Pump and CO2 cartridge, need advice

[Sindyeli]

Hi,
I'm pretty new here and somewhat new to road riding (was a mtn biker, got a road bike 2 mo. ago), and I love this forum: so much info, and such cool people, apparently!
I have a question about pumps and CO2 cartridges: what is the smartest set up, carrying a cartridge + new tube, and a pump (or no pump?), or even just the pump and patches for tube (which appeals to me more as it's costly to replace a tube each time) but certainly takes longer to fix.
Thanks for any advice.

[mudmucker]

This is just my opinion in what I would do. I always and only carry a pump, in case the CO2 cartridge system fails. The cartridges failed on a friend of mine once. I also carry a new tube. I have a new tube on reserve at home also. You can always carry a new tube with you to change outright. Keep the punctured tube to patch later at home and then use that as a backup.

[pll]

I always carry a spare tube, a patch kit, a pump and a cartridge.

Some days ago, cycling on a rental bike and without any cartridges, I had 3 flat tires in one day (bad rim tape). No only did I use 2 spare tubes, but I had to patch one!

[makbike]

I always carry a couple of spare tubes, a couple CO2 cartridges, a pump and a patch kit. I was advised when I started riding to carry more then one tube and/or cartridge and this advice has paid off in the past. A patch kit and pump won't do you much good if the valve stem breaks. I would rather carry a few extra things then to find myself stranded far from home.

[withm]

yep - 2 tubes, patch kit, pump, and co2 w/ 2 cartridges. You never know when a valve will fail on a new tube - it happens. Also you may want to help out someone else that is otherwise stranded, and don't want to leave yourself short should you get a flat later on. I always replace the tube on the road, but bring the old one home to patch later. Or not. Tubes are just a few bucks, and my time is worth a lot more /hour than the price of a tube.

[Mr. Bloom]

I also carry two tubes and at least 4 canisters...because I'm often riding rural, alone, and with no one to call.

I don't carry a pump, because I don't really have anywhere to put one because of the frame size on my bike.

I haven't gotten a patch kit yet...I hear that they have a shelf life and unless you rotate them out periodically, they may not be useful when you need them either.