Originally Posted by
Tourist in MSN
…Those of us from the touring subset of the bicycling community are more likely to be self-reliant at all times….
I see that with experienced commuters as well. I have a small pump and I can easily pump enough pressure to reach my destination.
Originally Posted by
noglider
My brother in law gave me a CO2 kit. I haven't used it. I don't trust it. I'll empty the cartridge prematurely or something. And CO2 leaks after a day. What if I need two or three cartridges? My pump is more reliable…
I had a mixed experience. I bought one “to try it” and one dark night log ago a plastic pump shaped object failed so I pulled out the cartridge but hadn’t read the directions and failed miserably.
I subsequently read the instructions.
Recently I had a flat on a remote trail in daylight and found the head of my plastic Topeak frame pump was broken. I had a cartridge and it saved the day.
I’ve found my Chinese metal mini pumps to be highly reliable but I have one cartridge in my pannier just in case. (And yes the removable Presta valve cores are a PITA.)