rbloem

Hey guys I carry a co2 inflator in my jersey and have used it once with some problems. Anyways just wondering what you guys use? Do you carry both? I also found that with the small pump it took forever and could never get the pressure I needed. Can you get the right pressure with a little hand pump? Thanks.

Square Wheels

I take both. I get about 10 - 15 flats a year, and I ride less than 4,000 a year.
I like the pump to get a little air in the newly installed tube to make sure it's seated correctly, then I fill up with CO2. If I mess up with that (I usually have 2) then I always have my pump.

rpenmanparker 

What a novel idea for a thread! Congrats OP.

K.Katso

I carry a micro pump in my jersey pocket, and I get to about 7-8 bar (100-115psi) with it. It's lighter than multiple CO2 cartridges and the air supply is unlimited, at least until it breaks. I also carry a can of Vittoria Pit Stop, which can seal small punctures and is also lighter and not much bigger than a CO2 cartridge + inflator.

rpenmanparker 

Pump!
CO2!
Pump!
CO2!
Pump!
CO2!
Both!
Pump!
CO2!

Well I guess that about says it all. Lock it up, Jack.

K.Katso

Come on, it's just getting started. Let's get some disc vs. rim brake, clincher vs. tubular, and aluminum vs. carbon discussions thrown in to really bring this thread to life!

velociraptor

Personally, I feel that carrying two CO2 cartridges is better than a mini pump.

The cartridges are much faster to fill the tire – and obviously take much less effort.

If you're having problems using the CO2 correctly, it's best to practice. They're super-cheap, so going through 2 or 3 of them in the interest of proficiency won't break the bank.

In fact, regular practicing of tube replacement / repair is a smart idea, because you'll be prepared and efficient for when it happens in the wild. Technique is the difference between a 5min stop and a 20min stop.

Some people like the security of a mini pump for worst case scenarios... But I think it's unnecessary with 2 cartridges.

I mean, maybe if you're riding 100+ miles solo? But for most, that's rare I would think.

rpenmanparker 

OP, if you decide to stay with CO2, buy the cartridges from a non-cycling source. You can search for air g*n cartridges if you use 12 g, non-threaded ones. I have paid as little as $0.67 each in lots of 25.

rangerdavid

Both

RR3

I carry a small pump because I do solo rides much longer than 100 miles and use latex tubes that do not play well with CO2....smaller molecules and more porous tubes means the leak rate is unacceptable. Plus, the CO2 cartridges can't be recycled.

rpenmanparker 

I recycle them.

Lazyass

Co2, but I almost never get flats. When I lived in the city with dirtier roads I carried a mini pump. Couldn't care less about recycling cartridges or not. In the trash can they go.

RR3

How do you get the air back in?

rpenmanparker 

That is a very limited view of "recycling". Reclaiming of the metal for any later use is a valid meaning of the term. Houston's municipal recycling program does accept steel articles.

RR3

Certainly much better than dumping them on the road along with energy bar wrappers that I see or worse, tubes. Cycling junk on the road seems more common in California and other liberal states. Just kidding.

SpeshulEd 

And by recycle, I mean, chuck them at cars that cut me off.

rpenmanparker 

Another valid meaning of the term. Applying to another use! Bravo!

tekhna

I think there's one pretty compelling argument in favor of CO2--tearing the tube/valve with those hand pumps. I've torn too many tubes by the side of the road too many times with a pump, so I use CO2 now.

milkbaby

I carry just a minipump on most of my bikes except the one I also commute on where I carry both a minipump and a small CO2 inflator chuck and one CO2 cylinder. I've only used the CO2 twice because I prefer to just use the pump.

The advantage of CO2 is speed of inflation, disadvantage is that it's one time use. The minipump is the opposite, slower to inflate but you can use it until it breaks. Most of my minipumps take about 150 to 200 strokes to reach an acceptable riding pressure for me (around 70-90 psi in a 700x23 mm tire).

Twice on rides of only 50 and 80 miles I've seen other riders flat three times. Lucky they were riding in our group, it's a little more trouble when solo. That's why I prefer the insurance of a minipump as well as carrying a few stick on tube patches in case of more than one flat on a ride.

rpenmanparker 

Is that all? Pshaw, piece of cake.

I carry three 12 g CO2 cartridges...and a phone.

cale

You're seriously in need of the right solution when small molecules come into play. Haha

FLvector

I carry Co2. On group rides I hope one friend is carrying a mini-pump.

qclabrat

if you have a pump why carry CO2?
you may need a cheapo backup if the Co2 fails

D1andonlyDman

I paid $15 total for 15 threaded 16g cartridges on ebay.

BTW, carrying both is a good idea. If I flat, I usually put about 20-30 psi into the tire with a pump before using one 16g CO2 cartridge to put me over 100 PSI

rpenmanparker 

That's a plan.