2ndGen

Looking to pick up a CO2 Dispenser.
I'm leaning towards a screw on type inflator like GI's:




Wondering what are the pro/cons to consider.

Also, for refill cartridges, are 12g enough to get up to 130psi?
Or should I stock up on 16g cartridges?

Thanks.

2G

Jay-W

You'll need 16g to get to around 110-120psi.

kayakdiver

It's also nice to have one of those little insulators or at least something to hold it with...

2ndGen

Thanks Jay.

2ndGen

Ah yes, the "chill" effect.
It's the same thing that happens on roofing propane tanks.
People just have to learn how to inflate in moderation (not all in one shot).

Questions:
1) Do you have to inflate in one continuous shot?
2) Or can you moderate the amounts without losing pressure?

Carbon Unit

I have the same inflator and I wouldn't use anything else. It is metal so it won't crack or break; it is small and light; and it is very easy to regulate. I haven't experienced any negatives with it at all.

I don't find the "chill effect" to be a big deal. It is like holding an ice cube for 10 seconds. If you have gloves, you won't even notice it.

Here is a great place to buy cartidges. $1.60 delivered for 12 cartridges. Price goes down on larger quantities.

https://www.redrockminnesota.com/serv...hreaded/Detail

Uni-Vibe

Don't buy the Rav-X. It's poo poo.

tgscordv6

I have the CO2 you posted and sometimes it wouldn't work correctly so bring an extra CO2. I would get the Lezyne because it threads directly to the valves.

https://www.lezyne.com/products/co2/t...drive-co2.html

ptle

With 12g CO2 on a hot day, you could probably get a 700x23 to 110psi. 16g will probably get you to 130psi. What tires are you running at 130psi though? Being about 140 pounds, I fill my back tire up to 100psi and the front about 95psi.

Pros
Easy and simple to use (less parts to break)
Lightweight
Small
Possibly cheaper

Cons
Only uses threaded CO2

DScott

That inflator is nice- works well. ebay has 16gm threaded cartridges in bulk for a bitmroe than a dollar each.

I've had cartridges stick to my hands on cold,wet days- a little disconcerting, that's for sure! Especially when you get it off and the skin is white! Use your gloves or something else to hold it with, it'll be fine.

Just don't use your tonge:

chasmm

I took an old tube and cut sleeves out of it for placing around the CO2 cartridges...

Charles

haggerd

That inflater worked flawlessly on my first field repair ever last weekend. I was also in the middle of a thunderstorm at the time, so making a quick easy tube change was of the essense. I would recommend it.

datlas 

If you are a cheapskate like me, get one that handles unthreaded cartridges, you can get a box of 15 12g ones at wally world for like 11 bucks, well under $1 each.....yeah they are "only" 12g but that's enough to get you home.

CyciumX

IF.. you have the room for it. A Co2 that has an outer casing for non-threaded cartridges would be best as... any old store that sells sporting equipment will sell those and on-road you may not find one that sells threaded. That said, it would take a very long distance ride and very bad luck... but it could happen...

BarracksSi

The one you posted will let you modulate the flow. Push it on the valve stem to open it, and it'll stop when you let off.

Do a practice run at home. Because it fills so fast to 100%, the quick squirt needed to partially inflate a tube is really quick.

I've got one of these for the road bike, but I also found a GI Ultraflate Plus inflator that uses nearly any 12g or 16g cartridge, threaded or non-threaded.
https://www.genuineinnovations.com/ultraflate-plus.html

The way I see it, there are only two or three CO2 inflators worth considering -- the Air Chuck that the OP posted (because it's so damned tiny AND it can control the flow so easily), the Ultraflate Plus because of its compatibility with almost every cartridge, and maybe the Second Wind combination CO2/hand pump.

Carbon Unit

I have never had a problem with the Air Chuck. It works perfectly. As for the Lezyne, do you loose any pressure when you are unthreading from the valve stem?

2ndGen

CU,

Thanks, you answered my next questions...where to buy in bulk.

2ndGen

Thanks for the warning.

2ndGen

I'd be happy with 100psi to get me home.


Maxxis Xenith Hors Categorie

https://www.maxxis.com/Bicycle/Road-R...Categorie.aspx



Size, weight and simplicity are the major factors pushing me to it.
If they can get the job done enough to get me home safely,
and take up less space and weigh less and be reliable,
then that's for me.

Guess I can delete that potential problem by keeping a healthy stock of threaded cartridges.
(Plus, I plan to carry a back-up micro pump for worst case scenarios)

Thanks P.

2ndGen

Yeah, I always use full finger gloves even in the summer.

vw addict

I have the one pictured and have never had any issues, and it gets a lot of use. Being the shop mechanic/group ride leader means I automatically become the "hey come help, I have a flat" guy.

2ndGen

That's exactly what I was thinking of doing...sacrificing a couple of cartridges so that I don't end up learning out in the middle of nowhere the "hard" way.

All great points in considering my inflation needs. Thanks for the advice.
I'm going to go the route of the Air Chuck + a micro pump (as stated earlier).

2ndGen

Thanks to everybody who's answered that I haven't responded to!
Appreciate it all very much.

valygrl

I have that same one too and I think it works great.

Thanks for posting that link Carbon Unit, that's a great price!

Carbon Unit

Sure, this company also sells on Ebay but the prices are better if you go straight to their website.