for myself, I have a small pump that is a smaller than the large frame pump, but larger than the small mini pumps. I use the pump to pump up the tube a couple of pumps, set the tube into the wheel and tire, then use the co2 cartridge to fill up the rest of the way. To me, it's easier and more reliable than the co2 cartridge. I usually carry to co2 cartridges for just in case one is a bad one.