Mini pump or Cartridge?
 

Whats the best really for emergencies? Also with the cartridge can I use any tube? I know it sounds silly really but I always had in my mind you needed special tubes for the cartridges. I'm reading and so far I see I don't. For pumps which work the best? Thanks in advance :)

most of the adapters are compatible with presta and schrader valves. If possible I would say get presta tubes since its standard =)

You don't need special tubes. Presta valves are the most common, but you can get adapters.

As for which is best; Well, the supply of atmospheric air is effectively infinite. CO2 carts are one-use only. So it depends on how many flats you're willing to deal with until you need to walk home.

Indeed about the infinite air, the only benefit (at least for me) is the shorter amount of time that the procedure takes haha

Pump. No question.

Filtered tap water, or bottled?

The Topeak RoadMorph G is a nice pump. The "G" option has an inflation gauge, which is nice to have.

I prefer co2 because it's more convenient, both carrying it around and inflation speed/ease.

I've never had more than one flat on a ride, though I carry 3 cartridges just in case, but even with three cartridges and the inflator, it's still smaller than my road morph G, which I just leave at work now. I have a floor pump at home. I've only had to use one co2 in the year or so that I made the switch.

Both. I got a Bontrager Air Rush Road

Used to be a CO2 hater. Then I used one once when I had a flat. Wow. Sure beats working a mini-pump for hundreds of strokes. I carry a cartridge with me, but the Air Rush gives me a pump backup, too. For not much more space than the pump alone. Also carry one spare tube and a patch kit.

CO2 gives me a better chance of being on time if I get a flat on the way in; better shot at getting home quicker on the way back home. Steel cartridges are recyclable.

same here I just didnt wirte it up. I have the Co2 cartridges along with a pump, a spare tube and patch kit not preglued.

Wow so lots to consider. I have a air pump at home. I actually don't need one at work cause right across the street there is a gas station with FREE air. I'm considering the cartridge...might be my best bet as I got a flat at 5 am in the morning(still dark out). While waiting for my co workers to pick me up lots of people passing by. EERR a little unnerving. I'll check out the ones you guys suggested. Thanks!!

If you have not done much tube changing, then I say go with a pump unless you plan on carrying at least two or more cartridges.

When I started biking, the LBS sold me a CO2 inflator because they thought it will be easy for me to get the pressure up easier than a pump. On my first flat, I used one cartridge just to find out 1/2 miles later, I still had some more goat head stucked in my tire. No choice but to patch that tire and went another 1/2 miles to find out that I pinched the tube to the tire. Out of cartridge so ended up walking bike home.

Even today, on my 700x23 tires, I still sometime get the tube caught on the bead. There's not a whole lot of room to work with and when they are tough to get on which is typical of some tires like the Armadillo, there are chances of getting a second flat. So carry much more needed CO2 cartridge than needed, otherwise go with a pump. Also with a pump you can help another cyclist in distress when they get a flat :)

Didn't think of that! Good point. The old fashion way is always better anyways. I'm thinking of the Topeak RoadMorph G mainly because it keeps getting great reviews. Also because a lot of you guys recommend it.

Topeak Road Morph G for sure, although I'm not sure about the accuracy of the gauge, it's close enough. The fact that you put one end against the ground, like a floor pump, gives you so much more power. Before I had a Road Morph G I never used to felt good about riding on a field repaired flat until I got home and topped it off with a floor pump.

Well, the gauge on my floor pump quit working, so now I use the Road Morph for every tire inflation, at home or on the road! It takes a few more strokes, but that doesn't bother me. I get my tires inflated as hard as I want wherever I am, whenever I want, priceless!

The gas station air will work if you have schrader valves on the tubes. It won't work with presta valves.

Then I guess I have schrader valves.. LOL I'm going to have to remember that.

I would go with the mini pump in case of multiple flats. While I think the Topeak Road Morph G is a great pump, I would not classify it as a "mini pump" it is a mid sized pump. The Topeak Race Rocket is my choice for best mini pump because unlike most mini pumps it has a hose.

+1. Would never consider cartridges for commuting.

Yeah, I plan on picking the same pump up Friday from my local bike shop. I think it is the best option out there and I am with you about not caring about a few extra pumps.

Get a pump and never have to worry about it again. I am with others on the Topeak Road Morph G. Plan on picking one up Friday from the local bike shop.

Mini pump is my choice. It forces enough air to properly inflate the 27" tires I run. Patches complete the kit( pre glue)

A presta/schrader adapter costs about $1. I keep one with my presta valve bikes always, though I haven't used one since I got a decent floor pump that does either automagically.

No, really, cartridges do have a place in a commuter's trick bag--the inflation stage of roadside flat repair will be one of the shoertest steps, along the lines of "open quick release", instead of the most time consuming part of the whole deal. Less sweaty, too.

That said, as mentioned above, I do carry mini-pump backup.

My wife gets the frame pump.

+1 I'm of the carry both schools of thought. I use a pump to make sure the tire and tube is seated properly then I hit it with a co2 inflator.

Either way you decide to go, just make sure the first time you try to use it isn't on some dark street. I have a CO2 inflator that's in the seat bag of my wife's bike. I'm having second thoughts about that since I'm not sure she'd remember how to use it if she needed to.

I carry a Topeak Road Morph and keep it attached to the frame. It takes up no room in my seat bag that way. Personally I'm better off with the pump. It's a good one and take no more than five minutes to pump up a tire. Not much more work than a floor pump. Because they'd end up in the seat bag, cartridges + inflator would take up more space. Plus this way I don't need to worry about remembering to replace a used cartridge.

Like a previous poster said. The Topeak Road Morph w/gauge. The new ones go to 160 psi. Please, don't do yourself the disservice of getting a CO2 cartridge rig. One needs to be very experienced in changing flats and cycling in general as it's a one-shot deal. The chances of getting a pinch flat are pretty good as one goes through the learning curve. http://ww.bikeisland.com has the aforementioned TPRM w/g for 35.00 w/no shipping or taxes.

I got all my Road Morph G through Amazon with the free shipping. Here in Ca, the extra time it took to deliver with the free shipping was only several days longer. Price is about $27.

http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Road-Mo...f=pd_rhf_p_t_1