Last year, I switched from my trusty hand pump to CO2 to inflate my tubes after flatting. In the past few weeks, however, I’ve had a few issues (like the inflator getting clogged and/or not working) that are making me reconsider - especially since some of the newer mini pumps reportedly inflate over 100 psi.
What do you use? if CO2, which inflator, if a pump, which brand and where do you mount it? Thanks.
I used pumps exclusively for decades. My current favorite is the Topeak Road Morph because of its ingenious hose and handle, and the built-in pressure guage. I can tell you that the short minipumps are not worth the aggravation. I switched to CO2 for triathlons because of the size/aerodynamics and speed/convenience issues. But I’ve never had any problems with clogging, so the system has been trouble-free to date for me. I don’t know what brand mine is; it was the smallest/lightest I could find in the LBS that day. I still carry the pump for commuting and training.
What is the inflator getting clogged with?? Ice??
I use the tiny innovations CO2 inflator, kinda like this one. Works great, never any issues. Put on valve, screw on cartridge, and back off a touch to let the gas out. Looks like they’ve updated the design now as well
I’ve been using the XLab inflator and my guess is that the thing clogged with road dirt, etc after hanging off the back of my saddle for months. It could be that something else is wrong with it, but I have two of them and neither of them work. Maybe I should get another brand and put it in something that will keep it clean.
For multi bike users its better to use CO2 carrying it in a jersey / butt pack . I have seen guys freeze tubes or over inflate with Co2. You need to burn up 4 -5 co2 cylinders to get feel for the system / guess-timate pressure .
why is it that cyclists seem to prefer pumps and triathletes CO2?
After my episode a couple weeks ago, where my only spare tube got blown up by my riding partner’s CO2 inflator, I bought a Crank Bros Mini pump. Works quite well, actually. I stick it in a seat bag with the spare and tools for training rides. I leave it at home for sprints and olys.
I keep mine in a small nylon seat bag, along with a tube and levers, that I can either strap to the seat or throw in a jersey pocket. I like it because I don’t have anywhere to put a full size frame pump on my main ride (Trek OCLV, the head lug area is really sculpted) and I hate mini-pumps.
4 -5 co2 cylinders to get feel for the system / guess-timate pressure.
What is to guess? a 16 g cylinder inflates a 700c tire to normal pressures.
why is it that cyclists seem to prefer pumps and triathletes CO2?
Probably because cyclists have more miles and have experienced the joy of getting multiple flats out in the middle of nowhere.
both
perhaps because my grandfather always wore suspender AND a belt.
both
perhaps because my grandfather always wore suspender AND a belt.
???
in training I always carry a frame pump on my bike, specifically a Blackburn FF-HP (frame fit - high pressure). Never had a problem getting 115psi which I train on. For races I always carry CO2 because it is faster in case I ever get a flat.
CO2 inflator and 2 cartridges-------
AND one spare and razor blade if using tubbies
or one spare tubular/clincher when using clinchers
or one cellphone to call my wife if I don’t have a spare that day.
I’ve used the co2 for many many moons…I’ve been at this for 15 years and never carried anything else. I’ve never had to use a second co2 cartridge on a ride.
Both. I use the pump when I have the time and C02 when I don’t. I’m on my bike 7 days a week and get enough flats that it seems wasteful to kill a C02 cartridge for every one. My pump is an older specialized, can’t remember the model. It get’s 100 psi fairly quickly but not much more.
I carry both for the same reasons. Also, if I’m out on a ride, I have to know I can fix my bike to get back and pick up my kids from school. Nothing worse than inflating with CO2 and finding one more little piece of glass in your tire. I pump up my tire a little with the pump, just to make sure it’s not stuck in the bead or anything also. If I’m stuck out in the heat, it’s CO2 all the way.
I’m trying something new for races. It’s the CO2 with the slime sealant already in the can. I’m hoping I won’t even have to change the tube. Just shoot it up with the CO2 and slime and start riding again. Anyone else use these?
If you blow your CO2, your race is over. If you are doing an Ironman or half Ironman, you can still be in the race with a 4 min change including pumping iwth mini.
In 1990 I flatted in Belgium in an Olympic tri 20K from T2. I sat in the 9 degree C rain for 3 hours before the broom wagon picked me up as I had no pump or spare. I learned that day, that I prefer to be self sufficient and have a way of getting my ass back to T2.
Dev
Post: 4 -5 co2 cylinders to get feel for the system / guess-timate pressure.
What is to guess? a 16 g cylinder inflates a 700c tire to normal pressures.
16gr inflates a 700 c - mm 20 higher than a mm 25 . some use the short cylinders . The guess work increases
“To get a feel for the system”.
From personal experience, I needed to try my inflator a couple of times until I become comfortable with it. It’s not something I’d want to save until race day and hope that I can figure it out. Sure you waste a couple of CO2 cartridges, but I’d rather do that than end up standing on the side of the road on race day, waiting for the sag wagon.
mm
I think I did that too, when I first started using the CO2 systems way back in the dark ages. I think I wasted one cartridge to learn how it works, and at that time I also found out that it is best done with cycling gloves on, and don’t use the fingertips!!