Road Cycling - CO2 cannisters from Walmart

I got a couple of boxes, but I wonder which CO2 guns they'll work with. I finally found the chance to use it, and it just didn't work at all for the one I currently own, so I'm kind of at a loss of what to do next. Any ideas on how I can use these cannisters I bought?

Koffee

I got a couple of boxes, but I wonder which CO2 guns they'll work with. I finally found the chance to use it, and it just didn't work at all for the one I currently own, so I'm kind of at a loss of what to do next. Any ideas on how I can use these cannisters I bought?

Koffee

I use this one LINK (http://www.coloradocyclist.com/common/products/productdisplay2_v2.cfm?PRRFNBR=29603&CGRFNBR=357&CRPCGNBR=357&CI=1,226,357&TextMode=0)

It works just fine with 12 gram threadless CO2 cartridges

Innovations has several models that work with 12 g unthreaded (read Wal Mart) CO2 cartridges. PlanetBike has one, and Performance has one that looks just like an Innovations dealy on sale now.

http://www.planetbike.com/inflators.html# Check out the Airship.

http://www.innovationsaz.com/INmain.asp?Option=CatList&Category=bike&SubCategory=power Look at the superflate and ultraflate lines.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=16598 This link speaks for itself.

Wow, thanks for the quick response. I'll most likely head up to Performance, since I need this quickly.

Koffee

I have the Ultraflate Plus and it works ok wit hthe walmart cartridges. but sometimes it needs a bit of a spacer in the end of the holder or it can't push enough to pierce the top of the cartrdige. worked fine till I really needed it. so a washer dropped down in there took care of th issue.

CO2 cannisters from Wal-Mart?

Maybe you can go club some seals after your ride.

now you see ladies and gentlemen, this is an example of a highjack. a legitimate question has been turned into a nonsensical political statement by a one Mr Laggard. Bravo on your wit and your banter Mr Laggard. Momma Laggard must be proud.

Oh calm down and shut up. I knew someone would get their panties in a bunch. It was such an obvious joke that I'm surprised no one beat me to it.

A little light Friday humour. Mom told me that some people just can't see or take a joke.

Oh calm down and shut up. I was joking. I knew someone would get their panties in a bunch.

A little light Friday humour. Mom told me that some people just can't see or take a joke.

Problem is, it used to be OK for us to laugh at such comments and blow them off. But now, with the world being all PC and all, we are supposed to take everyone's comments seriously, no matter how stupid and out-of-line they are...

Yes, too much is taken seriously these days. We all just need to smoke a big one and peace out for a few minutes.

Yes, too much is taken seriously these days. We all just need to smoke a big one and peace out for a few minutes.

Smoking Marijuana????

Maybe you should just write a big check directly to Al Qaeda.




Actually, because there are people who equate shopping at Wally World with clubbing seals, a few smilies might have helped to convey your humorous intent. I would suggest any of the following:

:) :D :rolleyes: :p ;) :eek: :roflmao: :lol:

Smilies always help everyone feel better.

Thanks for the tips, guys.

I'm on my way out to club a baby seal right now- I just located one within eyesight....

;)

Koffee

Good luck, Koffee! :)

As an update- I called Performance where I got my Ultraflate Plus, and they talked me through the process of installing the cartridge into the cannister. I thought for sure it was the wrong size, but as it turns out, I had no idea the red thing on the back is supposed to be in the up position to prevent the air from escaping. Once I flipped the switch up, I was able to stick the cartridge in without losing air, and I can now pump my tire in style. Performance walked me through it step by step, so I am thankful they are such nice guys.

Does anyone know offhand how many PSI is in one 12 g cartridge, btw?

Laggard, baby seal clubbed, matching boots and coat being made and will be ready to go in style! Thanks! :D

Koffee

I was told 70psi

Sounds good. If I can use my hand pump to get in about 40 psi, then I can use the cartridge and pump it up the rest of the way. Thanks for the info.

Koffee

[QUOTE=Laggard]Oh calm down and shut up. I knew someone would get their panties in a bunch. It was such an obvious joke that I'm surprised no one beat me to it.

QUOTE]


Obvious jokes are actually funny!

It was an obvious bad joke.

Sounds good. If I can use my hand pump to get in about 40 psi, then I can use the cartridge and pump it up the rest of the way. Thanks for the info.

Koffee

The PSI you'll get out of a CO2 cartridge depends on the size of your tires. I can usually get about 90 psi into a 700x23 road tire. On a 26x2" mountain bike tire, a 12g cartridge will only give you about 20 psi.

The deal is, the inflator will pump air until the pressure in the cartridge and the pressure in the tire equalize. So, if you use your hand pump to put 40 psi into the tire, you'll still only get the tire up to about 90 psi--or whatever the equalization point happens to be on your tire. The difference will be that there will be more gas left in the cartridge.

I suggest that you save the effort of hand pumping. Use the cartridge exlusively, even to put the bit of air in your tube that you need to give it shape before installing it. Use the hand pump to find the leak in your old tube. Otherwise let the C02 inflator do the work for you.

A couple more things:

Those cartridges, once punctured, leak gas even if they are kept in the inflator. So don't plan to put a cartridge in the inflator today and use it tomorrow. (This may seem obvious but I've known otherwise rational people to attempt it.)

Remember that after inflating a tire there will still be gas left in the cartridge. Be sure to discharge it before trying to remove the cartridge from the inflator. Otherwise it comes apart with a BANG!

After you discharge a CO2 cartridge, it will be frosty cold. If you let it warm up, the pressure in the cartridge will increase and you will be able to put a little more gas into the tire.

Innovations claims that their (expensive) CO2 cartridges are superior to the Wally World brand. They say that the cheap cartridges contain lubricants that can destroy the seals in your inflator. According to my math, the money I save buying cheap cartridges will more than pay for a new inflator. I've been using cheap cartridges for years with no problems.

Probably the most important thing: practice with the CO2 inflator at home. Make sure you know how to use it before you need it. Waste a cartridge or two practicing. This will also give you the opportunity to find out just how much pressure a CO2 cartridge will put into your tire.

I have an Ultraflate Pro, the kind with the rubber plug to protect the head. After inflating a tire, you can jam the plug into the head, lift the lever, press the button and POP....It makes a neat little pop gun. :D

They don't have baby seal steaks at the Wal Mart I shop at. You guys that can get them are lucky!

Thanks for the tip, RG. I'm going to practice everything tomorrow. Folding and unfolding the bike will be my start point, then I'll practice doing basic maintenance, and then packing and unpacking the bike itself.

I feel good about going to Walmart to save a little money. It certainly helps me to throw more money at my LBS when I can save money with the little stuff.

Koffee

OK, I am not sure what truth there is to this but here goes....

The BB gun cartridges are said to contain a small amount of oil which could cause premature breakdown of the rubber in tubes. I was told this by a bike mechanic on one of our group rides where I was also advocating the wal-mart cartidges. I have not looked into it personally but I now just carry a pump anyway. I have had more than one problem with the CO2 devices failing in some way or other.

Thanks for the tip, RG. I'm going to practice everything tomorrow. Folding and unfolding the bike will be my start point, then I'll practice doing basic maintenance, and then packing and unpacking the bike itself.

I feel good about going to Walmart to save a little money. It certainly helps me to throw more money at my LBS when I can save money with the little stuff.

Koffee

Sounds like you're planning a trip, Koff. Are you planning to fly somewhere? You might want to ask the airline whether you can carry CO2 cartridges on a plane. I know they can't be shipped airmail. I don't think they take well to depressurization. These days I don't know what you can carry in the cabin.



They don't have baby seal steaks at the Wal Mart I shop at. You guys that can get them are lucky!

Seal veal? :eek:

Yikes, I'll call the airline today and see what's up with carrying on the CO2 cartridges. It'll be packed into my checked luggage, so I'll keep my fingers crossed with that!

Yeah, I'm planning a trip. Back to Italy, but also heading north going into Switzerland. I'm just finishing up the last minute details now.

Koffee

good luck and have a safe trip Koffee.

Bill F.

Yikes, I'll call the airline today and see what's up with carrying on the CO2 cartridges. It'll be packed into my checked luggage, so I'll keep my fingers crossed with that!

I know you can't carry on CO2 catridges but I'm not sure about checked luggage although I have a strong impression that too is verboten.

Yikes, I'll call the airline today and see what's up with carrying on the CO2 cartridges. It'll be packed into my checked luggage, so I'll keep my fingers crossed with that!

Yeah, I'm planning a trip. Back to Italy, but also heading north going into Switzerland. I'm just finishing up the last minute details now.

Koffee

Sounds like fun. I love Italy in the summer.

Tell us more about your trip?

OK, I am not sure what truth there is to this but here goes....

The BB gun cartridges are said to contain a small amount of oil which could cause premature breakdown of the rubber in tubes. I was told this by a bike mechanic on one of our group rides where I was also advocating the wal-mart cartidges. I have not looked into it personally but I now just carry a pump anyway. I have had more than one problem with the CO2 devices failing in some way or other.

I don't know if that is true, either, but if they do have oil in them, I doubt the oil is of the type to break down rubber because air guns rely on several rubber o-rings to seal the gas in the gun between shots. Obviously, an airgun wouldn't last long if the CO2 cartridges were corrosive to rubber. In fact, the oil type used in the cartridges may help lubricate the o-rings and keep them pliable.

Regardless, I have an air pistol that I bought in 1980 and it still functions fine.

-Dennis

I don't know if that is true, either, but if they do have oil in them, I doubt the oil is of the type to break down rubber because air guns rely on several rubber o-rings to seal the gas in the gun between shots. Obviously, an airgun wouldn't last long if the CO2 cartridges were corrosive to rubber. In fact, the oil type used in the cartridges may help lubricate the o-rings and keep them pliable.

Regardless, I have an air pistol that I bought in 1980 and it still functions fine.

-Dennis

Did not think about that. Good point.

Did not think about that. Good point.

After noticing your avatar, I should point out that it's a fairly rare S&W airgun. :)