CO2 inflator recommendations

D13exile

While I've a good track pump at home to get my tyres up to optimum pressure, the mini pump I carry with me on spins just won't do the same job. So I'm going to bite the bullet and get a CO2 inflator to get me back on the road with properly inflated tyres.

Now here's the question......which one? A lot of different types available online but which one will give me greatest control over how much gas goes into the tyre. As a recent thread on punctures said, slightly inflating a new tube prior to putting the tyre back on the rim stops pinch flats. How is this possible with a CO2 inflator as once the gas starts going in, can it be stopped? Are the gas cannisters "one shot" as in does one cannister fill one tyre or would there be any left over to do a second tyre?

Just want to get my facts straight before I pick one.

Macy0161

I just use the aldi ones, with no problem. They have a control dial, so you can turn them off.

Regarding putting some air in the tyres when fitting - I just blow in them myself! Although I'm a bit belt and braces so carry a couple of tubes, couple of CO2 and patches and mini pump. I'm just an Audaxer waiting to commit I think!

seamus

Generally CO2 cartridges are one-shot. Most inflators let you control the flow alright, and you could tinker with it to fill the tyre and save some air. But it's a lot of effort and may leave you with only a quarter of a canister at the end.

Since you're using the cartridges on the side of the road for a quick fix, I wouldn't get too hung up on the economics of it.

You can carry a very small pump with you to pre-inflate the tyres and check that any patch has taken. You don't need something that can give you 80PSI, 40 will do.

However, presta valves you can pre-inflate with your mouth, you don't need a pump at all.

I would generally carry two spare tubes and two canisters with me. Means I don't need to patch a tyre at the side of the road or worry about the repair holding.

If I end up using the second tube & can, I turn around and take the shortest route home.

I have on long cycles carried a third canister, mini pump and repair kit. Just in case.

ED E

Can be purchased on Ebay/Ali/etc. Screws on, flow control.

Preinflation is nice but isn't required.

Macy0161

I will add I'm traumatised by 4 punctures before Shankill on the MB200. Luckily it passed near to home, and I could restock/ reinflate!

Inquitus

A canister will inflate a road tyre to about 100 psi max, so you don't need to control the flow or anything. As long as you check the bead of the tyre before inflating to make sure you haven't caught the tube, you don't need to worry about pinch flats.

rayman1

I have used the Air Chuck Elite for years without a problem. https://eurocycles.com/air-chuck-elite-2cts-13819/
It's tiny and you simply push it up onto the valve and it works every time. It is spring loaded. No turning on or off.
I have seen a lot of wasted cartridges when club mates screwed them onto inflators left open from the last use.

ED E

rayman1 wrote: »

I have used the Air Chuck Elite for years without a problem. https://eurocycles.com/air-chuck-elite-2cts-13819/
It's tiny and you simply push it up onto the valve and it works every time. It is spring loaded. No turning on or off.
I have seen a lot of wasted cartridges when club mates screwed them onto inflators left open from the last use.

Conversely I've seen people make a total mess of push ons like that.

crosstownk

I use this Lezyne inflator. Thankfully, I don't puncture that often but any time I've used it works perfectly.

I also use the Lifeline inflator on another bike. It works well but for some reason more effort is needed to pierce the cylinder. I'm sorry I didn't spend the extra few bob and get a second Lezyne. If you want a cheaper option, it's worth considering. That said, it got me home yesterday.

rayman1

ED E wrote: »

Conversely I've seen people make a total mess of push ons like that.

How do they make a mess of it? I have never had a problem in 10 years of use.
All you do is push it onto the open valve and it inflates until you stop pushing.
Everyone else I cycle with use the type that screw onto the valve and have an on off control.

monty_python

What cartridge do people use with these??
The normal ones for whipping cream?

Type 17

Weepsie wrote: »

In fact this is the kit I have. Fits pump and 2 cartridges under bottle cage.

https://www.trekbikes.com/ie/en_IE/equipment/bike-accessories/bike-pumps-accessories/bike-pumps/bontrager-air-rush-road-mini-pump/p/30675/

Not as compact as the very small ones, but means I can get air in and have co2...

+1 for the Bontrager Air Rush - great controllability, and you can pre-inflate before using the CO2 (very important if your tyre/rim combo is a relatively loose fit). Great quality mount for the pump and cartridges too.

For touring or other times when size weight is less important, and CO2 isn't on the radar, I'd recommend this BBB pump, which opens out into a mini-track pump, complete with t-handle, footrest and pressure guage, but still folds up relatively small.

Mefistofelino

monty_python wrote: »

What cartridge do people use with these??
The normal ones for whipping cream?

Not unless you are planning huffing the contents. The cream dispenser cartridges are filled with nitrous oxide.

Carbon dioxide cartridges are are available from a wide variety of sources. I think there was a link to a bulk supplier on another thread here recently.

ednwireland

monty_python wrote: »

What cartridge do people use with these??
The normal ones for whipping cream?

I usually stock up on co2 cartridges when aldi have them in. as I dont have a bike shop near

triggermortis

monty_python wrote: »

What cartridge do people use with these??
The normal ones for whipping cream?

I think they’re 16g ones with a screw thread. You can get larger ones for MTB tyres.
There have been a few group buys on this site in the past to get boxes of 10 for a good price

Inquitus

triggermortis wrote: »

I think they’re 16g ones with a screw thread. You can get larger ones for MTB tyres.
There have been a few group buys on this site in the past to get boxes of 10 for a good price

Aye I ran a group buy once, its well worth organizing as if you buy a lot of them the price comes down drastically, and almost everyone on the forum uses them.