Are all CO2 cannisters as good as each other?

gcwebbyuk

I have a Lezyne Twin Speed Drive CO2 inflator, and some 16g cannisters from Tyre Inflators.

I did a test today with my tyre just to see what sort of pressure it got the tyre up to, and it managed 60psi.

The tyres are 25mm Conti 4000s 2. Does 60psi sound about right for a 16g cannister?

I know the idea of a CO2 is a kind of get me home tool, and I always carry a mini pump too just in case I need a top-up - but how safe is it to ride on a 60psi tyre on a road bike?

JackPozzi

Sounds low to me, I would expect to get at least 90 psi, but can't think of any reason why you'd only get 60.

I've used various cartridges from different sources and they all tend to give the similar results IME

gcwebbyuk

It could be my technique, but I did try two cannisters just to be sure.

Are different infaltors better/worse at actually getting the CO2 into the tube?

jgsi

Sounds like your technique.. not too much bother to get just 60psi thru my mini Blackburn airstick.
With a CO2, very easy to get over 7bar and more if not careful.... bear in mind my inflator is Presta only, yours is dual... could be source of your problem, the co2 escaping.

bill_gates

I was tempted to get a stock-pile of the Aldi canisters this week but I also want sure if there was quality differences on Co2 canisters. I currently have some Lifeline branded ones that I use with a Lifeline 'chuck'.

wishitwasallflat

I buy them 10 at a time from catering suppliers on eBay, way cheaper. I've never checked but a 25 mm gp4000s goes from flat empty to rock hard so must be at least 100+ psi. I use a cheapo Mpart chuck.

Smokin Joe

Crossman are highly rated on airgun forums.

gcwebbyuk

It looks like it could have been my technique. I was pushing the inflater onto the valve once I had already screwd on the canister. Looking at some other videos and trying it on a spare tube (without the canister) it looks like you fit the inflater onto the tube then screw in the canister. The inflater seems to make a good seal if you do it that way. Will try again tomorrow with the tube on the rim and in a tyre.

redvee

wishitwasallflat wrote:

I buy them 10 at a time from catering suppliers on eBay, way cheaper.

Got a link?

TheHound

I have a lifeline inflator thing. I screw the cannister on first then just push it on. 16g cannister should get you up over 100psi with 25mm tyres.

Make sure you're pushing the valve through from the tyre side so the inflator is properly on it.

capt_slog

Smokin Joe wrote:

Crossman are highly rated on airgun forums.

Be careful when buying CO2 that are meant for guns. I can't find it today when i've looked, but i'm certain that I've read that some contain a tiny amount of oil to help lubricate the gun parts. I can't see that doing the inside of a tube any favours.

Smokin Joe

Capt Slog wrote:

Smokin Joe wrote:

Crossman are highly rated on airgun forums.

Be careful when buying CO2 that are meant for guns. I can't find it today when i've looked, but i'm certain that I've read that some contain a tiny amount of oil to help lubricate the gun parts. I can't see that doing the inside of a tube any favours.

They don't, but the reason Crossman are rated is because they have a small amount of silicone on the lip of the canister to prevent the frozen gas from causing the seal in the gun to crack over time. A good idea for tyre inflators too.

wishitwasallflat

redvee wrote:

wishitwasallflat wrote:

I buy them 10 at a time from catering suppliers on eBay, way cheaper.

Got a link?

Sorry it's so long since I bought any (10 last me ages) I can't remember but search on eBay there are loads of suppliers and I recall just ordering from the cheapest.

wishitwasallflat

redvee wrote:

wishitwasallflat wrote:

I buy them 10 at a time from catering suppliers on eBay, way cheaper.

Got a link?

Sorry it's so long since I bought any (10 last me ages) I can't remember but search on eBay there are loads of suppliers and I recall just ordering from the cheapest.

Man Of Lard

16g of CO2 in a cylinder is 16g of CO2 in a cylinder whatever brand is printed/painted on the outside.

drlodge

I always hand pump my tyres up to about 60psi then apply CO2 for the rest - uses about 1/2 a cannister that way so good for another puncture.

CiB

redvee wrote:

wishitwasallflat wrote:

I buy them 10 at a time from catering suppliers on eBay, way cheaper.

Got a link?

http://www.co2cartridges.co.uk/index.ph ... tegory=303

Box of 30 x 16g for £19.49 +p&p. I hope they don't expire, had mine for 3 years now.

Ashbeck

drlodge wrote:

I always hand pump my tyres up to about 60psi then apply CO2 for the rest - uses about 1/2 a cannister that way so good for another puncture.

+1, i do the same. No point wasting a whole CO2.

redvee

CiB wrote:

redvee wrote:

wishitwasallflat wrote:

I buy them 10 at a time from catering suppliers on eBay, way cheaper.

Got a link?

http://www.co2cartridges.co.uk/index.ph ... tegory=303

Box of 30 x 16g for £19.49 +p&p. I hope they don't expire, had mine for 3 years now.

Ordered on Monday, received today. Hopefully it'll keep the PF at bay.

buckmulligan

Ashbeck wrote:

drlodge wrote:

I always hand pump my tyres up to about 60psi then apply CO2 for the rest - uses about 1/2 a cannister that way so good for another puncture.

+1, i do the same. No point wasting a whole CO2.

How long do you guys find a CO2 cannister holds it's contents once it's been pierced? And how often are you getting punctures more to the point?!

I would be very surprised it I came back to a half-used CO2 cannister and found it had any pressure left in it a month (let alone longer) after it had been started!

ai_1

BuckMulligan wrote:

Ashbeck wrote:

drlodge wrote:

I always hand pump my tyres up to about 60psi then apply CO2 for the rest - uses about 1/2 a cannister that way so good for another puncture.

+1, i do the same. No point wasting a whole CO2.

How long do you guys find a CO2 cannister holds it's contents once it's been pierced? And how often are you getting punctures more to the point?!

I would be very surprised it I came back to a half-used CO2 cannister and found it had any pressure left in it a month (let alone longer) after it had been started!

I presume the intention is to use it again on the same ride if you have further problems?

buckmulligan

In that case I'd rather carry an extra CO2 cannister than a superfluous mini-pump, but we're in danger of getting into the hysterical "you don't carry a pump as well?!?!" debate here.

ai_1

BuckMulligan wrote:

In that case I'd rather carry an extra CO2 cannister than a superfluous mini-pump, but we're in danger of getting into the hysterical "you don't carry a pump as well?!?!" debate here.

Not carrying a pump is simply stupid.....
Pump = essential item
CO2 inflator = optional extra (not replacement)
Nothing hysterical required.

The rationale for the above statement is available upon request.

bobones

I use CO2 to save time, particularly in group rides, so it seems a stupid idea to inflate tyres to 60 psi with a hand pump first.

I've recently had 2 rides where I've had 3 punctures (faulty rim tape on one occasion, embedded grit on another). I carry 2 CO2 carts and 2 tubes, but I was thankful that I also carry a patch kit and a mini pump. BuckMulligan would be walking or making the call of shame.

buckmulligan

I know the risks and I'm happy to take them!

ai_1

BuckMulligan wrote:

I know the risks and I'm happy to take them!

Well that's fine then.
You could save weight by dispensing with the CO2 as well
Come to think of it if you don't bring neither CO2 nor a pump you won't need a spare tube, patches or tyre levers either!