There are cheaper CO2 alternatives. Since you are talking about emergency repairs, if you get a CO2 inflator that does not take threaded cartridges. You can save a significant amount of money on cartridges by using BB/Pellet *** CO2 cartridges. All CO2 cartridges are nearly equivalent in the amount of CO2 contained, so they will all fill to the same pressure. The main difference in Bike/Tire cartridges vs. BB/Pellet *** cartridges is that the Crosman type have 1 or two drops of lubricating oil inside them. The oil does no damage to the tube and i have seen the cartridges online for as less than $0.40 each.

BigJeff also mentions "Food Grade" cartridges, but they are not required and do cost more than the Pellet *** type in bulk.

This would partially solve Ice41000's issue of not having enough carts, just carry three. If you get four flats in a ride, seriously dud, call someone to pick you up!

CO2 is obviously faster than a pump, so if you are not as lucky as Nachoman and ride with nice people, you will get left behind. There is one group shop ride here that will leave you behind in a heartbeat, even if its your first time and don't know the route.



PS: Why is the word g-u-n on the banned word list.