CO2 inflators

2 cartridges - and I always still take a mini pump. Just ot be safe

Think I pay about 2 quid per cartridge from the LBS

I concur, two cartridges is about right - I don't think they're very expensive from anywhere.

What type are you using and is it just the cartridges or do they go into a holder which then attaches to the valve?

I used to use them, but switched back to a pump because of cost, i used to carry one loaded into the valve attachment and one spare

Get the cylinders off ebay - much cheaper than LBS and/or branded ones.

I take 2 plus a pump - if you pinch a tube while fitting you lose a whole cartridge. Also the pump allows you to inflate the tube a bit before you fit it.

Having said that I have always been OK with 2 cylinders alone....

I always take a pump even if carrying cartridges - one pump will inflate as many tubes as you like! Cartridges are great for getting on the move quickly but my record for punctures in a single ride is more than double the number of cartridges I could carry, so I carry the pump anyway.

+1 for buying unbranded cartridges - you can pick up a box of 30 for around £17. Do a google search for 16g CO2 cartridges and a bunch of possible suppliers come up.

Thanks guys. I'm using 16g threaded cartridges with a small air chuck inflator.

I suppose there is no substitute for a pump after all. Don't currently have something that slips into a jersey pocket that well though and don't like them on the frame (the last one disappeared into some undergrowth).

Anybody got any views on this: http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/Blackburn-AirStik-SL-Mi...

Agree with the Ebay suggestion; I got together with others to buy in bulk. However I only use them for journey to work and events. I would not ditch the pump. I have had problems with the valve freezing and all the air escaping again. Pumps are slow but reliable!

I have read somewhere that CO2 inflaters should only be used as an emergency. When home let air out and replace using a track pump. Anybody like to comment if this correct or a load of wotsit's?

This may only be in relation to mtb tubeless set up's as it can turn the sealant into globby gunk.

I carry a couple. Tend to use them when the weather is rubbish and my hands are at risk of dropping off. Always carry a mini pump regardless. There's some really good ones out there. I've one of the blackburn ones can't remember the model and it serves as a get me home. As jimmo says - make sure the tube isn't likely to get pinched.

I find that tyres inflated with Co2 go down, sometimes overnight. Maybe the molecules are smaller and migrate through the tube wall?
I always re inflate with a track pump after a repair.

Don't know about any migrating , but I do know that it's advisable to repump the tyres to their former 11 bar glory when you get home.

www.tyreinflators.co.uk. Perfect!

im a maverick! one tube, one cartridge, no pump, schwalbe zx ultremo.

2 cartridges, no pump. And I concur with the vote for tyreinflators.co.uk

No Cartridges, two spare tubes, a Lezyne patch kit and a

http://www.topeak.com/products/Pumps/MiniMorph

Great little mini track pump...lol...fingers crossed that even mentioning anything about p******** will end my 3000kms of having had none....

thekaner, im the thee shall not mention the p word club

Kaner - you are a brave - I salute you!!! Challenging the wrath of the pixies

What? Don't you deflate your tyres after every ride anyway? I do. I let all that stale air out and put a nice fresh lot in before I set off the next time. It makes me much faster.

Can't argue with that. Sounds like Science

Not convinced about that. Nitrogen atoms and oxygen molecules are smaller than CO2 molecules. Nitrogen is used to inflate tyres of racing cars, apparently - if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me.

For the record, I carry three CO2 cartridges, last lot bought off Ebay - box of 30 for £20 - should last for a few years ...

Filled my wife's front with co2 after a flat, then rode home no probs. She took the bike the following week and tyre was flat. I hunted for the hole but the tube was perfect, so there might be something in that theory.

reading up on it it appears the co2 molecule is soluble in rubber hence the deflation. This is certainly my experience.
Must try the fresh air every ride, I'll compare times