I am a recent convert to CO2 usage on the road. I have observed that my CO2 inflated tires do not hold pressure as long as pumped tires. I thought it was just me, that I'd done something wrong, but I guess others have observed the same thing.

I resisted using a CO2 inflator and always carried a Road Morph pump with me (which is a very nice pump, imo). Unfortunately, the RM does not fit on my new Ruby and I was forced to carry a mini-pump. It works but it's a MUCH greater pain the in rear. So, I pulled the CO2 inflator out of moth balls and now carry it and a few cartridges on my bike as well as the mini pump for back-up. It's a compromise: neither one by themselves is an ideal solution.

Another thing: those little empty CO2 canisters are recycleable. Any empties I might have after a ride are put right into our recycle bin for weekly pick up and we've had no complaints so far.