Lightweight CO2 inflator for commuting?
 

I think I'm going to start leaving my pump behind for commuting since I go less than 4 miles. (I'll save it for the weekend rides, one less thing to have to take off my bike.) I'd like to stick a CO2 inflation system into my seat bag however so I'll have something available. Nashbar didn't have a lot of selection. I found these however:

Pedro's Ego Inflator Pro

Pedro's Ego Inflator Sport

Planet Bike Air Ship

They all take either 12g or 16g (threaded/unthreaded). I can't tell from the photos how big these things really are but I'm looking to put the inflator and 2 CO2 cartridges into a Novara Small Seat Wedge Bag (along with an Topeak Alien II, patch kit and spare tube).

Anyone have experiences with any of these systems?

I have this one. Works fine for me.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...HP_CYCLING_TOC

I use this one and it has saved me several times on the road. About 5 inches long and 2 inches wide at the trigger/inflation area.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4362

Had two of those Planet Bike ones, complete garbage. The needle inside, that's suppose to poke thru the CO2 cartridge, folded up after a couple uses. Kind of leaves you with no alternative at that point, reason why I still carry a small pump.

I've had (lost a couple, stepped on on, dropped one in a drainage ditch) various models from the Innovations line, they've held up very well.

What ever brand you get, get the type that takes 12g unthreaded cartridges. You can get replacement cartridges, 24 to the box for less than $15 at Walmart.

Always carry a couple cartridges, I've had a couple misfire when attaching.

I love this one. It is called an "air chuck". Not an inflator so much as a nozzle that screws onto the top of the CO2 cartridge. Press down and presto, pumped up tie. Love this thing, very small takes up almost no room in the saddle bag and has saved me more than once.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...slisearch=true

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4362

I got the Second Wind with a pump built-in. Pretty clever, haven't had to use it yet.

I tried CO2 inflators, and the work well; but found that carrying enough cartridges around to make me feel secure is heavier than just carrying a good minipump. Also, they are wasteful, IMO - you can recycle the cartridges, but that requires a trip to the bike shop or some place like that. So now, I just make do with a minipump.

The only advantage with the CO2 inflators is that they inflate the tire very rapidly. But for me, flats don't happen often enough to require this - elbow grease is good enough.

I've got these two:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...slisearch=true
This one is tiny, takes threaded cartridges, and works well. It starts flowing CO2 when you push down on the head.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...t:%20Inflators
I like this one slightly more because it has a valve to control the flow.

If it's only 4 miles carry two spare CO2 cartridges and if you get a third flat, take it as a sign to walk or call for a ride!!!


Look on Ebay for threaded cartridges. I got military grade 16g cartriges for less than a buck a piece.

I also have the air chuck.

EASY Light takes up very little space. no triggers...

"John"