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Hi,
Looking to buy a C02 inflator to carry with me for races etc.
Having never used one before i was hoping someone could clear up a few things for me.
Cartridges: Are they all the same ? I know you get threaded/non threaded but if i buy some random cartridge will it work or do you have to get one to match the valve ?
Another thing with the cartridge, i see different weights - 12 and 16 grams etc. How much pressure will a 12 gram one put into a 26 2.1 tyre ? I typically rung my tyres at 40 PSI.
Thanks
I buy the thread less ones because they are cheaper.
One 12 g canister will fill a road tyre -- I use two for a mountain bike tyre.
Amongst our group a number of different inflators have been used with varying success. This one:
http://www.dalesbikedoctor.co.uk/product/m-part_co2_system
(Also available on various Ebay sites)
has proved to be the easiest to use and most reliable if by no means the lightest. It uses threaded 16g cartridges and will inflate a 26" 2.1 tyre to approx. 30-35Psi (depending on whose gauge you use and the actual volume of the 2.1 tyre, but thats another issue) We tend to carry a pump as well between us and just stroke it up to the correct pressure- you could use two cartridges if necessary
12g should be about right for your tyre. Threaded or non threaded depends on what pump/applicator you are using. All mine have been threaded.
General Mtb I carry a proper pump and dedicated CO2 thing but for races and on the road I carry a combination pump. Gas for speed and pressure but the pump for backup. It is a planet x pump but I don't think they make them any more, shame as mine is now on its last legs after 4 years use.
get mine from http://www.co2cartridges.co.uk/
I have both types - hand inflator for when I am leading groups as it is likely that when 1 gets a puncture a few do at the same time. Personal riding or just with friends I use an innovations Co2 inflator with a Big Air 40g Threaded, I find the smaller cartridges don't have enough as I have been known to mess up and loose some air on the odd occasion. £5 for a refil about £12 for the inflator. There are a few inflators out there that can do both but I have not used so cannot say how well/robust they are.
Thanks for the input.
Just to confirm if i buy an inflator i can use any cartridge i want so long as it's the right fit (threaded or non) ?
Having tried loads of different ones I think the Innovations Microflate is the best - very simple. Anything with a trigger or anything tends to vague and a bit crap! That M:Part one I thought was rubbish to be honest. It broke in no time - the little bit that pierces the cannister snapped. The regulator was very plasticky too.
I'd use 16g cannisters too, 12g can be a bit measly.
Cool, thanks.
I'm looking at the Genuine Innovations Air Chuck Elite - i found a review online and it got 10/10 so think i'll give it a go.
I use 16g threaded with Genuine Innovation products. I have a GI Mountain Pipe that is really heavy, so no good for races. It is a pump and inflator and works well. I also have a little GI Microflate Nano that I used for the first time yesterday which was fine on my road bike.
www.tyreinflators.co.uk have some cheap cartridges. 30 for £16.99.
Njee, I have had my version of the M-Part one for three years now and have used it 20+ times on my own and others punctures. Absolutely no issues at all- provided you remember to close the valve before you screw the cartridge in- and has survived being in my camelbak amongst a load of other gear, being dropped, trodden on etc. etc. Perhaps you had a dud one?
That genuine innovations one is hard to use if your hands are cold or wet and in my experience you end up wasting most of the gas when you don't line it up absolutely perfectly