CO2 Gas inflators

[jimbut]

Received a Weldtite Jetvalve CO2 inflator for Xmas. Tested it and was VERY surprised that the gas continued to void when I removed inflator from valve. Thought it was duff but NO my LBS said all normal. The units are a 1 shot. It states nothing about this on the packaging. My LBS sells a 5 pack of cartridges for £8.50. ie using this device ( obviously emergency only ) costs £1.70 per shot ! Find all this a bit of a rip off I`m afraid. It should be possible to control the CO2 and get at least 2 - 3 inflations per cylinder. Anyone care to comment ?

 

[stephec]

Leave the cylinder connected to the pump after you've inflated the first tyre, it should stay sealed so you can use the remining air on the next flat.

 

[jimbut]

I did not remove the cyclinder. I pressed the unit to the tyre valve which releases the gas. When I removed the unit from the tyre valve the CO2 continued to void and empty the cartridge. My LBS says this is how this unit works. I find it strange ( and expensive ).

 

[Smokin Joe]

My Co2 pump has a button to activate it and any remaining gas stays in the cylinder when you disconnect, though I have had one which was total release only.

Buy your cylinders from here -

http://www.tyreinflators.co.uk/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=6

Much cheaper than your LBS.

 

[palinurus]

The refills do cost a bit. In practice I find I use them rarely. For commuting punctures I just use my pump, since it's in my bag anyway. I generally only use the CO2 inflator when relying on my jersey pockets only (time trials or shorter training rides mostly, I take a pump if i'm going any distance). So far I've used one cartridge this year. Mine just dumps the lot into the tyre in one go, but it needs a whole one to get the tyre up to pressure anyway.

 

[jimbut]

Ta for comments. Smokin Joe, what type of pump is it you have ? Would ( or should ) you get a couple of inflates out of it ? How much did it cost ( if u remember ) ?

 

[Saddle bum]

Search the web, the CO2 bulbs to fit the pumps can be obtained at reasonable cost quite easily.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Ta for comments. Smokin Joe, what type of pump is it you have ? Would ( or should ) you get a couple of inflates out of it ? How much did it cost ( if u remember ) ?

Mine was around a tenner from my LBS, make unknown. A 12 gram cartridge will get a road tyre up to a decent pressure, but that's with about 10psi froma small mini pump first as I like to get the tyre seated to make sure the tube isn't trapped before I zap it with a cartridge. 16gram are probably a better bet. Innovations do a combined hand/Co2 inflator which is probably the way to go.

I have always found Co2 to be reliable but I still like the security of a back-up even though I carry three cartridges. They are a boon when it is cold and wet and you want to get going quickly again.

 

[stephec]

I did not remove the cyclinder. I pressed the unit to the tyre valve which releases the gas. When I removed the unit from the tyre valve the CO2 continued to void and empty the cartridge. My LBS says this is how this unit works. I find it strange ( and expensive ).

Ah, I see now. I didn't know inflators like that existed, mine has a release button to control the flow of air. That is strange, and expensive.

Having said that I hardly ever get a you know what. And yes I know I'm going to regret saying that.

 

[BentMikey]

My Co2 pump has a button to activate it and any remaining gas stays in the cylinder when you disconnect, though I have had one which was total release only.

Buy your cylinders from here -

http://www.tyreinflators.co.uk/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=6

Much cheaper than your LBS.

Nice one Joe, just bought a supply thanks to your recommendation.

My inflator can keep the remaining gas in the cylinder, by screwing the cylinder in tight.

 

[Chrisz]

I used to use the CO2 canisters but found them too heavy when compared to a mini pump. I only carry the pump now - it's small enough to fit in a jersey pocket and doesn't weigh a great deal at all.

 

[robgul]

Just a heads up - CO2 is great BUT is only a quick fix ... the gas degenerates and the tyre will soften to be un-rideable in a couple of days. It's just science!

So - just use when in a hurry, it's dark, it's raining ... or all three

Rob

PS - And yes, they are one shot - but are designed for an average tube at high-ish pressure.

 

[BentMikey]

I used to use the CO2 canisters but found them too heavy when compared to a mini pump. I only carry the pump now - it's small enough to fit in a jersey pocket and doesn't weigh a great deal at all.

3 x CO2 equals 180g. 1 x Topeak road morph is 240g.

 

[Dave5N]

I don't understand the need for them. They're a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

Just take a decent pump.

 

[andrew_s]

IThey're a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

The problem exists all right.




It's called idleness