out of gas

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I just like the feeling of having a piece of kit (pump) I can truly rely on if I'm 100's of miles from home in the middle of nowhere and the same applys if Im going to the shops.

Nothing wrong with CO2 if you use em correctly and don't run out of gas

Fair point. I never leave home without a pump and if riding alone that is what I use. Don't like holding others up so usually save the Co2 for when I'm in a group or if it is hissing down.

 

[cyberknight]

Fair point. I never leave home without a pump and if riding alone that is what I use. Don't like holding others up so usually save the Co2 for when I'm in a group or if it is hissing down.

Nice , my road morph gets me up to 90 + psi in under 30 seconds so they can wait for me : )

 

[Peteaud]

I carry both.

I always use the pump, but with the co2 i always have a backup. Also carry a spare tube and patches.

 

[smokeysmoo]

^+1. Two tubes and Co2 for me

 

[fossyant]

Decent Pump here plus 2 tubes and a kit - never bothered with CO2. Blackburn Carbon airstick for the road bike !

When I TT'd there would be a folded tub and minipump strapped under the saddle - main reason was to ride back to the HQ - if you puncture on a TT it's game over anyway. Fortunately, it never happened.

 

[stu1903]

I think the frozen valve could be down to me filling the tube too quickly and not using short bursts.

I ordered and received a Topeak Race Rocket HP to take out with me aswell now.