If it's -10, will my CO2 cartridges explode?

er, a gas becomes less reactive as temperature decreases. Unless the cartridges are really brittle............

Do you mean implode?

Easy answer- No.

More complicated answer- Can't give one as my brain does not work that way- but I dare say some one will give you the technicalities of a scientific answer.

Thanks. I just had images of schrapnel.

Probably won't implode until you get closer to zero degK. If you're really lucky, you may even trip across the point where you get a Bose-Einstein condensate. Then, the condensate might just leak out.

- if you're worried about cartridge temperature, there's at least one way to carry and ensure your CO2 cartridge stays at a constant 98.6ºF...

:-)

Actually, there's protection available that will address Solveg's concern...

I'm puzzled by the quantitative reference, "at least one way."

By all means, linux, go into further detail so we may all be safe when we ride with CO2...

I'm not sure about the CO2 cartridges used for tire air, but as the former Aviation Life Support Officer I can tell you that with our CO2 cartridges for our May West Vests and Survival Rafts we did not experience any issues from really hot - desert climates to -65 degrees F. (that is without wind chill).

I can tell you that the darn things will loose pressure / gas over time and you can weigh a new one, if you can find it, and then weigh yours and determine if it will even work any longer. I wouldn't suggest subjecting it to a hair dryer, clothes dryer or flame. I have seen them make really neat rockets, especially the big ones. Of course we were using a nail to puncture the seal to officially test viability of a given group (yea right - it was fun and the tether ball pole was a great launcher). Don't do this at home!

If you want shrapnel, take an empty cylinder and fill it half full of ffff black powder, stuff a piece of cannon fuse in it, apply match and throw it as far as you can. It also makes a really sweet bang.

I enjoyed my childhood.

Don't carry it in your pocket!!

Speaking of low temperatures I have to travel to St. Paul MN next week. I live in Southern California. It's 65 degrees out and I am freezing! I wear a winter coat when it's 50! It's like going to be 5 degrees today in MN (not counting the wind chill). Will I die**********?

Can't find anything finer than fff in my area.

We used to fill them with match heads. Lucky we didn't win a Darwin Award.

I've seen visiting football players almost in tears from the cold. How long are you going to be here? I can loan you some good winter gear for your stay. Maybe we can even go for a bike ride!

You can take the fff and grind it up with a hammer on a steel table until it is the size of ffff

Eventually.
Sorry.

Don't try to lick any outdoor metal objects.

Pam,

I am sorry to inform you that, yes, you will die. You will be killed in a freak accident when a CO2 cartridge explodes in sub-zero Minnesota temps and you are ripped apart by the shrapnel.

I truly am sorry.

Tom

See............that's what cold does to you.

Low temps predicted for Minneapolis over the next several days:

-7, -15, -7, -5, 2, -9, 0

Maybe Pam can join Solveg for a ride! Solveg certainly has an extra bike (or two, or three) for her to ride. And by that time Solveg will be an expert in riding in sub-zero temps. What a wonderful learning opportunity this is going to be for Pam!

I experienced the joys of Wisconson once. January 1066 USN boot camp in Great Lakes. I've never been the same since.

Pam.........you'll probably live. It just won't feel like it.

I do believe the NB 26 would be JUST her size. She could bring it home with her.

How about it Pam? It's only -13 right now.... you're the adventurous kind, and I wouldn't let you freeze solid or anything! I'll bet you've never ridden your bike across a lake before!

Don't do this. Seriously. It could go off and mess you up.

Be careful who you take advice from.