datlas 

I caved and finally bought a C02 unit, one that accepts unthreaded cartridges. (I had been a pump holdout for ages, and will probably still use the pump but the C02 makes more sense on group rides when everyone is waiting).

There was a thread awhile back that said you can get paint-gun cartridges at Wally World very inexpensively....however when I search the walmart website I can't find them. Anyone know if they are still sold there?

nixternal

My walmart has both threaded and unthreaded cartridges, however my LBS is still cheaper by $1.

Grasschopper

Yes I get my CO2 at Wallyworld. They have the 12g unthreaded carts for paintball guns really cheap.

js1221

Last time I checked they had them in the store but only in the 12 gram size. I prefer the 16 gram cartridges so I get them from my LBS.

datlas 

Really? I had head that Wmart has them for about 50 cents a pop!

Will G

Has anyone compared tire pressure using a 12g cartridge vs a 16g cartridge?

datlas 

This is hearsay....but it's my thread so I will answer....I have heard for usual 700x23 road tires, 12g is good for about 90PSI while 16 is good for 130PSI....if this is true (and I expect it is) and the 12g is HALF the cost, I am inclined to get the 12g as 90PSI is enough to get home on (even though my usual pressure is 100-105).

twilkins9076

I use the 12g cartridges from Wal-mart. It seems like I bought about a dozen(maybe more) for $9.99 a couple of years ago and I'm still working on that original box. One cartridge gives me plenty of pressure to finish the day when I need to use it.

mazdatech10

buy them in bulk on e-bay, much cheaper than bike shop or walmart

mihlbach

+1

datlas 

You sure about that? The shipping cost is typically 8-10 bucks, which if you want say 10 or 15 cartridges will double the cost.

mihlbach

I bought 30 cartridges on ebay. With shipping it was about $1 per cartridge. My LBS charges about $10 for two cartridges.

SSP

Wal-Mart is much cheaper than $1/cartridge, for the non-threaded 12g cartridges.

I think I bought a box of 15 for about $10 or so, in their sporting goods department. A single box usually lasts me over two years.

SSP

I've only used the 12g cartridges for the last 10 years or so. A single cartridge quickly inflates my standard 700x23 tires enough to complete whatever ride I'm on...probably to about 90 lbs or so (enough so that I don't really notice the difference).

mihlbach

Mine were 16 gm cartridges. I didn't need to drive to Walmart, or subject myself to interactions with Walmart "associates" or other Walmart customers. Ebay is a better deal.

mmmdonuts

Crosman air gun cartridges, 12g non-threaded. Box of 15 for about $8 at KMart or Walmart. Not in the bike section. If you pre-inflate the tire a little you'll have no problem getting past 90psi on 700x25.

rydaddy

I just bought a case of 25 12g cartridges at Wallyworld = $14. I tried a couple on a 700x25 tire and got them to 90psi. What people don't understand is when you hook up the stand pump to check the pressure later on, you lose pressure into the hose.

rydaddy

^This too.

hammond9705

+1

I unscrew the valve and blow in the tube before inserting it. This also seems to give it some shape and make it a little easier to getinto the tire.

datlas 

An excellent strategy, as long as you get past the "ick" factor.

Psimet2001 

I bought a box of those at that price like....5 or 6 years ago. I am still on the same box. Yay me.

12g is plenty. Most people ride with their tires over inflated as it is. 90psi is fine.

dsellinger

Hey do you love your bike or not?

Psimet2001 

I bet you said the same to your significant other as well.

Drag

I've gotta go CO2...

mihlbach

90 psi sucks when you are a clyde and 90 miles from home. 16 gms is better. No one said you have to dump the whole thing in. Just inflate it to the desired pressure.