Fifty Plus (50+) - Iv'e traded in my C02 inflator

My wife and I went for a ride the other day and when we got to the trail both bikes had flat front tires. I had filled them both about an hour before we left home. Usually I put my hand pump in the truck, but had forgotten it. I put a patch on my tube and changed hers with a new one. I always carry two C02 cartriges in my seat bag, so no problem. After riding a while we stopped at a fruit stand for a snack. When we started to leave my wife had another flat on her front tire from a sand spur. I had only used part of the 2nd C02 cartridge and thought, no problem, but it had leaked out. Luckily a couple from Toronto came by and he had a small light weight frame pump. I borrowed the pump, patched her tube and we were off. When we got home I took the frame pump and bracket off of my mountain bike and weighed it on my sons postal scale. 6 0z. Then I took my C02 inflator and the two cartridges and wieghed them, 4.8 0z. My Litespeed is now 1.2 oz. heavier than it used to be.

I took the frame pump and bracket off of my mountain bike and weighed it on my sons postal scale. 6 0z. Then I took my C02 inflator and the two cartridges and wieghed them, 4.8 0z. My Litespeed is now 1.2 oz. heavier than it used to be.


Hilarious. I've never heard anyone do the math like this! I guess it's the aesthetic of no pump mounted on the bike that's the big appeal, no?:)

I have a frame pump and also carry a CO2, on my Jamis and just a CO2 on the Roubaix.

A pumpless pump is even lighter than a frame pump.

I tossed mine after the first flat. A friend gave it to me for Christmas, and I was underwhelmed but packed it in the seat bag. Turns out a 12g cartridge will only inflate my big tires to about 60psi, and at that time (several years ago) 16g carts were hard to find and cost almost $3 apiece at the bike shop. I went back to my 15-year-old Zefal frame pump and I've never been sorry.

I have been carrying Zefal frame pumps since the early '80's.

I have never used CO2.

My pump works really well.

I have been carrying Zefal frame pumps since the early '80's.

I have never used CO2.

My pump works really well.
+1

While I'm a Retro Grouch about most things, I still appreciate the convenience and speed of using CO2. I haven't pumped up a tire on the roadside for over 5 years.

In the interest of full disclosure, we don't have sand spurs or goat head thorns in the area where I live so I generally only get 1 or 2 flats per year.

While I'm a Retro Grouch about most things, I still appreciate the convenience and speed of using CO2.

Same here. When it's sub-zero on a ride and I have to change a flat, I really appreciate the speed.

I've always been curious how you weight concious bikers feel about filling your tires with CO2 . . . what with it being heavier than plain ol' air?? I mean 'it is' rotating weight.

DON

I got rid of mine after I came across six riders of a local team on the side of the road waving me down. They had used all of the CO2 cartridges they had (as a group) and the tire was still flat.

I can send my address to anybody that wants to get rid of their evil CO2 inflators. :)

I've always been curious how you weight concious bikers feel about filling your tires with CO2 . . . what with it being heavier than plain ol' air?? I mean 'it is' rotating weight.

DON

I always use Helium instead of C02!

On our tandem we use the Mt.Morph pump byTopeak since they first came out. It converts to a min-floor pump. Great: 100 strokes gets us 100 lbs. of air in our 700x25 tires. Pump ain't free, but the air is! Works for us.

I have one resounding memory of a mountain bike race where the leader was miles in front of every one else and got a flat. No problem and 90 seconds later and the tyre was ready to inflate. Out came the CO2 and it did not inflate the tyre. Out with a second cartridge and still a flat tyre. The rider abandoned when the field went past and no-one offered a pump. She would have been disqualified if any one had for outside assistance.

I'll stick to a pump.

My wife and I went for a ride the other day and when we got to the trail both bikes had flat front tires. I had filled them both about an hour before we left home. Usually I put my hand pump in the truck, but had forgotten it. I put a patch on my tube and changed hers with a new one. I always carry two C02 cartriges in my seat bag, so no problem. After riding a while we stopped at a fruit stand for a snack. When we started to leave my wife had another flat on her front tire from a sand spur. I had only used part of the 2nd C02 cartridge and thought, no problem, but it had leaked out. Luckily a couple from Toronto came by and he had a small light weight frame pump. I borrowed the pump, patched her tube and we were off. When we got home I took the frame pump and bracket off of my mountain bike and weighed it on my sons postal scale. 6 0z. Then I took my C02 inflator and the two cartridges and wieghed them, 4.8 0z. My Litespeed is now 1.2 oz. heavier than it used to be.

I almost bought a CO2 pump this spring but the bike guy at my local MEC very strongly advised against it. Too expensive, too heavy and he promised that it would be sure to not have enough gas when I needed it most. I bought a small frame pump. Your experience proves him right and reinforces my decision.

Hand pump= free air, more reliable.

+1 on the Topeak Morph.

My wife and I went for a ride the other day and when we got to the trail both bikes had flat front tires. I had filled them both about an hour before we left home. Usually I put my hand pump in the truck, but had forgotten it. I put a patch on my tube and changed hers with a new one. I always carry two C02 cartriges in my seat bag, so no problem. After riding a while we stopped at a fruit stand for a snack. When we started to leave my wife had another flat on her front tire from a sand spur. I had only used part of the 2nd C02 cartridge and thought, no problem, but it had leaked out. Luckily a couple from Toronto came by and he had a small light weight frame pump. I borrowed the pump, patched her tube and we were off. When we got home I took the frame pump and bracket off of my mountain bike and weighed it on my sons postal scale. 6 0z. Then I took my C02 inflator and the two cartridges and wieghed them, 4.8 0z. My Litespeed is now 1.2 oz. heavier than it used to be.

So...you started out a ride with two flat tires? And you didn't check first to ascertain the reason for why they were flat? And you only had 2 cartridges for 2 bikes on a ride where sand spurs occur?

No offense, but that sounds like a case of pilot error...

My junk drawer is full of experimental mini-pumps. I rarely use my CO2 inflator. I'm back to using a traditional frame pump.

My junk drawer is full of experimental mini-pumps. I rarely use my CO2 inflator. I'm back to using a traditional frame pump.

There's a ton of crap mini-pumps out there, and only a few good ones.

Still checking my mailbox for cast-off CO2 inflators. :)

If you cast away your CO2 inflator, then how you are going to put out tire fires?

Frame pumps on my road bikes. I carry inflators on my MTB. Mini pumps are worse than walking.

What is the best mini-pump available? I would never desecrate my CF bike with a frame pump. It's a little snot.

I always carry two C02 cartriges in my seat bag, so no problem. After riding a while we stopped at a fruit stand for a snack. When we started to leave my wife had another flat on her front tire from a sand spur.

If you're going CO2 and only CO2, you NEED to carry more than 2 for sure. I carry 4 for solo rides, and I'm still paranoid.

... Brad

CO2 cartridges are expensive and environmentally objectionable. Mini-pumps cannot always do the job. I have voted with my wallet in favor of full-size frame fit pumps:
1) Zefal HP-X: Bianchi and Capo #1;
2) Mt. Zefal: Schwinn and Capo #2, both of which have pump pegs;
3) Blackburn: Peugeot, which also has pump pegs.
I also keep a good floor pump in the garage.

What is the best mini-pump available?

This is the 50+ forum. People our age might not have enough time left to inflate a bike tire with a mini pump.

This is the 50+ forum. People our age might not have enough time left to inflate a bike tire with a mini pump.

:D:D:D:D:D:D

I ride pretty light, that is if it does not fit in my jersey pockets it doesn't go. I have a CO2 inflater and two cartridges along with a spare tube and a couple of patches in a baggy and so far I have never had to walk anywhere. Worse case, once a year I may have to call for a pickup.

I tried the CO2 method for awhile but found it not to be a good solution for me. I now have three mini pumps that all function as a floor pump except that they are small and light weight. This is the one I use around home: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17126&subcategory_ID=4361

On a long tour I use a Topeak Road Morph which functions just as the performance one does and it has a guage on it.

If you're going CO2 and only CO2, you NEED to carry more than 2 for sure. I carry 4 for solo rides, and I'm still paranoid.

... Brad

I'm more paranoid than you are; I carry three tubes, three CO2 carts AND a mini-pump, though I have no idea if I could actually pump a tire with it. :)

If you are too lazy to use a pump to inflate your tires afer a flat repair, you need a different hobby.

If you are too lazy to use a pump to inflate your tires afer a flat repair, you need a different hobby.

Uh - if you've noticed, both chocolate and vanilla are still good sellers. Might it also be possible for there to be more than one acceptable way to inflate a bicycle tire?

I've always been a frame-pump guy. Silca back in the day (with the Campy end). Zefal HP now. I received a carbon-frame bicycle for my 50th. birthday. I also received a CO2 pump/cartridge set. Since I already have the CO2 and thought that the 'wedge' mounting method of most frame pumps (coupled with road vibration) would eventually damage the gel-coat and then the fabric of a carbon frame - I've continued to carry the CO2. Haven't had a flat yet - so experience will tell.

Anyway, what is a decent method for mounting frame pumps on carbon frames?

I've always been a frame-pump guy. Silca back in the day (with the Campy end). Zefal HP now. I received a carbon-frame bicycle for my 50th. birthday. I also received a CO2 pump/cartridge set. Since I already have the CO2 and thought that the 'wedge' mounting method of most frame pumps (coupled with road vibration) would eventually damage the gel-coat and then the fabric of a carbon frame - I've continued to carry the CO2. Haven't had a flat yet - so experience will tell.

Anyway, what is a decent method for mounting frame pumps on carbon frames?
If I ever acquire a carbon frame (unlikely), I would probably be forced to carry a (gasp) CO2 kit. Or come up with a method of strapping one of my trusty Zefal's to my back. :o

Anyway, what is a decent method for mounting frame pumps on carbon frames?

There is no decent method.

Carrying a frame pump on a modern carbon frame is the fashion equivalent of hanging fuzzy dice from the rearview mirror on a BMW M4 :eek:,
http://www.bmwz4roadster.net/images/index5.jpg

or wearing a tie dye shirt to your company picnic. :eek: :eek: :eek:
http://www.groovyware.com/graphics/k&gorange.jpg



As for reliability...I've carried nothing but CO2 for the last 10+ years (roughly 40,000 miles), and have never once been stranded.

I tried the CO2 method for awhile but found it not to be a good solution for me. I now have three mini pumps that all function as a floor pump except that they are small and light weight. This is the one I use around home: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17126&subcategory_ID=4361

On a long tour I use a Topeak Road Morph which functions just as the performance one does and it has a guage on it.
On sale for $9.99? Is it made of used soda cans or something?

What is the best mini-pump available? I would never desecrate my CF bike with a frame pump. It's a little snot.

Topeak Micro-rocket CB is 55g. Attaches neatly to the down-tube water bottle cage mount, and it works well as a way to start the tire inflation, and as a great backup:

http://www.topeak.com/2007/products/minipumps/microrocketcb.php



Combined with GI Air Chuck SL at 21g in the seat bag...

http://www.genuineinnovations.com/bikeprods.aspx?subcat=1&prodid=1000

...and two Co2 cartridges at 56g each, total weight is 188 grams.

Doesn't weigh much less than the fantastic Road Morph at 220g, especially with more cartridges, but it's easier to get a clean/out-of-the-way install on carbon framed bikes.

I'd say it's wash...

Combined with GI Air Chuck SL at 21g in the seat bag...

http://www.genuineinnovations.com/bikeprods.aspx?subcat=1&prodid=1000


Hmmmm....I don't think so. That CO2 inflater only accepts threaded cartridges. Those cost $3-5 each.

I'm more a fan of the Ultraflate (http://www.genuineinnovations.com/bikeprods.aspx?subcat=2&prodid=1003) series, because they use the cheaper 12g unthreaded cartridges that you can buy at WalMart for about 50 cents each (plus the non-threaded CO2 cartridges are available at most hardware and sporting goods store, while the threaded ones are not).

http://www.genuineinnovations.com/prodimages/1003_lg.jpg

Chris at Velo Orange is selling this mini pump to lots of retro-grouch types, so perhaps I've been wrong about some mini pumps. Or not! ???? http://www.velo-orange.com/quickerpropump.html

Disclaimer: I have no interest in VO, nor am I....blah, blah, blah.

Sorry Dennis, no CO2 coming in the mail from me. Never used the stuff. I'm another happy Morph user. I have the Road Morph. I own a few Zefal X4s, and the Road Morph blows the Zefal away.

Hmmmm....I don't think so. That CO2 inflater only accepts threaded cartridges. Those cost $3-5 each.

I'm more a fan of the Ultraflate (http://www.genuineinnovations.com/bikeprods.aspx?subcat=2&prodid=1003) series, because they use the cheaper 12g unthreaded cartridges that you can buy at WalMart for about 50 cents each (plus the non-threaded CO2 cartridges are available at most hardware and sporting goods store, while the threaded ones are not).

http://www.genuineinnovations.com/prodimages/1003_lg.jpg



However, it is 50g heavier, about the weight of another cartridge.

You make a good point about the cost: the name brand cartridges are obscenely expensive. But, I can find the 16g threaded cartridges for under $2 pretty easily, and sometimes even close to $1 each. I stock up when I do. Given how infrequently I need them, it's worth it to me to pay a little more for a lighter, higher capacity CO2 system.

To wit: http://biketiresdirect.com/productdetail.asp?p=VTF6S

Even cheaper here: http://www.gas-depot.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2

... and ebay, of course.

I have been carrying Zefal frame pumps since the early '80's.

I have never used CO2.

My pump works really well.

I got a CO2 pump in the early 70s. One day I took it riding into the mountains above Los Angeles and got a flat. It worked. But sadly, my patching skills were less than they are now and the patch didn't hold. But the cartridge didn't have enough gas to do it again.

So I had to walk several miles down into the valley and call my step-mother to pick me up.

Pumps have never run out of air. That's worth every ounce. And pumps are so reusable.

I only get 1-2 flats per year (5000mi) and I have never had two flats in the same ride. So while it can happen, statistically the probability is so low that I see no reason to carry a bunch of junk I don't need.

Sorry Dennis, no CO2 coming in the mail from me. Never used the stuff. I'm another happy Morph user. I have the Road Morph. I own a few Zefal X4s, and the Road Morph blows the Zefal away.

If you could blow up my avatar, you could see a Road Morph on it, too. :)

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned that pumps, fail, also. In the olden days, I had Silca frame pumps fail a few times and in more recent times, had a Zefal HPx fail. I've never had a Road Morph fail except for their cheezy mounts, but then again, I've never had a CO2 cart/filler fail, either.

I arrived home from a ride and found that the bottom half of my mini pump had somehow undone itself and disappeared. Good thing I didn't get a flat.

I understand the desire to carry CO2 - pumps of any description are a pain in the arse. The trouble is, just as I carry a repair kit as well as a new tube, I think you need to carry a pump as well as CO2, because a pump never runs out of air.

I've never been stuck with a flat tyre I couldn't repair. Cripes, I've never had more than one flat on a ride (dammit, there goes that record :rolleyes:), but anyone who believes they can ride without Murphy's Law coming into operation is doomed to prove it to be true .... eventually. Maybe this is why they invented mobile phones and credit cards.

Richard

CO2 cartridges are expensive and environmentally objectionable.
Whenever I use a CO2 cartridge I hold my breath for about two minutes. I believe that is carbon neutral.

BTW, anyone know how much CO2 is in a cartridge, and how much CO2 the average human breathes out in an hour? Might make an interesting factoid.

Think I heard it on the Tandem forum but Mini Pumps are only good up to a pressure that is not high enough. So The solution- Pump as hard as you can with the Inadequate pump and then use CO2 to get to final pressure.-Or just get a Topeak mini morph in the first place (Still looking for a supplier over here)

I still Use the Blackburn Mammoth pumps that will get to around 90psi and no higher. That is enough to finish a ride with Even if I don't want two punctures in the same ride.

Whenever I use a CO2 cartridge I hold my breath for about two minutes. I believe that is carbon neutral.

BTW, anyone know how much CO2 is in a cartridge, and how much CO2 the average human breathes out in an hour? Might make an interesting factoid.

Each 16g CO2 cartridge has, well, 16 grams of CO2.

Wiki, the source of all knowledge, says "an average person's respiration generates approximately 450 liters (roughly 900 grams) of carbon dioxide per day."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_dioxide

That's sbout .625 grams/minute, and is going to require you to hold your breath for about 25 minutes to make up for it. :)

The average SUV generates a HUGE amount of CO2 in comparison. Can't find the figure right now.

Silly stuff, I know... :D