+1 for microflate and spend the extra cash to be able to control the flow and know you won't waste the CO2.

For the threaded cartridges: will they hold pressure if you have part of it's capacity? I was just wondering if you use a little bit, will you have anything left in a few weeks if you need it again?

most likely no

They do hold pressure for a while. If I've tapped one, I won't trust it to do more than get enough air in to seat the tube and tire.

Understood...

+1

You just need to make sure you have one that will take these 12g unthreaded cartridges.

I mostly carry an AirShip because it works with the 12g unthreaded cartridges. It's a little bigger than a threaded one (won't fit inside my seat bag, but carries nicely in the elastric strap on the bottom), but the 12g unthreaded cartridges are cheap enough to not sweat using them.

I also have a 16g threaded AirChuckSL that I love because its so small and light, but the cartridges cost a lot more. I only carry it when I really don't want to carry the heavy(er) AirShip. If I'm going to use threaded cartridges, this would be the only one I want. Tiny in size, and weighs almost nothing.

I think there may be a lighter 12g inflator somewhere... but I'm not really worried about it because the AirShip carries so well under my seat bag.

There is a hole in the bottom of the inflater so when storing a cart just put it in upside down, the nozzel fits in the hole and no need to worry about screwing the top on and having a premature discharge ;)

I don't understand why you 12g guys don't go to 16g. It will fill a 23 to about 110#. No need to limp home underinflated when you can continue your ride at normal inflation. Yeah it costs a buck more, but at 4-5 uses a year if I'm unlucky I can afford it :D

Anyone have a good source for threaded cartridges?

Check out bigger sporting goods stores like Dick's, GIJoes, etc., especially if the carry a lot of paintball accessories, these are usually much better priced than any LBS.

Walmart has killer deals on the non threaded 12g CO2 cartidges that are use for paint ball guns. Used them for a while now. Much cheaper than the bike designated ones and it's the same CO2 in them.