not2fast

Friends,

I bought a new bike yesterday, and my ever-faithfull frame pump isnt going to work anymore.

The LBS recommended the "Air Chuck system," but they were out of stock. What CO2 system do you use? Which ones would you recommend? Threaded or non-threaded cartridges?

Thanks in Advice, I know there will be a lot of input.

socalrider

I use the air chuck sl and it works great.. super small, simple to use.. It only works with threaded cartridges but how many flats do you really get.. I have used 3 cartridges in a years worth of riding.. Make sure to use 16g cartridges to get full inflation on a 700c tire..

roadfix

For the last few years or so I've been using superflate with its 12g non-threaded cartridges.

GP

I use an air chuck too. Be sure to practice with it if you've never used CO2 before.

cjbruin

I like this one...



It's a little easier to use than the air chuck...you just back the threads off a little bit.

florida_hybrid

I've got a blackburn airstick that I'm going to keep carrying, but I just grabbed the micro flate that cj has. Don't want to rush into using it, but since it is so small, it fits in the bag along with a cartridge or two with no problems. The lbs said just make sure the cylinder is upright when I inflate with it.

bung

I use the Genunine Innovations Ultraflate Plus because I can use unthreaded 12g carts with it. I get boxes of 25 carts at Academy Sports for less than $8.

Psimet2001 

Definitely go with one that allows you to use unthreaded cartridges. As bung mentioned you can get a pack of 25 for around $7-$8. I bought Performance's house branded version 3-4 years ago and a pack of cartridges at Walmart for under $8. Still using the same pack 3 years later. Threaded cartidges will cost you a lot more money in the end.

Chipracer

I have been using the Serfas AirPod Duo for the past year and I like it. It accepts threaded or non-threaded cartridges and has a nice little button to regulate air. I got it after my airchuck broke during a race. I do like that the AirPod Duo can do threaded or unthreaded. When I have threaded I can just take the head, but otherwise you need the little handle thing. The good thing about the handle: it keeps your hand warm while inflating. I would consider something with a backup handpump though. I have been on a few rides where I have gotten a flat and a teammate has too, it would have been nice to have the minipump (we have bad roads in Michigan) Hope this helps

Psimet2001 

- +1 - I noticed that when I lived there for a brief period. I found it disgusting that $400,000-$500,000 houses were in new subdivisions in heavily populated areas, but were on dirt roads. I just figured it's from the Detroit auto-manufacturers asking the politicians to keep the roads in horrible shape so that they can make more money on suspension repairs and replacement car sales .

As for back up pump. I always carry 2 cartridges with me. One inside the inflator (inserted backwards). I have had to use the second cartridge before, but never needed more than that.

Oh and 12g cartridges on a 23mm tire will get you in the 80-90 psi range which is plenty to get home. I only mention this because someone said get the 16g to go to full pressure - the 16's are much more expensice than the 12's. That's why I have made my choices and those choices have served me well.

SaintAndrew

yeah or the fact that all our frickin' tax money gets siphoned off by a million population city of lowlifes.