CO2 tire inflator

Check out my review of the Lezyne Control Drive, the tire inflator I use for trailside fixes.

CO2 Tire Inflator Buying Guide: What to Look For?

Before purchasing a CO2 tire inflator, it’s wise to consider what features such a pump should have. Several characteristics contribute to ease of use. Here’s what to look out for:

Freeze Protection

When using a CO2 pump, you typically hold it with the CO2 cartridge. Once the air starts escaping, you’ll notice that the cartridge becomes extremely cold. To protect your hand from this icy chill, it’s advisable to wear gloves.

However, many CO2 tire inflators also have a protective sleeve to shield your hands from the cold. If you opt for a pump that doesn’t include a protective sleeve, always remember to wear gloves or wrap a cloth around the cartridge.

Compatible Valves

Most CO2 pumps I encountered in the extensive range are compatible with Presta and Schräder valves. This is usually sufficient for sports bikes, as most mountain bikes and road bikes are equipped with these types of valves.

A city bike may also be equipped with a Dunlop valve. If that’s the case, you need to ensure that you purchase a CO2 pump compatible with such a valve.

For example, the SKS Airbuster pump is compatible with all three types of valves.

Compatible CO2 Canisters

CO2 canisters are available with or without threads. Most of the CO2 pumps available on the market use threaded CO2 cartridges.

These are also the most common types of CO2 canisters and inflators.

Also, pay attention to which CO2 canisters are suitable for use with the pump. You often have the choice between 12g, 16g, or canisters with 24 or 25 grams capacity.

A 16-gram canister is often sufficient for both MTB and road bike tires, although this depends on your preferred tire pressure.

With a 16-gram cartridge, you can inflate a (tubeless) mountain bike tire (2.25″) to 1.5-1.6 bar (21.7-23.2 psi) and a road bike tire to as much as 8 bar (116 psi). Opt for a 25-gram cartridge and a compatible inflator if you need more pressure.

Pressure Regulator

Regarding ease of use, a CO2 tire inflator with a pressure regulator is always the best choice. This way, you don’t lose any air, and you can easily control the airflow. Additionally, you can reuse a CO2 cartridge that hasn’t been fully depleted.

When you invert a CO2 cartridge, it won’t start working immediately. Only when you open the valve will air from the cartridge flow into the tire via the inflator head.

Extras

If you’ve considered the above factors and still haven’t made a decision, you can weigh the extras against each other, if any are available.

For instance, most CO2 pumps come standard with one or even two canisters. Additionally, there’s often a protective sleeve included to prevent your hand from freezing when using a CO2 cartridge.

If you want precise pressure control, opt for a CO2 pump with a pressure gauge like the Topeak Airbooster.

The SKS Airbuster, on the other hand, features a 2-point pump holder to attach the tool to your bike. Or will you choose the Pro Bike Tool CO2 pump with an integrated cartridge holder?

There are plenty of extras available, but they’re certainly not essential. Therefore, consider whether the extras included with your chosen CO2 tire inflator provide added value. If not, a pump without extras or with different extras may be the better choice.

Weight

A CO2 pump is usually quite light, weighing only a few tens of grams. Therefore, in my opinion, this isn’t a factor to consider. However, if you have a different opinion, you can always find the weight of the CO2 pump in the product description.

Pros and Cons

Not every cyclist is keen on using a CO2 pump and the associated CO2 canisters. This could be due to various reasons, as there are some disadvantages to using a CO2 pump. However, there are also many advantages and exceptionally high user-friendliness.

Below, you’ll find the various pros and cons of a CO2 pump:

Pros

The advantages of a CO2 tire inflator are evident, in my opinion. It’s a very compact tool that takes up much less space than a mini pump or even an electric bike pump. Therefore, you can easily store it in your Mountain bike hydration pack, saddlebag, tool bottle, or simply in the back pocket of your cycling jersey.

Unlike a mini pump, you won’t have to exert yourself using a CO2 pump. Thus, a breakdown becomes a moment where your heart rate can drop rather than skyrocket…

When the pump has a pressure regulator, you can easily control the airflow. And in case of slight pressure loss, you don’t even have to use the entire cartridge at once.

Inflating a tire with a CO2 pump is still the fastest way to get it back up to pressure, whether on the road or trailside. Especially in winter and on cold autumn days, you’ll quickly return on the trails when you inflate the tire with a CO2 inflator.

Cons

Using a CO2 tire inflator also has its drawbacks. These disadvantages primarily relate to the cartridges needed to operate the pump.

This method of inflating tires will always cost you money since you can’t reuse a CO2 cartridge once it’s empty. It is not the most sustainable solution either, and the waste pile grows immediately.

Another drawback of a CO2 pump is the risk of damaging the valve. In most cases, the pump head must be connected directly to the valve. While you don’t need to make pumping movements, the valve remains fragile.

It’s also advisable to release the CO2 from the tire after returning home and thus reinflate it with a regular bike pump. CO2 will escape from the tire faster than “normal” air.

If you forget to release the CO2, you’ll notice that the tire, perhaps even on your next ride, will go flat more quickly.

In Conclusion

While CO2 pumps offer unparalleled convenience and speed in reinflating tires, they also come with a set of drawbacks.

Understanding both the advantages and disadvantages of a CO2 tire inflator is crucial in making an informed decision. Additionally, paying attention to key factors such as freeze protection, compatible valves, CO2 cartridges, pressure regulators, and any additional features can ensure that you select the most suitable CO2 pump for your needs.

By weighing these factors carefully, cyclists and mountain bikers can make the most of this innovative tool while minimizing potential drawbacks.

Check out my review of the Lezyne Control Drive, the tire inflator I use for trailside fixes.