Road Cycling - Usage of CO2 inflators? (SKS AirChamp Pro)

The instructions on the back of the packet are limited to say the least. What is the purpose of the 'lock'? Is it to be engaged or disengaged when connecting the cartridge? When connecting to the inner-tube's valve?

Any major caveats of which I should be aware when using it? I recall reading somewhere about being careful not to freeze the valve. With 16g cartridges selling at £2 a pop, I'm not too keen to go through a whole box in order to practice.

Quite a few use CO2 inflators, I know! Please help!

Would be eternally grateful: I have a long ride planned for the weekend, and do not want to find myself stranded with a flat tube.

Personally I use the Ultraflate Plus. This model can be used interchangeably between presta and schraeder valves. With a schraeder valve you screw it on. With a presta no "lock" is required.
First you have to let everyone know what type valve is on your tube. This may make a difference in the correct answer. Also why not go to SKS's web site. They are a big company and must have a technical help section. I have attached what I could find hope it helps. SKS Airchamp Pro
Sale Price:$16.99 $13.99 (That's 17% Off!)
Item #40-1216E
In Stock

Spare air doesn't get any easier. Store the cartridge in the unit until you need it, then reverse the cartridge, unlock the safety lock, pull the air-control trigger, and continue your ride! Safety lock eliminates accidental air release. Fits both Presta and Schrader valves. Includes bottle cage mounting clips. Uses threadless cartridges. Length: 5.25". Wt (including cartridge): 100g. Germany. Cannot be air shipped

Or just buy a frame pump and never have to worry about buying another cartridge again. :) :) :) :D :D :D

I carry an Ultraflate CO2 inflator. I have never needed to use it after a flat. To make sure I was familiar with it, though, I let the air out of a tire and re-inflated it with CO2. Not difficult, but I wanted to learn in the garage, not on the road. I'd suggest you waste a cartridge and do the same. Remember, too, that the number of cartridges you carry limits your ability to inflate your tires. You won't have much room for error.

I have read that tires inflated with CO2 should be re-inflated with plain old air once you end your ride.

Don´t use cartriges for road use , these were developed for MTB racing and just don´t have the capacity for road tyres , and as we puncture more it´ll cost you a fortune : buy a good compact / telescopic pump and sweat with the rest of us ( one with a guage helps ) ps a track pump at home is VITAL

Don´t use cartriges for road use , these were developed for MTB racing and just don´t have the capacity for road tyres

A 12 g. (non-threaded) CO2 cartridge will fill a road tire to about 90 psi before the pressure in the cartridge and the tire equalizes. 90 psi is plenty to limp home on. A 16 g. (threaded) cartridge should give even better tire pressure, though I have never used one.

Trying a CO2 inflator out at home, before you need it is sound advice.

As for replacing CO2 with regular air when you get home, I don't know. I have always "topped off" a repaired tire when I get it home. And of course, I check tire pressure before the next ride, too.

On my roadie, I carry an inflator, two cartridges, a self adhesive patch kit, a Crank Bros. Speed Lever and a spare tube.

On tour, I carry a CO2 inflator for quick repairs and a ToPeak morph pump, plus the other tools.

Edit: Unthreaded 12 g. CO2 cartridges can be bought cheap at stores like Wal-Mart. I bought a box of 25 about 3 years ago. I've still got half the box left.
On my mountain bikes, I carry a mini-pump. Experimentation shows me that it takes 3-12 g. CO2 cartridges to get rideable pressure into a MTB tire. It would doubtless take less of the larger cartridges.

With my Ultraflate I carry 16g catridges. They will put a 700Cx25 tire up to around 125psi. Also maybe I'm cursed or something but I seem to flat out more on my mtb than road bike.