CO2 pumps

dag_on_a_bike

...do they work effectively? Are they better than mini-pumps?

Any recommendations?

Thanks.

sungod

yes they work

the advantage vs. mini pump is speed, and, if you only take 2-3 cartridges, weight

with a single cartridge if you mess up the fill, or get more than one flat, you're stuffed

you don't have control over pressure, what you get depends on tyre and catridge volume

imho if you are on your own, unless speed is of the essence, take a pump

many of the pumps here have user reviews...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/c/cycle/7/Pumps_-_CO2/

among these are some combined co2/manual pumps, so you get a failsafe

careful

I can't disagree with what sungod said but I carry both on longer rides. Pumping up a tyre with a mini pump when you are already kn****red, often in the wet, and sometimes in the dark just aint any fun. A couple of effortless seconds with a CO2 can make all the difference.

nicensleazy

I did use them, but they didn't work for me. I bought one of those top peak carbon mini rocket pumps, great bit of kit!

northpole

I had a puncture out on a ride in the Surrey hills today. I only carried a CO2 thingy. It didn't work! Glad one of the other guys stopped to help & I really didn't mind having to work with a miniscule mini pump - it got me to the finish! From this experience, my future plans will be - priority one - carry a pump; if there is spare room, then carry some CO2. But I won't rely again solely on the CO2 option.

Peter

Bobbinogs

Yepp, the CO2 jobbers do work really well (Innovations gets my vote) but, as others have said, the advantange over pumps is just time (seeing your tyre quickly inflate before your very eyes is a sight to behold when stood in the wind/rain at the side of the road).

I carry a couple of CO2 cannisters and a pump (Lezyne Road Drive, very good but not cheap) because I don't fancy walking home if I run out of cannisters when faced with a fairy who wants my constant attention or a cannister that doesn't work.

danowat

I'd say, that if you aren't going to carry a handpump, and instead, use CO2 canisters, then you would want to be carrying spare inner tube/s, instead (or aswell as at least) of a puncture repair kit.

Can be a bugger to find a puncture without a pump.

stokepa31

I use the innovations second wind pump which covers the best of both worlds. you can also regulate the gas flow by turning the cartridge all the way in to stop he flow of gas and then back it off a bit to continue inflating.

im just back from london paris and me and my mate fixed countless punctures for other people using this pump. best bit of kit ive ever purchased and it works first time every time

magliaceleste

I haven't carried a pump for years. Get a C02 gun with a trigger, you can control the flow then. Carry more than one cart and and one (or more) spare inner tubes.

I'd never bother reparing a tube at roadside. Doubly so in the cold and dark.

As for if the CO2 doesnt work argument, that doesn't make sense. What happens if you only have a pump and that doesn't work?

mattsccm

Been using CO2, especailly on m/c's for 20 years. Never had a failiure although some people might. use them in really crappy conditions as well. Mostly use them on my road bike/cross bike as its a lot less to carry and all my pumps are big. Tend to use a pump for the mtb as i take a camel back then.
What does work is using a pump to stick a fair bit of pressure in a road bike tyre then bung in a canister. Nice easy way to get 100psi +
Oh yeah, bottle air doesn't last. in a day or 2 you will lose pressure.