Originally Posted by
Steely Dan
i use a CO2 inflator with two cartridges because it can inflate a tire to around 120psi in mere seconds. i don't carry a back-up pump because if i have more than 2 flats on a commute (it's never happened, knock on wood), i can simply hop on the el or hail a cab and throw my bike in the trunk to get to work on time. i live in a city with a very comprenhensive public transit system; the idea that i would ever have to walk home with my bike because i was out of air is absurd.
I live in the same city and it is not absurd. If you are at 3200N on the Lake Front Trail and have to go to 4400N/4600N, why would I walk to the street, wait for a bus/cab (A Cab can take just as long to hail sometimes) and waste more time? I can walk a mile in 15 minutes and at a little over 20 I would be home. The CTA isn't always reliable and on time. Now, if I am on the street, you are most certainly correct, and I would never consider walking because it would be counter productive.... even though I have had a few days where a walk is enjoyable but not necessary/forced. The El and cabs are also options in those situations where you have to be somewhere quick, you're a 4-5 miles away from your destination and you are even on the Lake Front Trail.
You are not left without an option if you get a flat and have no way to pump it but the comment about it being absurd to walk home in Chicago with your bike is most certainly not absurd when considering your situation.