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-   -   Hand pump or CO2 Inflater? (https://www.bikeforums.net/mountain-biking/100432-hand-pump-co2-inflater.html)

woody 04-18-05 09:41 AM

Hand pump or CO2 Inflater?
 
What do you prefer to carry with you when riding.....the standard hand pump or a CO2 kit?
Any suggestions on a good CO2 kit?

Thanks!!

Alf 04-18-05 12:09 PM


Originally Posted by woody
What do you prefer to carry with you when riding.....the standard hand pump or a CO2 kit?
Any suggestions on a good CO2 kit?

Thanks!!

I prefer a hand pump. Running out of CO2 on a long ride back with a slow and steady leak would really suck.

Akak 04-18-05 01:16 PM

Uh...both!

Why compromise when you can have a hand pump AND a CO2 inflater all in one compact device? I carry one of these: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4362

and one CO2 cartridge.

moabrider47 04-18-05 01:50 PM

It depends on how long the ride is. Usually, it's just the CO2 inflator if I won't be far from the trailhead. If it is any longer, it's usually the hand pump, and possibly a small CO2 inflator in addition to the hand pump in a camelback so I have one quick flat fix. Any more than one flat, and the hand pump gets used. I use a small Innovations CO2 inflator and it has stood up to use for 3 years or so with no problems.

-Moab

woody 04-18-05 02:10 PM

Thanks!

From what I've read it sounds like the Innovations CO2 inflator's are very reliable.

Dirtbike 04-18-05 04:47 PM

If you get a C02 pump, dont bother buying the CO2 canisters at the bike shop. Walmart has them and they are alot cheaper.

I would just use slime tubes and bring a pump just in case. C02 would be more ideal during a race.

phantomcow2 04-18-05 04:50 PM

Just use a mini pump, sure c02 pumps are quick and easy but. Suppose you get more than one flat or for whatever the reason have to add more air. And many people leave catridges on the trail. Also, you have to keep buying canisters. A mini pump is a one time 15 dollar investement :)

khuon 04-18-05 05:03 PM

CO2 is sometimes a must for tubeless tyres in order to seat the bead quickly. I don't run tubeless so I just use a hand pump. I do use CO2 for my roadbike because getting a road tyre up to 130PSI is somewhat of a chore with a handpump. It's less of an issue for MTBing than for RBing because the tyre pressures are lower so a hand pump is usually sufficient. If you use CO2, just make sure you have enough catridges or one that's big enough to fully inflate your tyres. A single 12g or even 16g cartridge usually does not carry a sufficient amount of gas to inflate most offroad tyres. You can get a 25g cartridge but they are more expensive than carrying several 12g or 16g cartridges. Also keep in mind that CO2 is more permeable in rubber so it's a good idea to replace with air as soon as possible.

phantomcow2 04-18-05 05:16 PM

So all in all, for a MTB just use a hand pump

clunger 04-18-05 06:04 PM

hand pump is definately the cheaper option - and a very effective one at that - but i also like the co2 pumps.

i have one by the maker above and it has a lock on it so i can use a cartridge partially and then pull it out later in the ride and use it agian.

i have never had troube getting enough air in my tires with the co2. i run 26inch 2.1 knobbies at ~35psi and find that a 16g cartridge is more than enough to inflate a tire of this size (actually usually over-inflates it if i use the whole cartridge)

overall, i would agree with the idea of a co2 pump for short rides (10-20miles) and a hand pump for epic rides (with patch kit and couple of tubes as well)

anthonaut 04-19-05 05:32 AM

Hand pumps take ages to use whereas you dont have to constantly replace them. So, do you want slow and reuseable or quick and one time use? Your choice.

Guest 04-19-05 06:59 PM

Both. Why not use both if you can?

Koffee

Killer B 04-19-05 08:09 PM

I have both, but carry neither with me.... I figure I can jog back if necessary, and in less time than it takes me to fix the flat. I'm "usually" no more that 3 miles out if I take a shortcut back in....

Run higher pressure.... I very rarely get a flat. Maybe 3 or 4 over the last 10 yrs. I run 55lbs. of pressure F&R.

PWRDbyTRD 04-19-05 08:11 PM

I carry both, but both have benefits. Co2 is quick, but can be a hassle and sometimes I misfire the cartridge. The pump is always there, but it takes FOREVER.

woody 04-20-05 07:54 AM

Both it is! I'm going to be doing some longer rides in remote norhtern Wisconsin this summer and I want to be well prepared.

Damn I've been spending a lot of money on biking/accessories......need a third job :)

Raiyn 04-21-05 12:18 AM

I prefer a pump. Less to carry and I HATE finding people's CO2 empties on the trail. Makes me want to dust them for prints so I can shove them up the responsible parties ************ sideways.

anthonaut 04-21-05 03:49 AM


Originally Posted by Raiyn
I prefer a pump. Less to carry and I HATE finding people's CO2 empties on the trail. Makes me want to dust them for prints so I can shove them up the responsible parties ************ sideways.

Understandably. Most people who live around my local trail think it is a place to dump all their stuf. Its starting to look like a rubbish tip and it p****es me off because we're the ones who have to clean it up :mad:

mooncricket 04-21-05 04:43 AM

err... a little off the track here ... but anyone know if the airlines give you any grief for bringing co2 cartridges onboard, carry on or check-in?

anthonaut 04-21-05 05:00 AM

I'd say so. They dont like anything pressurised.

khuon 04-21-05 05:39 AM


Originally Posted by mooncricket
err... a little off the track here ... but anyone know if the airlines give you any grief for bringing co2 cartridges onboard, carry on or check-in?

It's explicitly forbidden although several people have mentioned that they got away with it. I personally would not risk it. You can get those things at any hobby, hardware or department store.

Akak 04-21-05 07:18 AM


Originally Posted by mooncricket
err... a little off the track here ... but anyone know if the airlines give you any grief for bringing co2 cartridges onboard, carry on or check-in?

Most airlines specifically forbid CO2 cartridges onboard any flights, carryon or checked in. Delta lists them under "Dangerous Goods" that are not allowed.

James H Haury 04-21-05 07:48 AM

The good thing about co2 is it can also be used for paintball or to shoot airguns.I always use a pump for tires.

khuon 04-21-05 01:39 PM


Originally Posted by James H Haury
The good thing about co2 is it can also be used for paintball or to shoot airguns.I always use a pump for tires.

Or to put frosting on a cake. Or to make mixed drinks. When I was in junior high school, we had a competition to build wooden drag racers that were propelled by CO2 cartridges acting as rocket engines. :D

iamthetas 04-21-05 05:56 PM

I carry CO2 and 4 cartridges. I do not leave empties on the trail either. I have a shock pump just in case and a Presta adaptor.it may take longer but it beats walking and carrying 2 pumps. you can get the cartridges real cheap now. I got 15 for $3 the other week @ Xmart,so I carry 4 in my pack and keep 11( that # will go down next time I get a flat) in my truck. If I ever do another REAL wilderness ride I will take a pump as well

khuon 04-21-05 06:21 PM


Originally Posted by iamthetas
I have a shock pump just in case and a Presta adaptor.it may take longer but it beats walking

I know this is slightly off-topic.

I posed this question on the roadie forums but didn't really get a good answer. Well, okay. I got no answer at all. We all know that a shock pump goes up to some pretty high pressures. We all know that minipumps start faltering after around 100PSI and even getting most of them to that point can be a chore. But has anyone thought to try using a shock pump on a road tyre to get up to 120PSI or more? I'm sure it would take quite a few strokes but would it be easier than with a minipump once the pressures exceed 90PSI?


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