I prefer to use inflators that accept un-threaded and get my cartridges from Walmart (in their paintball section). Something like $5 for a box of 25 of them. Still on my first box....

This is my choice: http://www.genuineinnovations.com/bi...px?prodid=1092
Great product and fantastic customer service. It does need threaded cartridges, but for the two or three times a year I might use it, the cost is no big deal. I also really like having the pump for preloading the tube and in case you run out of CO2. It also comes in a carbon version, but interestingly, the Al one is lighter.

I use the GI Second Wind which has a regular pump with a threaded co2 intergrated.. So you can use threaded co2 cartridges and if you run out of those can use it as a standard pump.. They work great..

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...3A%20Inflators

If you are set on just getting an inflator, the silca co2 is great.. You can regulate the co2 much better than some other inflators and it is very small..

http://www.biketiresdirect.com/psneo...nflator/pp.htm

I have this version of the Innovations SecondWind and I'm surprised on how easy it is to hand pump to 80 psi with such a small skinny pump, I carry 2 CO2 cartridges and one tube + patch kit.

Don't the paintball co2's have a little oil mixed in with the air to keep the gun lubed? Not sure where I read this. Would the coating of oil (if it exists) do anything to breakdown the rubber of the tube?

Either way, CO2 is the way to go.

+1.

Until such time as the cartridge is empty. Then it's about as useful as teats on a boar hog:rolleyes:

Good thing that's never been in issue for me in the many years since I started using CO2. Being as how I'm not into boar hog teats and all...

I hear well built houses are useless as well once a natural disaster levels them. Let's all go live in caves instead.

One 16 gram cartridge will fill up a tire no problem. I carry three cartridges and if I were to ride a century, I would carry four. I have never had four flats in a day, I have never even had two flats in a day.

After you use CO2, it will be hard to go back to a pump. Unless you are the type that wouldn't mind giving up indoor plumbing for that long walk through the snow to the out house.

I use this. It's very compact and it takes threaded or non-threaded 12 g cartridges and all sizes of the threaded variety. The pumping option takes some practice, which, unfortunately, I didn't do before I need to fix a flat.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4362

I guess what I don't understand is the need to get to 120 psi. In most cases, isn't 80 psi good enough to get home or back to your car? In other words, isn't the 12 g cartridges sufficient?

Yes...12g is plenty. Most people ride with their tires at too high of a pressure anyway (past the sweet spot between rolling resistance and comfort). A 12g usually gets me to around 90 psi which is plent for me to ride on.

Sorry. But I tired it and, after burning through 3 cartridges and still walking, I'll stick with a pump. I don't mind a little walk in the snow;)

More likely that they'll be begging you to use your pump because their fancy-scmancy CO2/pump thingy won't work.

That's what I have. In an attempt to throw my LBS a bone I bought it there...paid $30 + tax for something you can get anywhere for $15-20.

Well obviously everyone has their favorite. I have the Innovations Second Wind IH that Performance sells...I don't see it on the Innovations site though. It will do any cartridge type either threaded or non threaded and as posted above I get my cartridges from WalMart for dirt cheap.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4362

Really, I have used my Air Chuck maybe 6 times and have never wasted a single cartridge. Maybe it depends on which CO2 inflator you are using. If I had problems with one I would probably feel the same way as you and stick use a pump. Nothing wrong with a pump, it gets the job done.

What I like about that little Air Chuck is that, to activate it, you have to shove it onto the valve, which pretty much guarantees a good seal. Of course, that means that it helps to have the little Presta valve collar treaded snugly against the rim.

+1 - Any issue with CO2 is usually the result of "operator error". It's at times like this when you realize that some people could f'up taking a crap if given the chance.

So, I'm recommending against myself; at least I'm honest. The pump option of this thing is worthless. It leaks like crazy. I think that I'll get a small pump and a dedicated CO2 inflator like the Air Chuck SL.

I think 80 psi might be fine to limp back home or to your car, but suppose you were to get a flat five minutes after starting a 60 mile group ride. I would think you would want to finish the ride. The 12 g cartridges are cheaper but as few flats as I get, I will spend the money for the 16 g cartridges.

I'll freely admit that my experience with CO2 was operator error. However, with a pump...something you should carry in the land of these

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4...0/goathead.jpg...

you never 'run out' of air in normal circumstances;)

Robo, I am considering this one, but concerned about this leaking with the pump...does it leak with presta or shrader valves? (I only use presta)

You might not run out of air, but you could run out of tubes and patches. I know I would run out of tubes and patches before I run out of CO2 cartridges.

Long experience has taught me how many patches to carry...I buy them by the box. Of 100:eek: And, if need be, the goathead plugs the hole enough that you can make it home with frequent pumping.

I wouldn't buy it. I tried to use it with Presta valves. I'm going to go with a dedicated short hand pump like a Micro Rocket and a dedicated CO2 inflator.