probable556

Thinking about CO2 pumps and it seems that the 12g only get the tire to 90 psi (which is usually not enough). The 16g can get it to 130 psi (more than enough). Problem is... the 16g cartrige is much more expensive and seems like a rip off.

Poll Question: 12g, 16g, or other?

mrbubbles

How about both(C02 and pumps)? I use 16g threaded for short rides (<50km), any more than that, I'll stick with my road morph.

Al1943

All you really need is the Innovations MicroFlate and a couple of 16gr threaded cartridges.
https://www.pedalpushersonline.com/?CID=983

I got mine from my LBS.

Al

probable556

I am definitely leaning toward a 16g pump. Just don't think the 12g is going to provide enough for a road tire.

Any good or bad reviews on the Topeak or Innovations combo CO2/ hand pump?

bigbossman 

I have a Co2 inflator that takes 12 or 16g, threaded or unthreaded. I always carry the 12g, because they are cheap ($12.95/24), and they get the job done. Even though I weigh 230lbs, one 12g cartridge discharged into a completely flat tube will give me adequate inflation to complete a ride.

I also carry a frame pump just in case - but I haven't used it in so long that it has become an old-age home for spiders.

canthidefromme

You don't need to use all the 16 g in 1 go; save it for later.

Wasatch

I have the Innovations combo and really like it.

Sasquatchula

16g are awesome, but hella pricey in comparison to the 12's. I usually carry 2 12's, one gets me into the 90psi range which is fine, as I usually ride at 90-100psi. That leaves me a second for another flat, or a worse case scenario of a slow leak that I cant find/patch.

Recently I've had a horrible run of a dozen flats(give or take one) in the past two months, so I'm now back to carrying a frame pump as well. Start off with the pump, and finish it off with 02 if I'm lazy. I can get up to 85-90 with the pump without any problems, and save the 02 for another day. The trick with the pump, for me at least, is to put the wheel between your legs, valve pressing into your leg, and using your dominant arm, pump it up.

Is it optimal? No. But it gets me home, and that's what counts.

socalrider

I get my 16g threaded on ebay.. You can find some decent deals..

Psimet2001 

12g at 90 psi is plenty to finish out a ride with. At their price it's a no-brainer.

CyLowe97

Innovations Second Wind combo pump/CO2. Use the pump to get a bit of air into the tire and check the bead. Finish it off with an unthreaded 12g cartridge.

Fits in the saddle bag so I never forget to bring it along.

TCR

I use the 12g and have never had a problem.

gabdy

+1 Works brillantly.

runtimmyc

Wouldn't the paintball section of Walmart have the best deals on 16oz CO2. I use CO2, but it has been a while since I have had to fix a flat

OldGeezer

I checked my local Walmart and all they carried were 12g cartridges. Aside from that, 90 p.s.i. should be more than adequate to get you on your way again with the standard road tire. If you're skeptical, adjust your pressure to 90-100 lbs and ride it for a few miles.

Psimet2001 

+1 - way too many riders just pump to the max listed on the sidewall without ever understanding what pressures one should actually ride at WRT their weight, etc.

A lot of riders would find that they actually should be riding in the 90-100 range anyway.

Oh well....at least this way we get to re-hash the 12g CO2 debate every week or so when someone new goes to buy replacement cartridges and doesn't understand the difference. Fun.

drdhsimon

I buy my CO2 cartriges at a local gun store. They're cheaper than at the bike store. I learned that from a guy at my LBS when I lived in Seattle. Great tip. Oh yeah, and a 12g is plenty.

Tequila Joe

My ProFlate can take either so I use both.

I carry a 12g when I commute as 5 of my 6 flats this year occurred when commuting. It is cheap and the 90psi is more than enough to get me home.

I carry a 16g on road rides because I could have much farther to go to get home and may need the extra psi to help me keep pace on fast group rides

VanceMac

+1, less than a buck each. Besides, I've had to use exactly one in the last 6 months, so cost isn't really an issue is it?

indygreg

I use them so infrequently I typically just buy the 16g versions. I only ride outside 1 time a week and rarely 2 (each ride 30-50 miles). For me it is just not a cost issue because of this.

DLH

Unless you are worried about the extra weight of a single 12g cartridge just carry an extra. I can fit a tube, 2 cartridges, pump, tire levers and some allen wrenches in my little seat bag. If I can't fit a spare in there, then I would just simply put it in the plastic baggie with my ID and cell phone.

2WheelFury

It would be enough to get you home in "limp home mode" - better than nothing.

ggg300

https://www.gas-depot.com/index.php?m...6in96d14nbvc77

$0.67 for 16 threaded.

indygreg

wow - great price. Thanks

0_o

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you have to remember co2 pumps are mainly used for short term inflation fixes.
They’re basically just a fix it thing for until you can get home or to your destination point ... after that you should use a normal hand or floor pump.
If you can carry (2 )12 or a 16 as stated a couple times above you should be safe.
A Co2 inflated tired will slowly loose air pressure through the day . Here’s and example : if you inflate your tire to around 90 psi , one 12g ,the next day you will have around 80psi to 75psi depending on the tire’s tube. Leave it longer and your tire could just about half of the 90 psi you shot into the tire…
Co2 is pro the best and easiest quick fix for flat tires… nothing better than not having spend wasted energy hand pumping your tire while out on the road when you can whip out the co2 and in 30 seconds the tire is inflated are ready to go
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