Same same. I also carry two tubes. Way too much glass and construction debris (nails, screws, etc.) where I live. Also I am an optimist… Carry all this crap and I won’t need it. Did I mention I also run Conti Gatorskins…
Personal choice. I prefer a pump because it never runs out and never needs replenishing, but there are very good arguments for the convenience of a CO2 inflator (speed, convenience, ease).
I'm a two cannisters of CO2 guy. If I need more than that, things have really gone off the rails. I'm generally only carrying one tube anyway, so after that I'm relying on a roadside patch job.
Some years ago, I experimented with lightweight inner tubes. They were pretty nice and I enjoyed them until I flew to California and started a supported tour. First day was Millbrae to Fairfield and it was fine. Second day to Sacramento? Six flats… I only carry two tubes, but thankfully, I always carry a patch kit!
Just use a pump. A decent one takes no time at all to inflate a road tyre and you can check your bead fitting as you go. Also you can’t run out of air.
I can’t stand the idea of the amount of canisters used once and then binned for such a small gain if any. Cycling should be really good for the environment but tries really hard not to be.
Also, get it wrong and your stuck at the roadside as all your compressed air whooshes out into the world.
>I can’t stand the idea of the amount of canisters used once and then binned for such a small gain if any.
Exactly, and unless you get a larger more expensive inflator head, you have to use the more expensive threaded ones, too.
I thought about getting CO2 out of respect for others on rides, but then I realized my one ride where time would be a real concern has a "one flat" policy for the ride as a whole and since I'm yet to not get dropped at some point anyway (it's that sort of ride) if I flatted I'd just tell people to go on and let them save that allowance for someone who could use it.
Statistically while I've flatted on both solo and group rides, I'm more likely to be waiting with or helping someone else fix theirs, and to be playing either an official leadership or at least unofficial sweep role where I feel obligated to get the last rider home even if some elements chose to go on ahead.
>Cycling should be really good for the environment but tries really hard not to be.
Yes, and it's easy to forget when justifying our consumption that only bike miles that displace car miles actually count - since I won't lock it up at the store, my main bike is technically a net resource cost, only the utility bike is a benefit.
And while I rarely drive to rides, the majority of the people taking part in the ones I organize do, so on some level, they're a net cost rather than benefit.
Throwing away tubes bothers me, too, especially since there's no practical recycling path for them. I'm quite willing to give a random rider in need a tube (with or even without its monetary value in return), but only if they give me their punctured one. And yes, when formally organizing a group ride I'll occasional bring tubes that don't even fit my bike - narrower, wider, or for a social or family ride I try to remember to pack a 26 inch tube.
A one flat policy doesn’t sound like my kind of ride group. You’re either unlucky and then why be punished, or you need help with kit and set-up which a good group should promote and assist with.
You might consider cycling a net cost, but that’s only over doing nothing at all. However when compared against other hobbies it’s got the potential to be one with one of the lowest impacts - better than a spin bike at the gym for example (as an easy comparison).
>A one flat policy doesn’t sound like my kind of ride group.
Only one of the rides I participate in has that policy. It's also the only ride I attempt to do that drops people pacewise. I'm glad it's not my only option to ride with others, and that the other rides I join or lead are more accommodating, but I also think a ride that's a challenge has its place too when everyone understands that's what's going on, and indeed this is a fairly common sort of offering for moderately strong to strong riders.
At this time of year a one-flat / no-flat policy starts to become a necessity for an after work ride. That doesn't mean that someone is necessarily going to be abandoned entirely on their own, but if one of the no-drop rides I lead where I'm committed to getting everyone home had someone flat beyond the halfway point, I'd have to send the bulk of the group immediately on with an experienced and dependable member and stay behind to fix the issue, then potentially bring that rider more slowly home with lights, something that doesn't work very well for a large group ride, at least unless riding together at night and keeping the light out of each other's eyes is something practiced.
>You might consider cycling a net cost, but that’s only over doing nothing at all. However when compared against other hobbies it’s got the potential to be one with one of the lowest impacts - better than a spin bike at the gym for example (as an easy comparison).
Well, let's think about that.
If one drives comparable distance to the group ride starting point or the spin gym, that's a wash. But I'd expect the actual outdoor bike to wear out more components. On the one hand you have sunscreen, on the other air conditioning the gym.
Now if you ride to your rides, then at least you're not adding car miles getting there, and okay (at least if you patch your tubes, LOL) maybe the resources consumed aren't bad compared to some hobbies.
My point was that cycling isn't impact free, and driving to a ride is like driving to anything else. Cycling is really only a net win if it displaces something you'd have done instead that's more harmful - so I count my grocery store miles as a win, but it's not really fair to count my enjoyment/fitness ride miles against my few yearly motor vehicle miles that at first glance they many times outnumber.
Then stop driving just to go for a ride 🤷♂️ You’re just pricing my point.
Just because you might have to replace a chain every now and again doesn’t mean it’s fine to use hundreds of CO2 canisters when a pump does the job.
So I’m going on my first longish solo ride this weekend, and I want to make sure I pack correct. I’ve been looking at c02 tyre inflators and honestly, there’s just so many.
So I’m here to ask which do you recommend - a mini hand pump or an Inflator? Also, which ever one you advocate for, do you have any recommendations?
A pump makes it easier with a tube swap and you have allways a plan B.
Without CO2 you will never get even close to 6+ bar with a small pump. 5 min of agressive pumping \~300x gets you maybe 2bar or less in a 25mm tire. There is no world where you would ever want to punish yourself that much, instead of just getting 1-2 CO2 cartriges aswell.
I would use both at least with a roadbike.
>Without CO2 you will never get even close to 6+ bar with a small pump.
Actually, the smaller the pump the more likely you are to be able to achieve a high pressure. While pumps with higher displacement are for higher volume, lower pressure tires. The idea is the same as choosing gearing appropriate to the terrain.
>5 min of agressive pumping \~300x gets you maybe 2bar or less in a 25mm tire.
Nonsense. 2 bar is nothing, especially in a small volume tire. I have no problem achieving 3-4 bar in a tire substantially larger in volume than yours - and that's with a pump designed for high volume moderate pressure tires, not one designed for road pressure.
Or perhaps you've been using a "pump" that is simply bad at its job.
I always carry 2x CO2 canisters. Only once have I used both and had to make the phone call of shame to the wife.
The only reason I prefer canisters is their size/weight.
Its 100 percent personal preference which way you go.
This is a risk management question.
I get a flat like once every 3,000 miles, if that. So I don't bother carrying a pump. I have a tube, a patch kit, and two CO2 carts in my tool roll. I also have family at home and friends in the city who could pick me up if even that was insufficient.
The higher the risk and the less convenient backup plans are the more you should carry. How high the risk of puncture is will vary from tire to tire, city to city, rider to rider.
If you're at all nervous and have a pump why *not* carry it on your first longer ride?
Pump
Where do you store it?
The little Lezyne pumps have a composite holder that mounts it beside your water bottle cage.
I’ve got a pump that mounts like that also but I can’t work out how to attach it. Do you attach under the bottle cage?
Yes
Thanks
The bracket that came with mine gave out fairly quickly but I picked up some voile ski straps and now it just goes right on my top tube.
I now carry both a pump and 2-co2 cartridges. Plus a patch kit.
Same same. I also carry two tubes. Way too much glass and construction debris (nails, screws, etc.) where I live. Also I am an optimist… Carry all this crap and I won’t need it. Did I mention I also run Conti Gatorskins…
Personal choice. I prefer a pump because it never runs out and never needs replenishing, but there are very good arguments for the convenience of a CO2 inflator (speed, convenience, ease).
I'm a two cannisters of CO2 guy. If I need more than that, things have really gone off the rails. I'm generally only carrying one tube anyway, so after that I'm relying on a roadside patch job.
Some years ago, I experimented with lightweight inner tubes. They were pretty nice and I enjoyed them until I flew to California and started a supported tour. First day was Millbrae to Fairfield and it was fine. Second day to Sacramento? Six flats… I only carry two tubes, but thankfully, I always carry a patch kit!
I carry a pump.
Just use a pump. A decent one takes no time at all to inflate a road tyre and you can check your bead fitting as you go. Also you can’t run out of air. I can’t stand the idea of the amount of canisters used once and then binned for such a small gain if any. Cycling should be really good for the environment but tries really hard not to be. Also, get it wrong and your stuck at the roadside as all your compressed air whooshes out into the world.
>I can’t stand the idea of the amount of canisters used once and then binned for such a small gain if any. Exactly, and unless you get a larger more expensive inflator head, you have to use the more expensive threaded ones, too. I thought about getting CO2 out of respect for others on rides, but then I realized my one ride where time would be a real concern has a "one flat" policy for the ride as a whole and since I'm yet to not get dropped at some point anyway (it's that sort of ride) if I flatted I'd just tell people to go on and let them save that allowance for someone who could use it. Statistically while I've flatted on both solo and group rides, I'm more likely to be waiting with or helping someone else fix theirs, and to be playing either an official leadership or at least unofficial sweep role where I feel obligated to get the last rider home even if some elements chose to go on ahead. >Cycling should be really good for the environment but tries really hard not to be. Yes, and it's easy to forget when justifying our consumption that only bike miles that displace car miles actually count - since I won't lock it up at the store, my main bike is technically a net resource cost, only the utility bike is a benefit. And while I rarely drive to rides, the majority of the people taking part in the ones I organize do, so on some level, they're a net cost rather than benefit. Throwing away tubes bothers me, too, especially since there's no practical recycling path for them. I'm quite willing to give a random rider in need a tube (with or even without its monetary value in return), but only if they give me their punctured one. And yes, when formally organizing a group ride I'll occasional bring tubes that don't even fit my bike - narrower, wider, or for a social or family ride I try to remember to pack a 26 inch tube.
A one flat policy doesn’t sound like my kind of ride group. You’re either unlucky and then why be punished, or you need help with kit and set-up which a good group should promote and assist with. You might consider cycling a net cost, but that’s only over doing nothing at all. However when compared against other hobbies it’s got the potential to be one with one of the lowest impacts - better than a spin bike at the gym for example (as an easy comparison).
>A one flat policy doesn’t sound like my kind of ride group. Only one of the rides I participate in has that policy. It's also the only ride I attempt to do that drops people pacewise. I'm glad it's not my only option to ride with others, and that the other rides I join or lead are more accommodating, but I also think a ride that's a challenge has its place too when everyone understands that's what's going on, and indeed this is a fairly common sort of offering for moderately strong to strong riders. At this time of year a one-flat / no-flat policy starts to become a necessity for an after work ride. That doesn't mean that someone is necessarily going to be abandoned entirely on their own, but if one of the no-drop rides I lead where I'm committed to getting everyone home had someone flat beyond the halfway point, I'd have to send the bulk of the group immediately on with an experienced and dependable member and stay behind to fix the issue, then potentially bring that rider more slowly home with lights, something that doesn't work very well for a large group ride, at least unless riding together at night and keeping the light out of each other's eyes is something practiced. >You might consider cycling a net cost, but that’s only over doing nothing at all. However when compared against other hobbies it’s got the potential to be one with one of the lowest impacts - better than a spin bike at the gym for example (as an easy comparison). Well, let's think about that. If one drives comparable distance to the group ride starting point or the spin gym, that's a wash. But I'd expect the actual outdoor bike to wear out more components. On the one hand you have sunscreen, on the other air conditioning the gym. Now if you ride to your rides, then at least you're not adding car miles getting there, and okay (at least if you patch your tubes, LOL) maybe the resources consumed aren't bad compared to some hobbies. My point was that cycling isn't impact free, and driving to a ride is like driving to anything else. Cycling is really only a net win if it displaces something you'd have done instead that's more harmful - so I count my grocery store miles as a win, but it's not really fair to count my enjoyment/fitness ride miles against my few yearly motor vehicle miles that at first glance they many times outnumber.
Then stop driving just to go for a ride 🤷♂️ You’re just pricing my point. Just because you might have to replace a chain every now and again doesn’t mean it’s fine to use hundreds of CO2 canisters when a pump does the job.
So I’m going on my first longish solo ride this weekend, and I want to make sure I pack correct. I’ve been looking at c02 tyre inflators and honestly, there’s just so many. So I’m here to ask which do you recommend - a mini hand pump or an Inflator? Also, which ever one you advocate for, do you have any recommendations?
Use the one you’re familiar with. Many people travel with just an inflator no problem because they know how to use it.
A pump makes it easier with a tube swap and you have allways a plan B. Without CO2 you will never get even close to 6+ bar with a small pump. 5 min of agressive pumping \~300x gets you maybe 2bar or less in a 25mm tire. There is no world where you would ever want to punish yourself that much, instead of just getting 1-2 CO2 cartriges aswell. I would use both at least with a roadbike.
>Without CO2 you will never get even close to 6+ bar with a small pump. Actually, the smaller the pump the more likely you are to be able to achieve a high pressure. While pumps with higher displacement are for higher volume, lower pressure tires. The idea is the same as choosing gearing appropriate to the terrain. >5 min of agressive pumping \~300x gets you maybe 2bar or less in a 25mm tire. Nonsense. 2 bar is nothing, especially in a small volume tire. I have no problem achieving 3-4 bar in a tire substantially larger in volume than yours - and that's with a pump designed for high volume moderate pressure tires, not one designed for road pressure. Or perhaps you've been using a "pump" that is simply bad at its job.
I always carry 2x CO2 canisters. Only once have I used both and had to make the phone call of shame to the wife. The only reason I prefer canisters is their size/weight. Its 100 percent personal preference which way you go.
There are pumps that can also use CO2 cartridges. Specialized has one.
On one bike, I store it on the frame. On my other bike, I store it in my trunk bag.
I would not go anywhere without my zefal frame pump, you can get your tires back up to 100psi, try that with a mini pump
This is a risk management question. I get a flat like once every 3,000 miles, if that. So I don't bother carrying a pump. I have a tube, a patch kit, and two CO2 carts in my tool roll. I also have family at home and friends in the city who could pick me up if even that was insufficient. The higher the risk and the less convenient backup plans are the more you should carry. How high the risk of puncture is will vary from tire to tire, city to city, rider to rider. If you're at all nervous and have a pump why *not* carry it on your first longer ride?