Pump vs cartridges (tools, tools, oh my)

[Catrin]

I get my first bike in about a week :D and am thinking about tools. My spinning instructor/cycle guy told me that I need to have at least the tools for changing a flat, an inner tube, and a multi-purpose tool for adjusting stuff. He seems to think that I would have an easier time with a small pump as opposed to cartridges. So, I thought I would ask the collective wisdom here on this.

Please note that I am a total newbie to cycles, and I am going to ask the LBS to teach me how to change a flat. I have seen both for sale at the LBS, and noted that I can carry either in a little bag on my seat post(?). Which would be easier for a novice?

In the future I will also get a little computer for the bike (once I am ready to break free from my instructor and head off on my own) - are there other tools that I might need to consider for the future?

[Becky]

IMO, cartridges are handy and usually faster than a pump, but I wouldn't head out with just carts. Sooner or later, you will more flats than CO2 carts ;) I use CO2 on my "go-fast" bike, but I carry a small pump as back up. My other bikes have slightly larger pumps, and no CO2 inflator.

I would buy a small pump to start. CO2 can always come later :)

[ny biker]

I just carry a pump. I had a CO2 cartridge setup for a while, but never used them. I was advised to practice at home first because you're likely to overinflate the new tube and cause it to burst. But I decided to go back to a pump because it's lighter.

[HillSlugger]

I found it terribly hard to pump a road tire to riding pressure using a typical mini pump. If you go the pump route I highly recommend the Road Morph pump.

These days I only carry C02

[owlice]

I carry CO2. Because I ride where lots of other cyclists are riding, I'm pretty sure that if I really needed a pump, someone cycling along would let me use his/hers.

I did buy a Road Morph for my C&O ride, but usually don't carry that with me.

I have NO idea how good it is, but Nashbar sells a very small pump that is also a CO2 dispenser. It's small enough to fit into their (very generously sized) seat bags.

What a biking buddy recommended I put in a seat bag when I got my bike was:

a spare tube (the most important item IMHO)
tire levers
multitool
patch kit
something to use as a boot (a piece of old innertube, a dollar bill, SOMEthing! I know one person who keeps a $20 in the seat bag; it's a boot or a cab ride home)

I also have my CO2 cartridges, etc. in my seat bag, and one or two latex gloves.

I use a handlebar bag, too, and in that, I have a little boo-boo kit: antiseptic wipes and band-aids and the like.

Have fun!

[OakLeaf]

I was advised to practice at home first because you're likely to overinflate the new tube and cause it to burst.

That really depends on the kind and size of your tires. A 16g CO2 cartridge has just about enough to take a 700x23c road tire up to pressure.

I carry an inflater head, two cartridges, one tube, a patch kit and a mini-pump. Patching and inflating with a mini-pump are time-consuming ... but not as time-consuming as walking to your destination when you don't have the means to fix a flat.

[ridebikeme]

I also carry both, a pump and several cartridges. The CO2 is definitely much faster than a pump, but for the most part it's a one shot deal.( I know there are adaptors that will stop the flow of the CO2 once it's punctured) I like to give the tube some shape before installing it ,and then I finish it off with a cartridge. I carry both simply because I have seen several instances where someone has had multiple flats. I have also seen where the CO2 cartidge isn't any good, although that's a rare oddity.

For me personally, I would rather carry the little bit of extra weight of both a pump and cartridges, then to have to walk my bike home.:rolleyes:

[redrhodie]

I carry cartridges and an adapter. I admit to one occasion of taking a ride from a stranger after I used 2 cartridges, and still had the flat. I did discover my issue was that my presta valve stem was too short for the adapter I have, so now I buy tubes with longer stems and haven't had a problem since. Just an FYI if you do decide to go with a CO2 system.

[owlice]

Catrin, if you don't have a floor pump, you should definitely get that. I generally check my tire pressure every second or third ride before I head out, and use my floor pump to top off the tires as needed. My floor pump has a gauge on it, which I find very handy.

I've had two flats in six? Seven? years. I've used more CO2 on other people's bikes than I have my own.

You should also look into getting lights of some kind. I used to have no lights and therefore didn't ride after dark; that said, there were times in previous years when I miscalculated time/distance/sunset and was riding in conditions in which some kind of light would have been A Really Good Idea.

If you are planning on not riding after dark, I suggest getting something cheap and little Just In Case. I got these (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_175528_-1_201521_10000_201527#ReviewHeader) and dropped them in my handlebar bag. I have lights on my bike now, but if one goes, or I'm riding with someone who doesn't have lights, or I want additional lights on me, I have these as spares. I wish I had had them when my son and I ran out of sunlight on one wooded trail some years ago; we really could have used them. It was dark out there!!!!

[Catrin]

I am taking notes of all of this wonderful information. So far I have gleaned the following:

Better to have both a pump and CO2, but if I can only get one right away get the pump.

Inner tube

Light of some kind

Multi-purpose tool (I already have something that should work)

Tire changing kit that will work with my bike (the tires, according to Trek's website are the Bontrager Race Lite Hard-Case Plus, All Weather, 700x28c).

Helmet (of course)

Later on:

Tire patch kit once I start getting out there by myself and have taken a class to learn how to patch a tire.

Is there anything else that a total novice should purchase with her bike? I want to get what I need, but no more than that until spring.

[Biciclista]

get a road morph pump. Cartridges are expensive and you can only use them once. I watched my Dh go through 3 of them and then he didn't have one... what would you do if that was you on the road?

Road Morphs are easy enough for me (think puny and lazy) to pump 90 lbs of pressure into my tires, enough for anything i need to do. they are ingeniously made, whoever invented them thought of everything.

and when you can afford it, get a floor pump too, to leave in your garage.

if you carry spare tubes, you can hopefully not need a patch kit.

[ny biker]

For basic maintenance, you will need to clean and lube your chain regularly. I have a device that's made for cleaning the chain easily, like this:

http://www.rei.com/product/724952

There are several different brands available.

A brush like one of these is also handy:

http://www.rei.com/product/546216
http://www.rei.com/product/663792

Offhand I don't remember what chain lube I have, although I know it's a dry type (less messy but has to be reapplied more often). Someone at the bike shop should be able to advise you.

When you lube your chain, put a drop on each link. Turn the pedal for a minute to work it through the chain (you'll want to have the bike upside down or on a workstand for this). Let it sit for a while (some say 10 minutes, some wait overnight). Then get a rag and clean as much excess lube off your chain as possible -- hold the rag loosely around the chain while turning the pedal. This will help keep grease off your leg and will also help keep grit from sticking inside the links.

Also re: flat tires. If you ever get a big cut or hole in your tire while you're out riding, you can temporarily "patch" it with a dollar bill. Put the dollar between the tire and the tube and it will cover the hole. I once rode 10 miles this way after a cut in my tire had caused holes in 2 tubes in the middle of a ride. But the dollar stuck to the tire when I tried to take it out after I got home, so don't use a large denomination just in case it tears when you remove it. :eek:

[Catrin]

For basic maintenance, you will need to clean and lube your chain regularly. I have a device that's made for cleaning the chain easily... (you'll want to have the bike upside down or on a workstand for this).

Thanks for this great information, I hadn't yet thought about chain maintenance. I will need to consider logistics for this, I have a 1-bedroom apartment... I think that I am going to need to rearrange closet space for some of this :)

I've noted the several recommendations for the Road Morph pump and have added it to my list. I am still putting my list together, I don't actually pay for the bike, or get the accessories/tools until Friday, so I have some time to research this.

I feel like a kid in a candy store! Thankfully my spinning instructor is meeting me at the store to help me make sure that I get what I need without trying to buy the store out single-handed :eek:

[Crankin]

+1 on the Road Morph, although I no longer can use it. My bike now is too small and too rounded to hold a pump. I carry the cartridges and an adapter that my DH has adapted even more. I carry 2-3 cartridges, since we ordered a box of 50 from a supply store that is not a cycling place. They cost about fifty cents.
I didn't have any flats this year. Well, I did have one on my Jamis, where I do have the Road Morph. Too bad I can't get that little wire back into the V brakes when you take the wheel off/on. It effectively stops me from changing a flat on that bike. So I bought some heavy duty tires and I pray when I ride it.

[Pedal Wench]

I use a CO2/pump combo all-in-one. It lets me use the pump to shape up the tube before I put it in the tire, and also check to make sure the pump's on the valve, then let the CO2 go to pump it up.

[OakLeaf]

You can usually blow enough air into a Presta valve tube to get it into a tire. You just have to kind of bite the valve to hold it open as you blow.

IMO, one drop of chain lube per link is WAY WAY WAY too much. Different lubes behave differently, but most people apply way too much chain lube. Apply the lube to the inside surface (that is, the side that faces the cog teeth) and wipe not only to spread the lube evenly but to remove the excess. I think I usually use about 10 drops of Pedro's Go! for my whole chain. Maybe less.

And, while a work stand definitely comes in handy for some jobs, lubing the chain isn't one of them, unless you have a fixie. On a freewheel bike, you can distribute the lube just as easily by pedaling backwards.

[Catrin]

Is it possible to use the Road Morph pump for double-duty, (as a floor pump)? My cycling guy/spinning instructor who is advising me on all of this suggested that I ask the collective wisdom here. If I need to do so, then I will get a floor pump for my apartment, but it would be nice if I didn't need to get two of them right away.

[HillSlugger]

Is it possible to use the Road Morph pump for double-duty, (as a floor pump)? My cycling guy/spinning instructor who is advising me on all of this suggested that I ask the collective wisdom here. If I need to do so, then I will get a floor pump for my apartment, but it would be nice if I didn't need to get two of them right away.

The Road Morph can stand in for a floor pump.

[Catrin]

The Road Morph can stand in for a floor pump.

Cool! I've noted there is the Road Morph Mini and then the regular Road Morph. Thanks!

[tulip]

I just carry a pump. I've never figured out cartridges. I'm a bit Old School, though.

[krisl6]

I'm not a big fan of the cartridges. You only have one chance to get it right with them and they're not very environmentally friendly.

[7rider]

I'm not a big fan of the cartridges. You only have one chance to get it right with them and they're not very environmentally friendly.

If your area recycles steel, you can recycle spent cartridges.
http://co2pros.blogspot.com/2008/08/co2-cartridges-safety-and-environment.html

I used to be afraid of cartidges. Little bombs, they are. But I've started using them, and they are fine. Get's you on your way MUCH faster than a pump can ever hope to. My inflator has some measure of control so I can meter out the air going into the tube as I want and need it. I got a case of cartridges from Amazon for cheap. Still, I do keep a frame pump - for extra insurance and to shape the tube, as someone noted - on my road bikes. I don't have a pump on my commuter. That pump died and I haven't replaced it (yet?). I do carry 2 or 3 cartridges in my saddle bag at all times.

[krisl6]

Recycling aside there are still other ways cartridges impact the environment such as packaging and shipping. But that's just my personal opinion and I know a lot of people like cartridges. I'm perfectly happy with the frame-mounted pump I have. I also like the idea of just buying a pump once rather than spending $$$ on new cartridges every time I've used them up.

I also read somewhere that regular air lasts longer in the tires than CO2. So the cartridges are really only good as a quick fix to get you home.

[Bike Goddess]

Road morph pump, although a little cumbersome, is a great addition to your bike frame. I've got these pumps on both of my bikes, and when someone else in my riding group has a flat, we get out one of these gems. They have a gauge on them which is also nice.

Also, on recommendation of my bike buddies who have been riding many more years than me, I carry two tubes in my underseat bag, a multipurpose tool, and tire irons. To make changing a flat easier, put some (real) talcum powder on your spare tubes. Works for fitting them on the rim.

I also have a "bento box" bag on my top tube where I carry "shot bloks", cell phone, other stuff. The bento box idea came from some folks here on the forum a couple of years ago (maybe JoBob or Sadie Kate or Veronica- not sure who).

[Crankin]

Well, some of us can't put a pump on our frames. I used to have one, but now, just cartridges. They work fine. Ours came from an industrial supply place, in a brown box that was recycled. We throw them out at hazardous waste day. Of course, we only used one this year.

[nscrbug]

Well, some of us can't put a pump on our frames. I used to have one, but now, just cartridges. They work fine. Ours came from an industrial supply place, in a brown box that was recycled. We throw them out at hazardous waste day. Of course, we only used one this year.

+1 on this! I bought a Road Morph G, 2 years ago. Great little pump that used to fit my Trek 2100 WSD just fine. But now that I'm riding a Cervelo S2, the Road Morph simply will not fit on my frame. :mad: So, for the last season I've been carrying only C02 and an inflator. The Road Morph now lives permanently on my hubby's Lemond. I am, however, in the process of finding a smaller pump that will work with my frame. After lots of online searching, I think I may have found my new pump - a Lezyne Pressure Drive. It comes in a small and medium size, and I think the small one will just fit on my downtube, using the bottle cage mounts....I hope. :D

[silentlysailing]

I found it terribly hard to pump a road tire to riding pressure using a typical mini pump. If you go the pump route I highly recommend the Road Morph pump.

These days I only carry C02

I have trouble with the small pumps too. I just got some cartridges recently. Until then I hadn't ever had a pump on my bike or or anything. I just hoped I wouldn't get to far away from anything or that someone could help me out. To me the cartridge seems easier at least.

[OakLeaf]

No room on my frame for a pump that's actually useful, but you bet I carry a mini-pump (http://www.rei.com/product/735864) as backup to my CO2. I've had to use it, too. Took me about 20 minutes to inflate my tire, but it was good enough to get me down the road.

I don't like them for the environmental reasons everyone else has mentioned (yes I recycle them, but recycling is NOT reducing or reusing, plus I can't believe no one else has mentioned plain ol' adding CO2 to the atmosphere! - but it's only a couple of times a year, justify justify justify), but also, in a group ride it's simply rude to not be able to inflate your tires and let the group continue, either with CO2 or with a man-frame-sized pump.

[HillSlugger]

No room on my frame for a pump that's actually useful, but you bet I carry a mini-pump (http://www.rei.com/product/735864) as backup to my CO2. I've had to use it, too. Took me about 20 minutes to inflate my tire, but it was good enough to get me down the road.

I don't like them for the environmental reasons everyone else has mentioned (yes I recycle them, but recycling is NOT reducing or reusing, plus I can't believe no one else has mentioned plain ol' adding CO2 to the atmosphere! - but it's only a couple of times a year, justify justify justify), but also, in a group ride it's simply rude to not be able to inflate your tires and let the group continue, either with CO2 or with a man-frame-sized pump.

The amount of CO2 released to the environment from a tire inflation pales in comparison to EVERYTHING else we do.

[IFjane]

I just carry a pump. I've never figured out cartridges. I'm a bit Old School, though.

What Tulip said!

I carry an old Road Morph and love it - it has saved me and other cyclists for years now.

[OakLeaf]

if you carry spare tubes, you can hopefully not need a patch kit.

Like CO2 cartridges, intact tubes are a one-shot deal. No matter how many tubes someone carries, there's no guarantee that they won't have another flat. Carry a patch kit for the same reason you carry a pump, whether a full-sized frame pump or a back-up mini-pump.

[Catrin]

I carry an old Road Morph and love it - it has saved me and other cyclists for years now.

My very first bike is ready for me to pick up tomorrow :D I have my list of tools and accessories to pick up, and the Road Morph pump is on my list. I am hoping that it will fit my frame, but we will see tomorrow. My spinning instructor who is helping me with all of this has said that he finds most mini-pumps to be "mini-air". The bike is a Trek 7.6 FX WSD.

[tzvia]

My bike can't take a frame pump, which is what I prefer to use as I can actually get real air out of it without pumping all day. Cartridges don't cut it with me, too 'all-or-nothing' and yea not environmentally sound. Not just the 'throw away' or the packaging. Also the energy to make just for one use, the energy to package and ship (over and over as it is one-shot and buy another), and the energy it takes to recycle (over and over.) Sorry, not for me.

So I put aside my carbon frame pump and bought a Topeak DX MasterBlaster. It fits in a holder that attaches next to the water bottle cage, is light weight, and works well enough for a mini. However, I am looking for something a little bigger that fits the same way, to cut down on the pumping time. I think the Road Morph attaches similarly, so you should be able to get it mounted to the bike.

A real floor pump can't be beat for getting the bike prepped for a ride; I consider the frame pump an emergency tool.

You need to post pictures of your new bike when you get it! I know that when I went to pickup my new bike a few weeks ago I was bouncing off the walls!

[Catrin]

The new bike comes home tomorrow :D

Here is my final list of tools and accessories, does this look complete enough for a beginner?

• Helmet
• Tire changing kit that
• Inner tube that will fit a 700x28c tire
• Road Morph Air Pump
• multi-tool for adjusting things
• Seat-post bag
• Light
• Bell
• Bottle Cage (two?)
• Car rack IF needed
• Lock/security
• Bike Lock for car rack if I get one

I am going to hold off on a patching kit until I actually learn how to do that, and in March I will get clipless pedals and a cycle computer. I want to finish learning how to ride before changing pedals!

[aicabsolut]

I use a CO2/pump combo all-in-one. It lets me use the pump to shape up the tube before I put it in the tire, and also check to make sure the pump's on the valve, then let the CO2 go to pump it up.

me too

[OakLeaf]

Gloves. Even a minor fall can result in road rash on unprotected hands.

I've never used a Road Morph pump - but given that one poster has described it as "cumbersome," you may still want a floor pump. Maybe give it a try at the LBS, compare it to a floor pump, and decide for yourself whether you want to use the Morph every time you air your tires (i.e. before every ride). If the Morph doesn't have a tire gauge, then you need a gauge, too - most floor pumps have the convenience of a built-in gauge.

Tools are much the same as pumps. You definitely want a compact multi-tool that you can carry on your bike, for adjustments and repairs that can't wait. But full-sized tools are much easier to use (and have much less chance of damaging your fasteners).

For minor adjustments at home, you likely already have everything you need: 4, 5 and possibly 6 mm Allen wrenches (preferably T-handled, but hex keys will do); #1 and #2 Phillips screwdrivers; pliers; and, if there's anything carbon fiber on your bike, a decent low-range torque wrench with 4 and 5 mm hex (Allen) sockets.

[Catrin]

....if there's anything carbon fiber on your bike, a decent low-range torque wrench with 4 and 5 mm hex (Allen) sockets.

The bike has a carbon fork - I know I am showing my ignorance here - but is there anything there that I might need to adjust? If so, then I will look for the low-range torque wrench.

[OakLeaf]

The bike has a carbon fork - I know I am showing my ignorance here - but is there anything there that I might need to adjust?

Not unless the steerer tube is carbon, in which case you'll need to be careful not to over-tighten the stem - but most likely it's alloy. You're right, I was overly broad - I was thinking of frame, handlebars, stem and seatpost.

[nscrbug]

Gloves. Even a minor fall can result in road rash on unprotected hands.

I've never used a Road Morph pump - but given that one poster has described it as "cumbersome," you may still want a floor pump. Maybe give it a try at the LBS, compare it to a floor pump, and decide for yourself whether you want to use the Morph every time you air your tires (i.e. before every ride). If the Morph doesn't have a tire gauge, then you need a gauge, too - most floor pumps have the convenience of a built-in gauge.

Tools are much the same as pumps. You definitely want a compact multi-tool that you can carry on your bike, for adjustments and repairs that can't wait. But full-sized tools are much easier to use (and have much less chance of damaging your fasteners).

For minor adjustments at home, you likely already have everything you need: 4, 5 and possibly 6 mm Allen wrenches (preferably T-handled, but hex keys will do); #1 and #2 Phillips screwdrivers; pliers; and, if there's anything carbon fiber on your bike, a decent low-range torque wrench with 4 and 5 mm hex (Allen) sockets.

There is a version of the Road Morph which does have a gauge...it's the Road Morph G. We have the "G" pump, and while the gauge does provide somewhat of an idea on PSI...I wouldn't rely heavily on it. Out on the road, in an emergency...it does the job. But I would still STRONGLY recommend a dedicated floor pump to top-off your tires at home before every ride. FWIW, we use the Topeak Joe Blow Sport floor pump...works great, with a nice big gauge, and reasonably-priced at Performance Bike.

[Catrin]

In the end, I went with a Blackburn Mammoth Mountain frame Pump that they are attaching to my bike along with everything else, and a dedicated Blackburn floor pump for my apartment. The head bike mechanic, my cycling instructor, and a couple of others convinced me that this would work better for me in the long-term

I did purchase the bike today, but I don't get to bring it home until Sunday afternoon. I couldn't stick around for them to attach everything to the bike (bottle cage/pump/lights/etc), and I am traveling tomorrow - so it will be Sunday afternoon. However, that is only the day after tomorrow - and I will get a picture when I bring my beautiful new steed home!

[tzvia]

Great Catrin! I think you did the right thing with the two pump approach. I've had a Blackburn Mammoth for about 10 years and it's still kicking, and now sits on my new MTB. Good choice. And a floor pump is the best way to go for pre-ride setup. If I am driving somewhere to go riding, I take mine in case I discover an issue when I get there.

Take the time to learn how to use a real patch kit (not the ones with the self stick patches like Park, but the one with the tube of glue.) It will save you money to be able to re-use a tube that has a small puncture. If done right, the patch is stronger than the rest of the tube so I have no qualms with using a patched tube. It also give a bit of peace of mind, to know that you have a backup plan on those worst of rides where you get multiple punctures.

As far as "• Bottle Cage (two?)" goes, I have two bottle cages and usually take two bottles, because I tend to drink a lot while riding and the summer here can get quite hot. Also gives me the option to use an energy type drink in the second bottle on longer rides. If I am riding where there are lots of places to replenish I can get by with one bottle but I end up wishing I had the energy drink anyway.

[radicalrye]

Back to the pump talk. I use a Crank Bro's hand pump that has a dual head for both schrader & presta valves. It comes with a guage and has a great mounting system. It's a bit tricky to figure out at first, but once you watch the video on-line it's pretty easy to use.

PDW has also come out with a hand pump called the magic flute that is a pump and it has a CO2 valve which could be handy. Their products are made really well. The guys who started it used to be product developers for Planet Bike.

The Morph sounds like a good choice though. I may have to get one for my winter bike set-up.

You should check in your area and see if there are any women specific mechanic classes. It's kind of nice because they are usually all newbies and you learn tons of great info on how to properly maintain your bike. It's also nice to be with other women. I sometimes notice that some, not all, of the bike shops I go to have guys staffers who can be a bit..err condescending.

I would maybe search through different bike clubs and they could guide you in the right direction.

Enjoy your ride!