CO2 or MiniPumps?

ezra_

This might be an ecumenical matter, but looking for some expert views;

which is better when going on a spin?

I had a mini pump before that was nicked. PITA to reflate the tyre but was compact.
I use a track pump at home.

I've never used CO2 before - are they straightforward and reliable to use?

For the commute, I keep a frame pump in the pannier and that is fine. This would only be for spins on the road bike.

In an unrelated question - I managed to put a brand new tube through the washing machine. Is it still good?!

quozl

I put a tube through the washing machine and it was fine when used. Only downside was that the powder on it to stop it sticking to itself was all washed off so I didn't risk wrapping it up tight again in a saddle bag.

I use a mini pump. I have 2 tubes and a puncture repair kit with me on long spins. I'd need to bring enough CO2 cartridges for all of that or reduce my levels of paranoia. Easier for me to bring a mini-pump than to get less paranoid. Best of both worlds might be to have both.

07Lapierre

I use both.

Small pump to inflate the tube just enough to fit it into the tyre. then use a canister to inflate it to the Max pressure.

Wishbone Ash

I always take both. If I had to take one, I'd opt for the mini-pump.

ezra_

can you guys explain the logic of having both?

jober

I have used both

after been left stuck up the mountains after 2 co2 canisters didn't work properly (more than likely my own fault doing something wrong ) I have returned to using mini pump
I just don't trust the co2 now

Wishbone Ash

Multiple punctures - mini pump isn't a 'one use only' device.

ezra_

and to the ecumenics of the matter;

suggestions on minipumps / Co2 pumps?!

Chips Lovell

Multiple punctures or making a b***s of inflating the first one.

AltAccount

Mini pump for me. I've had (extremely rarely, but it happened) one or two spins where I've gotten 3 punctures.

This was many, many years ago, but without a mini pump, and a patch kit I'd have had a loooooong walk home, or would have had to rely on the kindness of a stranger.

Nowadays it's mini pump, one or two tubes depending on length of spin, and a small patch kit

AltAccount

ezra_ wrote: »

and to the ecumenics of the matter;

suggestions on minipumps / Co2 pumps?!

I've had something very similar to this for literally a decade at this stage.

Edit: Chainreaction have it here.
Thinking back I've actually had it since 1998.
If I were buying again I'd pay the little extra and buy this one because it's a pretty little thing...

cdaly_

Both. Minipump to search out and repair a puncture (if required) but also to identify where the puncture happened so as to locate the bit of glass still embedded in the tyre that's going to puncture the spare tube too.

CO2 'cos I'm too lazy to spend that amount of time pumping to get a decent rolling pressure afterwards...

Brian?

CO2 only. If I puncture more than twice I'm out of tubes anyway so the whole multi use argument doesn't cut it for me.

DaithiMC

quozl wrote: »

I put a tube through the washing machine and it was fine when used. Only downside was that the powder on it to stop it sticking to itself was all washed off so I didn't risk wrapping it up tight again in a saddle bag.

Sprinkle with talcum powder and it will restore its anti-sticking properties!

DaithiMC

Double post

smacl

Brian? wrote: »

CO2 only. If I puncture more than twice I'm out of tubes anyway so the whole multi use argument doesn't cut it for me.

Two tubes and patches / repair kit + mini pump. If I'm in the middle of nowhere of a Sunday afternoon, a rescue mission would involve herself calling a halt to the Sunday lunch, packing kids and most probably aged mother in-law in car, and getting lost on the tiny back roads trying to find me. Not worth it for anything less than a broken limb, probably a leg or better and a reasonable amount of blood. If you cycle with a crew on well travelled roads it is one thing, if you're solo on a longish haul, its worth taking a few extra precautions.

Eamonnator

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-co2-tyre-inflator/

I use this one. It's well made, very sturdy and light. When used with a 16 gramme cartridge, it will put 110psi into a 700 X 23 tyre, in 2 seconds.

Wishbone Ash

Brian? wrote: »

CO2 only..

Just wondering.....how do you part inflate the tube prior to fitting?

(I'm presuming you blow into it. Something I can't seem to do. There must be a knack to it!)

Unknown Soldier

I use one of these http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/airwave-motion-mini-pump/rp-prod42197

It's like a mini track pump.

250 "pumps" and a 25c Conti 4000s tyre/tube is up to 118/120 psi.

Roger Hassenforder

if going solo, both.
if with group, just CO2. someone else will have a pump, but a lot of times my CO is called upon for a top off!

comparison here:
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/product-news/7-of-the-best-co2-inflators-1351

Ive the elite, scored well and simple to use.

iwillhtfu

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Just wondering.....how do you part inflate the tube prior to fitting?

(I'm presuming you blow into it. Something I can't seem to do. There must be a knack to it!)

Co2 only but like the look of that mini pump linked a few posts ago.


I just blow into it prior to fitting. The missus is always telling me I'm full of hot air.

Brian?

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Just wondering.....how do you part inflate the tube prior to fitting?

(I'm presuming you blow into it. Something I can't seem to do. There must be a knack to it!)

Open the valve, press the core down and blow. It doesn't take much.

martyc5674

I have a mini pump that you can pop a co2 cylinder into...best of both worlds.. Of course I've never used it with gas!.. Pump works fine tho...think it's specialized.
Marty.

triggermortis

I had a mini pump that took a co2 cartridge but it fell apart on me after one too many spills on the MTB.
Only take co2 with me these days plus two tubes and a tyre patch.

Captain Havoc

CO2 all the way.

Kinet1c

Any recommendations on where to pick up CO2 canisters?

ezra_

Thanks guys - ordered a C02 pump/cartridges and a minipump this morning.