C02 cartridges are only for "temporary" air ... WHO KNEW?!!!!

[JaneE]

I managed to post this note in the wrong thread the other day...no computer genius here!

I'm 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 obviously 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've been forced to carry a mini-pump (a Blackburn Airstik: http://www.dealhaven.com/storefrontp...id=9720&dfid=1 ). 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.

And +1 that those 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.

[Crankin]

I guess I'm not willing to put up with the time and pain of the other pumps. The Road Morph worked so well (though I only had to use it once). I am weak enough as it is and scared to death of anything mechanical. Although that one you posted SadieKate, looks promising.
I've avoided the issue by hardly ever riding alone. I have the cartridges and when I ride alone, it's usually not that far from home and it's in places where it's quite likely other cyclists will be by if I am really in a fix. I know this is stupid, but I spent quit a bit of time a couple of years ago being paralyzed by the fear of a flat. This seemed to be a good compromise. So, while I will do a 25 mile ride alone, I won't go out for 50 miles alone...