Co2 Pumps
#26
Señior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Pumping to 80 PSI with a Road Morph isn't really difficult. I generally only flat once a year or so (though as I said I have bad days sometimes) but if I were like some around here, riding with lots of broken glass or whatever and flatting several times a month, I'd probably invest in a Zefal frame pump.
If I used presta though, I'd stick with the Road Morph for its flexible hose to keep from snapping off stems. I used presta for a while but decided to go back to Schrader because I don't really have any problem pumping 100+ PSI in a schrader, and with it I can more easily use my compressor and all my other tools, and it matches the valves in almost everyone else's bikes that way too.
If I used presta though, I'd stick with the Road Morph for its flexible hose to keep from snapping off stems. I used presta for a while but decided to go back to Schrader because I don't really have any problem pumping 100+ PSI in a schrader, and with it I can more easily use my compressor and all my other tools, and it matches the valves in almost everyone else's bikes that way too.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
I'll rise to the defense of CO2, since no one else will! I just tried them out about 9 months ago when Nashbar was selling the Planet Bike Red Zepellin for only $6 or $7. I wasn't expecting to be a convert, but I am.
Over the years I've owned various Silca, Blackburn, and Zefal frame pumps. All worked okay, but as others have said, can be difficult to get in the last bit of air often necessary to avoid pinch flats. The Road Morph sounds like an improvement, though.
I also just don't care for the aesthetics of frame mounted pumps. On my frames, a full size one needs to go under the top tube, where it's in often in the way when picking the bike up, or putting it in a stand. Even the mini-water bottle mounted ones are ugly, though they can go in a seat bag. (The mini Silca has been my recent choice).
But the meaningful difference for me is speed. The CO2 inflators take only seconds, as opposed to minutes. No, I'm not racing, but I do ride a lot at night, and am uncomforable being stopped along the side of the road for any longer than necessary. Safety is one concern, but I also just don't want to have any conversations with passers-by who might want to stop to help. "Yes, I'm riding my bicycle in the dark, and yes, I'm fixing a flat tire, but no, I'm okay and don't need assistance, and I do have a cell phone, but thanks so much for stopping......" I also always seem to stop near some dog that starts barking, and then a porch light flips on, and .... I guess I just want to be back on the road asap, and don't want to be late if I'm on my way to work.
I typically ride between 5,000 and 7,000 miles/year, and it's a bad year if I get more than 4 or 5 flats. I've fixed two w/ CO2, and was elated at how quick and easy it was. I've only double flatted twice in my life, and both times were due to rim problems. Now that I know what to look for before and during rim strip placement, I'm not too concerned about a repeat of that.
For those worried about remembering to replace a spent cartridge: You have to remember to replace or repair the tube w/ the hole in it, right? So putting a new cartridge in the seat bag happens at the same time.
Pumps are good. C02 isn't better unless you're in a self-supported race. But CO2 is a viable option for anyone wanting to pack less, and get back on the road several minutes sooner, assuming that they'll be able to repump with regular air within a couple of days, and assuming flats aren't something that happen all the time.
Finally, carbon dioxide is indeed a greenhouse gas, the most significant one next to water vapor. (I think we can all safely assume that bicycle tire inflators are not, however, a big part of the problem.)
Jack
Over the years I've owned various Silca, Blackburn, and Zefal frame pumps. All worked okay, but as others have said, can be difficult to get in the last bit of air often necessary to avoid pinch flats. The Road Morph sounds like an improvement, though.
I also just don't care for the aesthetics of frame mounted pumps. On my frames, a full size one needs to go under the top tube, where it's in often in the way when picking the bike up, or putting it in a stand. Even the mini-water bottle mounted ones are ugly, though they can go in a seat bag. (The mini Silca has been my recent choice).
But the meaningful difference for me is speed. The CO2 inflators take only seconds, as opposed to minutes. No, I'm not racing, but I do ride a lot at night, and am uncomforable being stopped along the side of the road for any longer than necessary. Safety is one concern, but I also just don't want to have any conversations with passers-by who might want to stop to help. "Yes, I'm riding my bicycle in the dark, and yes, I'm fixing a flat tire, but no, I'm okay and don't need assistance, and I do have a cell phone, but thanks so much for stopping......" I also always seem to stop near some dog that starts barking, and then a porch light flips on, and .... I guess I just want to be back on the road asap, and don't want to be late if I'm on my way to work.
I typically ride between 5,000 and 7,000 miles/year, and it's a bad year if I get more than 4 or 5 flats. I've fixed two w/ CO2, and was elated at how quick and easy it was. I've only double flatted twice in my life, and both times were due to rim problems. Now that I know what to look for before and during rim strip placement, I'm not too concerned about a repeat of that.
For those worried about remembering to replace a spent cartridge: You have to remember to replace or repair the tube w/ the hole in it, right? So putting a new cartridge in the seat bag happens at the same time.
Pumps are good. C02 isn't better unless you're in a self-supported race. But CO2 is a viable option for anyone wanting to pack less, and get back on the road several minutes sooner, assuming that they'll be able to repump with regular air within a couple of days, and assuming flats aren't something that happen all the time.
Finally, carbon dioxide is indeed a greenhouse gas, the most significant one next to water vapor. (I think we can all safely assume that bicycle tire inflators are not, however, a big part of the problem.)
Jack
#28
Originally Posted by Raiyn
Get your facts straight man. CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) is what plants use. CO (Carbon Monoxide) is a greenhouse gas.
As for me I just use a good pump as the air for that is free
As for me I just use a good pump as the air for that is free
I use a pump (Topeak Road Morph). It's less trouble.
#29
"Purgatory Central"
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 4
From: beautiful "Cypress Gardens" florida
Actually, I think the cO2 cartridges are pretty slick. I've been using them for several years now with nary a problem. But for someone who flats frequently, it probably would'nt be a good idea. A frame pump, or one of those road morph pumps would be better, but then you'd have to affix it to your bike or something, and I dont like affixing anything to my bike unless its aero bars or a seat bag. For me, the cO2 cartridges are great (I carry two), and if I flat more than twice then its time to break out the cell phone, give my coordinates, and order e-vac.
~gotta love wives and cell phones
~gotta love wives and cell phones





