Easy Inflation

If you find mini-pumps to be a major hassle, it's time to step up to the speedy world of compressed air.

For most of us, changing a flat is as easy as, well, riding a bike. And by now, we've done it enough times that the process of changing the flat isn't where we lose valuable time; inflating the tube is. Sure, mini-pumps fill endless flats with no fear of spilling the precious contents of a CO2 cartridge, but they're bulky and can rarely achieve a satisfying pressure. Besides, using compressed air is easy. One 16-gram cartridge releases about the same amount of CO2 contained in an average can of soda, or enough gas to fill a road tube up to 130psi or a mountain tube to 40psi (cartridges also come in a 12g size, but that will only get a road tire to 90 or 100psi). And if you're concerned that you'll have more flats than you have cartridges, carry a mini-pump as backup until you feel confident. With a little knowledge, you can fill your tubes faster and to full capacity, and spend more of your ride time pedaling, not pumping.

Prep Your CO2
When you're ready to inflate your new or patched tube, attach your air cartridge to the dispenser. There are two types: threaded and non-threaded. A non-threaded cartridge fits into a dispenser with a top that fits over the cartridge. Push the top down until the cartridge is pierced, then simply depress the lever to dispense the CO2. A threaded cartridge screws onto a smaller dispenser (see photo A). CO2 is released using either a lever or by partially unthreading the cartridge to allow air to escape. Both types are equally efficient and easy to use. Non-threaded cartridges are less expensive and commonly available at superstores such as Wal-Mart. A threaded dispenser, however, is smaller and lighter to carry.


Inflate And Go
Fit your CO2 dispenser over the valve stem (see photo B) and release the lever (or unthread the threaded cartridge if that's the type you're using) and give your tube a shot of air-just enough so the tube holds its shape. Tuck the tube back into the tire, making sure the valve stem is straight, and reseat your tire. Once the tire is back on the rim, give the tube another quick shot of air, then inspect to make sure it is seated properly, to avoid a blowout. When everything is in place, release the remaining CO2 into your tube. Don't worry about overinflation; a little gas always escapes in the early steps. Just let 'er rip, and get back to riding.

The Best Co2 For You
Genuine Innovations makes widely available, easy-to-use systems, good for beginners.  The Air Chuck SL ($18) is small and weighs less than 1 oz.; one threaded 16g cartridge ($5/ refill) inflates a road/mountain tube to 130/40 psi, or use the 40g BigAir canister ($5) to inflate two mountain tubes to 40 psi each.   D ispensesrs have auto-detection presta/Schrader valves.

You can get all of these handy items at Bikeland.