A current thread on CO2 left me wondering. I currently carry CO2 only. 3 cartridges. 1 tube plus some patches. But(this always has me worried) what about IF happens.

If I have multiple flats
If I screw up the CO2
If I ___________ (fill in the blank)

Best of both worlds ould be CO2 and carry a Mini pump. But I would need a mini pump that fits into a reasonable size saddle bag. Do not want to attach pump to the frame. Any suggestions for this pump and bag. Any suggstions are appreciated.

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...e.cfm?SKU=4394

5.75" Micropump. Should fit in a regular size (not those tiny ones) saddle bag. Only goes up to 100psi though, so you should fill up as much volume as possible then use the CO2 to top it off to your last few psi.

Any particular reason why you can't just stash a pump next to a bottle cage like everyone else?

This may sound silly and vain but I don't want to take a chance of scratching my beloved calfee. She is so sweet. I have heard some say that these minipumps that attach to bottle screws can/might/could scratch the frame.

Worry, worry, worry...what if you get a sidewall cut that can't be repaired? Should you carry a spare tire?

I carry what you carry (3 CO2, 1 tube, and some patches). In the last 15,000+ miles, I've only had to use all 3 CO2's on one occasion. I did once have a sidewall cut that proved unpatchable...but, that's why I carry a cell phone .

There are lots of things that could happen. Most of them won't.

After flat tires, the next most common road bike mechanical failure is broken spokes. Are you going to carry spare spokes with you? How about a cassette cracker and a 12" crescent wrench because the broken spoke will almost surely be on the rear wheel. Uh - the third most common road bike mechanical problem involves bottom brackets. That tool kit is starting to get heavy isn't it?

After spending that much money to get yourself a really lightweight bike, it sounds a little silly to me to weigh yourself down with too much other stuff. Frankly, you should figure about double the weight of your tool kit to account for the burden of worry that you're packing along with you.

Depending on the mount, most components are plastic and aren't likely to scratch your paint unless you're careless with it. BTW: have you ever thought that the rocks and glass kicked up by the front wheel have a much greater chance of scratching the paint? I say ride and stop worrying.
Makes sense to carry a pump though since that gives you unlimited air.

Stick the pump in your jersey pocket.

Carry the pump inside your shorts between your legs parallel to the top tube.