CO2 cartridges vs. frame pump
 

Hey everybody, I've had my road bike for a week now and have ridden about 400 miles now without any sort of tire pump or anything. When I go to REI I basically see two options, the CO2 cartridges and frame pumps. What are the pro's/con's of both? How many CO2 cartridges does it take to fill a tire?

-Jason Keller

I like the frame pump. Unlimited air. But with my calfee I can't place a frame pump anywhere that I like. So I use co2 and also have a small mini pump in the bag for those "just in case" time. CO2 cartridge will fill 1 tire. Get something and get it soon. You don't want to be on the road without the ability to fix a flat. Good Luck.:)

i have a topeak road morph, works great. no need to pay for cartridges or worry about not having enough

Well, I think they have about covered it. CO2 cartridges are one shot deals. So unless you carry a bunch, you need to have the drill down just so because you don't get another chance.

With pumps, you can fool around all day until you get it right. They are heavier and bulkier.

CO2 is used to supplement a pump, not to replace one.

Exactly. I use the frame pump to make sure I have the tube and tire on right... once everything looks good, I blast it with the co2. Unless I'm not in a hurry...why waste the $2 or whatever..

How long does it take with a frame pump to fill up a 120psi tire to 100psi or 120psi?

-Jason Keller

I didn't know they made frame pumps that went to 120. If there are somebody let me know.

I carry both. CO2 is much faster and easier to perform. However, you get one shot at it (well, two because I carry a spare cartridge). The pump is handy for recurring problems.

Cartridges are not a big deal - 15, 12 oz for $8 or $9 at Wal-Mart or other sporting goods stores. Handy suggestion for those running high pressure is to pump some air in and then use CO2 to get to pressure. Haven't tried it (or needed to) but sounds like good advice.

Most frame pumps will not get to 120 psi, but C02 cartridges will. In other words, the frame pump is just for emergencies, and you'll need an additional floor pump to get to 120 psi when you get home. There are a few frame pumps that will get you to 120 psi (like the road morph) but they aren't small and weigh a lot more than a couple CO2 catridges.

- Warren

A 12oz cartirigdge will almost get you to about 100psi.
For me, that's plenty to get home on. If I want more, then I'd use the 16oz..

I get them for $3 each. Since I only have carry one tube, I don't need unlimited air. I want it to fit under my seat. I don't want a pump in my pocket or attached to my frame. Less is more. Heck, if my tires are stretched enough, I don't even carry levers.

And I always carry a small piece of Tyvek material in case I need to patch a hole in my tire.

And always have one good friend who will come and pick you up when you're stranded.

I use this one sold at Performance, called Hurricane MiniMax(very cheap, but it gets the job done). It works like a floor pump, and in this photo, the hose is hidden inside, neater looking than Road Morph.

http://www.performancebike.com/produ...50/40_0762.jpg

It takes 80 to 85 strokes to get 105 psi(700x20c tire). Smaller barrel pump such as Road Morph can push even higher pressure but you have to pump more strokes, something like 200 strokes from what I heard.

Topeak Road Morph

Rated 160psi.

You can get differently sized CO2 cartridges to get various pressures for various sizes of tires. I carry both a frame pump and CO2. I commute on my bike, so I want something fast, and the frame pump makes a good backup. My frame pump weighs very little, takes up no space, and mounts under the water bottle. There's really no reason not to have one unless you have a support vehicle following you everywhere you go.

yep I carry the road morph as well.

A bit big, but a very nice pump.

I just wished it had a metal handle and base, as it feels a bit weak when I'm really cranking down on it to get it to 130psi.

I carry 2 CO2s. I just do not have the upper body strength to get a tire up 80 with a frame pump. If I go through 2 flats and have a third on the same ride, I'm just gonna whip out the cell phone.

Yeah, and the best thing about this pump is it's almost like a mini-floor pump. Has a hose extension, so you have more leverage by pumping down to the ground.

It's hard as hell to beat the snot out of an attacking dog with CO2.

What is heavier and bulkier? The frame pump? Nope. My Carb one pump is very strong - much better than the old Zefals or the little Torelli that I use to use. And, it weights next to nothing. It pumps up a tubular to 110 or greater. I have tried CO2 and although kind of neat with the fast blast, the are indeed heavier, you've got multiple items to carry as in the inflater and at least two other metal Co2 cartridges, and then you get to throw out those used cartridges. In an earlier post on this subject, I questioned why others would use them and there were some good valid points made by advocates of Co2, being that they are easier for people to use who may have difficulty in pumping up a tire (older riders) or in hot conditions they conserve your energy. I can remember breaking a sweat pumping up a tire once, but only one. Co2 is not by deal but I respect those who find it of benefit. If I were in a race against the clock, they do make sense.

And it has a gauge, too... Is such a tiny gauge accurate?

No if you want to know the exact number of lbs, like in a car (30.5 is not the same as 31) I use my Morph's gauge to the point before it hits 120 guessing I'm somewere between 115 and 117 .
Best pump I've owned so far. Only problem is that having a CF frame I don't dare put the holding bracket in any of the tubes for fear of crushing it so I can only take it on rides if I go with the camelbak

I've got my Topeak Road Morph mounted to the seat tube of my Giant OCR2 Comp, and it's not a problem. Just crank the screw until it doesn't wiggle.

I personally don't like CO2 unless I was racing then I would use it because it's faster. But with CO2 you have limited air supply, and sure you could carry a pump to supplement but why? Why carry the weight of both around? Also with CO2 when you get home after filling your tire with CO you have to let all the air out and refill with pump air because CO bleeds through butyl tubes faster then regular air. So now where is you time savings? Plus when you use CO you have to remember to restock your seatbag before your next ride which may mean a quick ride to Walmart to buy more carts. Some of todays mini pumps can reach over 120psi without Herculian effort. The mini pumps attach with special brackets to your water bottle cage so there is no possible way to damage your CF or other frame material.

Barbieri makes a new mini out of TI and it's rated to 140psi and yet weighs only 72grms; Topeak Morph is rated to 160 but it's quite a bit heavier at 270grms. I never exceed 100psi in my tires anyway so the Torelli Aria is all I use which is the lightest and smallest mini pump on the market.

My experience with CO2 has been very good - had no problems using it the first time without any practice. You can pump up a flat in a matter of seconds versus struggling with a frame pump for several minutes. The cartridges are much smaller than a pump and will fit neatly into your seatbag/jersey pocket. Also, I don't care for the look of a pump stuck to the frame which makes CO2 especially appealing to me.

yeah the morph's gauge is pretty much only useful as a "approximate pressure" gague. If you want accurate, you will have to carry an extra gague.

IMO, there is no need to worry that much, since having a pump that can actually keep you on your ride instead of hobbling home is good enough.