Road Cycling - Frame pump or co2 cartridge?

Newbie question. What kind of inflation device do most road-cyclists carry? My tires inflate to 120psi, which is probably beyond most mini-pumps. Do I go with a full-size frame pump or use the CO2 cartridge inflators? In looking at pictures posted on the Internet, I don't see too many frame pumps in evidence.

Frame pump. For road tires, frame pump. Check out your local bike shop, they'll be able to show you a good one.

velo

I use a frame pump for everyday use and when I am competing in triathlons I will take a C02 cartdrige with me. My frame pump will still pump up to 120 psi.

Both... but it depends on the ride.

I don't actually use a frame pump at all. I have a Crank Brothers (http://www.crankbrothers.com/) mini pump that slips easily into a jersey pocket that I take on long rides. I also have an Innovations Ultraflate with two CO2 cartridges in my toolkit that comes with me on every ride, not to mention one of those presta valva adapters to use at service station ir pumps.

I'm perfectly happy with the idea of sitting down at the side of a road with a pump, doing 150-strokes to get a tire up to 100 psi if I'm with a ride that'll wait for me. But if you're on a fast ride with a competitive group that drops, CO2 can be a lifesaver. I flatted on a recent group ride. The pack was moving at about 40 km/h at the time, and thanks to the C02, I was able to change the tube, inflate the tire and get back on the road in seconds. I never lost sight of the pack, and I was able to fight my way back to them in about 20 minutes [thankfully, they eased up a bit]. Without the CO2 I would have limped slowly home, alone.

Both have their place. I use both.

Thanks for the advice. I guess the short answer is BOTH! I guess having a pump as a backup makes sense. I am planning to start doing some group rides after Xmas (can't touch new bike until then; ouch!). When I am alone or with family, it is cheaper to use the pump, but I don't want to get left behind by a group, either. It will probably take some practice to be able to change a tube without the group going out of sight, though.

I was thinking the same thing. It wouldn't matter if I had a pit crew handing me tools, I can't change a tire fast enough to catch up or ever see a group again. Especially when they are doing 40 kmh. My tires are so tight that it takes me about 15 mintues to get the darn things on and off again. If I blow I am riding home alone unless the group does laps and waits for me!:p

There are frame pumps that will go to 160 lbs. Topeak Road Morph w/gauge is one. I think Blackburn also makes one; Air Stick.
There are even some CO2 inflators that work as pumps. Check your LBS.

Originally posted by Captain Crunch
I can't change a tire fast enough to catch up or ever see a group again. Especially when they are doing 40 kmh
Practice. I had eight flats this year. I've gotten good at peeling off tires and popping them back on without irons this year. The whole operation took about 90 seconds.

That, and a long, open stretch of road helped. Still took me 20 minutes or so to catch them... and only once they eased up.

I'm perfectly happy with the idea of sitting down at the side of a road with a pump, doing 150-strokes to get a tire up to 100 psi if I'm with a ride that'll wait for me

I'm a recent convert from a mini-pump to CO2 cartridges. I too use an Innovations Ultraflate and carry two CO2 cartridges in my toolkit. I hated having to do 150 strokes on the side of the road while everybody passes you by. It's quick and it's easy! BTW, Wal-Mart sells a box of 25 12gm untreaded cartridges for $12. Can't get cheaper than that.

I highly recommend the Topeak Road Morph. It is mid-size, larger than a mini, smaller than a full-size frame pump. It has a fold down footrest and fold over T-handle that make it easy to pump my tires up to 110 in 90-100 strokes, 120 a few more - almost as easy as a floor pump. I also carry a CO2 inflator, just because I had it. The Road Morph is clipped to my commuter. If I am just doing a ride around town on my road bike I might not take the Road Morph, but for longer country rides I do. If I could only have one, the Road Morph would win hands down.
FWIW,
Raymond

Originally posted by ljbike
There are frame pumps that will go to 160 lbs. Topeak Road Morph w/gauge is one. I think Blackburn also makes one; Air Stick.
There are even some CO2 inflators that work as pumps. Check your LBS.
I use an Air Stick which fits in a bracket on the bottle cage of my tourer. It gets plenty of air in very quickly as it pumps on both strokes.

I agree with Rainman. When I was a newbie cyclists, I was very worried about such a basic concern, as changing a flat. Not a terribly mechanical person, am I. that is a basic skill, if not learned, then you better stay on bike lanes that have access to bus' with bike carriers. Pretty limiting, seems silly now. Guess, My problem was stuffing the tube. Seemed I'd pack them and immediately get a flat. Some tires are really tight and stuffing the tube difficult. Mastered that now.
Also, Pumps. Find one you are comfortable with. Like Rainman I use the Morph Pump, with stand and gauge.Fairly mini. Seems traditional pumps- I'd damage Presto Stem. The Morph has a hose, so like a portable floor pump, and does not stress the valve stem. Love that pump. Will give you peace of mind on the road.
And yes, CO2 cartridges. Used to use them. Too much pressure- burst tub, maybe even tire. Also, only one chance and CO2 is gone. Find a pump, you like-they are re-useable.

Oh, yes. Been on two cycle tours. Was with several other cyclists. I was very popular. They saw my Morph pump. Everyone wanted to borrow it. Caused me to be the last one out of camp. Was like the only cyclists with a floor pump. Preferred every time.

I use the Zefal HPX and it suits me just fine. I've been curious about CO2, but right now there are better things for me to be spending my money on.

You're right that there are not a whole lot of full size frame pumps out there. Most pumps need a clip of some kind to hold it ot the frame, and that really bugs me. My Zefal has a sring mechanism that holds is securely under my top tube, and is completely clip and velcro free. Silca and Blackburn also make full size pumps. I don't know of any others, but one or more of these three should be available at you LBS, or from someplace like Colorado Cyclist or Excel.