Anyone use CO2 'pumps'?

[parklaneyido]

I'm considering investing in a co2 pump thingymabob. Anyone use them? Would you recommend them over a hand pump becuase frankly, pumping to 100psi with my topeak mini bullet is impossible

 

[parklaneyido]

CO2 'pumps'

http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=634820#post634820

 

[Fiona N]

I use a CO2 thingy which also functions as a pump. It allows partial use of a CO2 cylinder too so you can just top up tyres rather than just inflating from scratch. Like you, I find getting 100+ psi out of a mini pump too difficult (although I have a mini track pump which is OK-ish) so being able to partially inflate an inner tube and put a bit of air into the tyres with the pump followed by full inflation with the OC2 is a nice combination. I don't have many ****s so the expense and environmental impact of dozens of little cylinders doesn't come up. And I use a great track pump at home, of course

 

[Noodley]

I carry CO2 pump, great wee thing. Quick, efficient and saves energy. No point knackering yourself even more trying to pump up a tyre to 100psi?

 

[parklaneyido]

Are they easy enough to use? Not too fiddly?

 

[Noodley]

Very easy. Screw the canister onto the valve, screw the valve onto the nipple and release the gas by turning the wheel on the valve. I never screw the cannister onto the valve before I need it, as it might get a knock and accidentally expel the gas

 

[parklaneyido]

Ok cheers. I might try and find one with a gauge on it too

 

[Noodley]

And to save money when buying refills:
http://www.tyreinflators.co.uk/co2-cartridges-16gm/cat_2.html
Much much cheaper than from bike shop.

 

[parklaneyido]

Nice one!!

 

[montage]

I am with Noodley on this one, not sure what PSI they get the tyre to though - need to check that!

 

[Noodley]

I am with Noodley on this one, not sure what PSI they get the tyre to though - need to check that!

Click on the images of the cylinders and it gives PSI values. 16g gives upto 130psi for road tyres.

I always deflate tyres when I get home and re-inflate using track pump - I can't remember why but I had read something ages ago and have always done this since. There is a limit to how much my small brain can retain....

 

[montage]

Something to do with it being CO2 rather than air I guess....but I can't think what.

On a gas related subject - why don't TdF riders fill their bikes with helium?

 

[Noodley]

Something to do with it being CO2 rather than air I guess....but I can't think what.

Yeh, something to do with that.

 

[BlimeyCable]

Noodley, what make and model of pump do you have?

 

[palinurus]

I always deflate tyres when I get home and re-inflate using track pump - I can't remember why but I had read something ages ago and have always done this since.

It's probably because carbon dioxide, although a bigger molecule than nitrogen, diffuses at a faster rate through butyl rubber. So it makes sense reinflate with air since you'd have to do it soon enough anyway.