How to use a bike CO2 inflator: Secrets, tips & tricks

We'll show you how to use a bike co2 inflator and how to use a co2 cartridge including tips and tricks that other videos have left out for fixing a flat tire. It's important to prep your spare by pre-inflating to prevent the inside of the rubber of the tube from sticking together (tip1) and covering with talc which allow the tube to move up into the tire and prevent pinch flats before packing (tip2).
I prefer a small light co2 inflater compared to the bulker, heaver units. I also use one that threats into the valve as well as uses threaded cartridges so it won't accidently leak CO2 on inflation(tip3).
It's also important to use a CO2 inflator with a regulator lever or knob (tip4) for co2 inflation such as the Pro Bike or Birskmore to slowly inflate the tube and prevent popping the tube as may occur when CO2 is allowed enter the tube under full force.
I like the Pro Bike unit, but its regulator is metal and gets very cold on use. The Briskmore is heavy plastic with a regulator knob that does not get cold when inflating. Down side is the thin cartridge sleeve. I solved this by buying amouse pad (tip5) for $1 from Amazon (also available at Walmart), cutting a 4 x 4 piece, wrapping it around the c02 cylinder with a rubber band.
A 16 gm cartridge should suffice for most road bike tires. For mtb or others CO2 inflation cartridges, see: reviews.mtbr.com/inflation-cha... and • How to Use a CO2 Infla...
After installing or patching the tube and installing the tire, shake the tube up into the tire and check that the tire is not caught under the tire bead or you'll get a pinch flat when you start out again(tip6) . Also check that the valve is free.
With control knob of the Briskmore or other inflator on C for closed, thread in the cartridge all the way. Thread onto the tire valve. Open the knob slowly to let in the CO2 feeling the tire until it firm (sometime the whole cartridge will be used but for smaller tires, this may not be the case). Close the knob by turning it toward C again. Remove inflator from the tire valve and close the tire valve.
Remember to let all the C02 out when you get home because CO2 will leak out through the rubber overnight, and you'll notice a flat tire in the morning (tip6) . Now you're ready the next day for cycling.

[@Dakine09]

Any tips on preventing the pests calves tip from unscrewing from the stem when you're interesting the pro bike tool inflator?

[@Dakine09]

Sorry, auto-correct. Presta valve, and not interesting, but unthreading.

[@tony10speed]

I've had the same problem with my Continental tubes. The CO2 causes the inflator to cool the presta valve so much that unscrewing the inflator removes the core. Most, but not all presta valve have removable cores. Look at the end of the valve just below knurling nut at the tip. If this upper part of the valve, just below the knurling nut tip (this portion has only a few threads and is separated from the rest of the treads of the main body of the presta valve), has two sides that are flat, it is removable. If you're planning on using a CO2 inflator, one would need to use some Loctite on the valve core and tighten this core with a valve core tool (available through Park Tools) before use of the tube. Also inflate the tube slowly with CO@ so as not to cool the valve quickly. **Or you can just switch to a tube without removable cores as I have done such as Bontrager tubes (there are a few others such as Michelin which do not have removable cores).** So why have removable cores in the first place? Use of Slime sealant which is injected after removing the presta core. I don't recommend this sealant myself. For deep rims where you need a valve extender. But more commonly for for injection of sealant with tubeless tires. Regards, Tony

[@androidandre]

Thanks, great tips as always!

[@susank5710]

Thank you for this clear video!

[@tony10speed]

You're Welcome. Also visit our KZbin home site at: kzbin.info Regards and safe cycling, Tony

[@GirlSurfs69]

Great video, you should link to your prior video on tube preparation here, because I forgot to go back and do that after watching it. I'm looking forward to seeing the fat bike version LOL (I am amazed at the size of the spare tubes and even the CO2 cartridges for those!). Thank you!!

[@tony10speed]

Thanks Marcia. Will do. I also have an article on CO2 cartrige sizes docs.google.com/document/d/1IvWgrVJPC_C7HV46s4we_MVMfDdCgEHJFUI6_mkWAmQ/edit?usp=sharing Here's the link for the spare tire storage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqPWeaOVhK-BrKM

[@A.Dude.]

Sir, I'm going to be blunt; hands down this is the first usable (to me) video on inflators! I got one myself about 12 years back when they started, but there was no regulator... Now, I'm seriously looking into something light and with minimal loss of CO2. All videos I watched are skipping the moment where the cartridge is punched, which lets me believe that there is a serious amount of loss... Here I could not hear any of it and for this reason, I'm going to get the one you demonstrated and THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[@tony10speed]

You should also consider the Pro Bike Inflator. You store the cartridge upside down in the holder and turn it around, screw it in with the valve closed when you need to inflate a tube (see below). This is how I start - until I was comfortable with a small CO2 inflator. The key is to practice at home on one of your wheels until you are feel confident and comfortable in it's use. www.amazon.com/Pro-Bike-Tool-Inflator-Cartridge/dp/B017KU1DHQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=C4AAZ6P3B40N&keywords=pro+bike+tool+co2+inflator&qid=1566480422&s=gateway&sprefix=pro+bike%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzTk5JUEpOUjYyMU1UJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTkyMjUwMVlWQVBFVVBQRURSVSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDg1NjAwMkVUSVI2QjRTTTlSRiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= Regards, Tony

[@A.Dude.]

@@tony10speed Right, but I'm on a minimalist tire/tool pouch because I run on tubular and I already ordered the tiny one... Thank you

[@jamesjahmoolahutmorrison4104]

I use my mitts wrapped round the CO2 canister and have never had any issues when inflating. Great vid and very informative 👍🏻

[@tony10speed]

Good idea. I have also used: 1. Remove the finger of an old worn out but THICK glove. 2. Use it around the cartridge as insulation. Thanks and regards, Tony

[@Fraenzify]

Lightweight and easy to operate. Very convenient.

[@tony10speed]

Thanks for your comment.Also visit our KZbin home site at: kzbin.info Regards and safe cycling, Tony

[@ashokcaptain4088]

A section of inner tube slipped over the CO2 canister helps prevent icebite. Tips. Cut the inner tube longer than the rounded end of the canister. Sanitizer or soapy water helps the tube slide onto the canister. Worth checking beforehand if the brand of head is able to puncture the canister. At a recent workshop we discovered that SKS Airbusters (really good heads) wouldn't puncture GIANT 16g canisters. Thr HIANT press on heads did. Haven't figured out why yet. Cheers and thanks for posting.

[@tony10speed]

Some where in one of my videos I demonstrate how to use an old inner tube for a CO2 cartridge. I found you need more then one layer of tubing, so I cut some wide strips of tube, wrap it several time and cut the end of the tubing to look like small rubber bands to hold the wider strips. This gives my hand more protection. I wasn't aware of the SKS Airbusters and Giant canisters. Must be something due to the length of the end of the cartridge head or the depth of penetration of the inflator (just a guess). Thanks for the info and safe cycling, Tony

[@annukun7318]

hello sir great info....was wondring if this co2 would work on road bike tubeless tires my tire had a large hole the selant cold not seal....if i were to plug with with stans dart tool and use this co2 would it work? also when you attach the inflator to the presta valve do you have to keep turning the inflator until it is ight on the valve or just stick it on without turning?

[@tony10speed]

Whether you just stick the CO2 inflator on the valve or screw it on depends on the valve of the tube (some are threaded, others not). As to patching, sealing or using CO2 on a tubeless tire, see the following which is one of the best explanations on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/roubeaSBhdeFjrs&ab_channel=GCNTech Regards, Tony

[@e2pii1]

Great video and channel! I just wanted to say that I really appreciate that you also write the tips in the description for the video, both for easy reference after I have watched the video and that I really don't have to watch the whole video to get all the tips. Too many youtube channels "force you" to watch the whole video to get all the information.

[@tony10speed]

My goal is to help you find what you need quickly and efficiently. Thanks for the complement. Regards and safe cycling, Tony

[@alexislaliberte9474]

What are the risks of blowing up the new tube? Should I carry a tire pressure gauge? Thank you.

[@tony10speed]

Use a CO2 inflator with a valve that lets the CO2 slowly fill the tire. As you fill, with the other hand, you can tell when the tire just begins to feel is firm. Stop at this point by closing the valve of the CO2. That should prevent over filling. Feel the tire when you fill the bike tire at home when you pump it up to the correct pressure. With time, you'll get a good feel for the correct pressure and won't need a guage.

[@jasonmayne1]

Great video! How long after you puncture the cartridge will it normally hold CO2? Enough to fill another tire a few days later or would it mostly leak out? Thank you.

[@tony10speed]

We advise you not to store the cartridge screwed into the CO2 inflator head. Doing so risks the gas dispelling from the cartridge over time, thus leaving it mostly empty when you need to use it! Worse still, the inflator may start releasing the gas at full pressure in your jersey pocket or saddle bag, which could be dangerous. After use, you need to ensure you fully dispel all the gas from the cartridge, and then take the empty cartridge home with you and safely dispose of it. See: www.probiketool.com/us/c02-inflator-101/ Regards, Tony

[@jasonmayne1]

@@tony10speed thank you! Sounds good.

[@probablyok]

Do you have to use the whole co2 cartridge in one? or if I just need a partial inflation can I keep the remaining co2?

[@tony10speed]

You should be checking your tires (at least by feel) before each ride that they feel firm. If you notice, while out on the road, your tire appears only partially full, you probably have a slow leak and should replace or patch the tube and check the tire for imbedded particles. As far as keeping a partially filled CO2 cartridge for later use, you can - but I don't. The punctured cartridge put a lot of pressure on the valve one is using and I don't want to damage the valve system. Also, if you're using the correct size cartridge, their should be very little left. I would let the the rest of the CO2 out, and stow the cartridge for recycling. If you're worried about multiple flats, carry several cartridges or a minipump. Besides, I wouldn't want the valve to accidently open as I'm carrying it along. Could be unpleasant. Don't forget to let all the CO2 out of your tire when you get home and re-pump with air (the CO2 will slowly leak out of the tube overnight and the next day you'll notice you have a flat tire at the start of the ride). At least this is my approach. Regards and safe cycling, Tony

[@probablyok]

@@tony10speed Really appreciate the comprehensive answer thank you Tony.

[@Ed1956K]

Getting frost bite from a CO2 container is a real thing. I speak from experience, and the reason why I am watching this video

[@tony10speed]

That's why I use a cartridge sleeve (available from Amazon) and spray the valve connection with a bit of water from my water bottle before I try to remove the CO2 valve. Frozen fingers are no fun. Regards, Tony

[@tony10speed]

Can you think of any additional tips/comments?

[@andynicol9831]

Would you empty an entire 16g cartridge into a 700x23 tyre ? What PSI would this be approx?

[@tony10speed]

Probably about 130 psi. See and scroll down to the chart at: bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/9583/not-sure-about-using-a-co2-cartridge When I fill my tires at home to my desired psi, I always feel the tire and, with experience, you can get a good feel for the desired psi. When repairing a flat out on the road, I always let the CO2 in slowly, feeling the tire as I go. I use an inflator mech that allows me to regulate the flow so I don't blow the tire off the rim. Since I run 110 psi in the front and 115 psi in the back, I rarely use all the 16 gram cartridge. So it all comes down to tire size and width and desired psi for the front and back tire. Just make sure you buy a cartridge with enough CO2, even if there's a little bit that may be left over and an inflator mech that allow you to control the amount of flow. Make sure the cartridge is empty when you get home and then put in the metal recycle. Good question. Regards, Tony

[@andynicol9831]

@@tony10speed thanks for the response :)

[@randy4768]

I keep my CO2 cartridges wrapped up in three layers of old ankle high socks. It stops rattling in seat bag & socks keep hand warm when inflating.

[@tony10speed]

Thanks for the tip. Regards and safe cycling, Tony

[@a.joseph4233]

So to be clear are you saying that the spare tube should be inflated while it is stored in your cycling bag OR inflated just before putting into tire? If so about how much tire pressure.?..thanks

[@tony10speed]

I inflate the spare slightly, apply some talc or corn starch to cover the tube so it will slide up into the tire during installation. Let all the air out and fold and wrap the tube. Here's how to do it and make the spare as small as possible (to carry in your saddle bag: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqPWeaOVhK-BrKM&ab_channel=TonyMarchand Regards, Tony

[@a.joseph4233]

@@tony10speed Okay...thanks for helping

[@kylestewart4444]

Unless the speed of the repair is of the utmost importance and every second matters, perhaps during a race, I don’t really get why a co2 inflator is superior to a good old fashioned mini pump. Cartridges are single use items, which means you need to carry multiple cartridges at a time and if you run out, you’re essentially screwed. I have no experience with co2 inflators but I know that co2 will leak through the tube and escape over time. I’m not sure how quickly that happens but surely it must come into play on a longer ride. It seems to me that just carrying a lightweight mini pump is the most reliable and most easily controllable option but from what I’ve seen, tons of people have moved to relying on co2 cartridges for puncture repairs. I’m just struggling to see any significant benefits when compared to a basic hand pump.

[@tony10speed]

The old Zefal frame pumps were the best but no one uses them these days. I carry several CO2 cartridges and a mini-pump. If I'm on a group ride with our club, I can get the tube / tire repaired in just a few minutes with the CO2 and catch up to the group. If I or others get several flats, I still have the min-pump (and hope everyone waits for me or cycle on my own). But if you're not in a hurry and your cycling partner(s) will wait, all you really need, as you state, is a good quality mini-pump. Thanks for your comments, Tony

[@Gamebit450]

I would have just cut the black sleeve in half and used on other cartridge.

[@tony10speed]

Good idea if you have sleeves on other cartridges. Thanks.

[@MntRprznt]

Really? You have to deflate CO2? That sounds a bit unnecessary.

[@tony10speed]

CO2 will permeate the rubber of the tube and tire over the next 24-36 hours and leave you with a flat tire. Therefore, you'll find all references reminding you to let the CO2 out of the tire when you get home and refill with air (which is oxygen and nitrogen). Regards, Tony

[@keithdeley7236]

Rubbish my tyres never go down after inflating with co2

[@tony10speed]

When we're referring to is the fact that over a day or two, CO2 leaks out of the tire faster then room air. It is suggested that you deflate the tire and re-fill with room air so you don't wind up with a flat tire before your next ride. If that's not the case for you, you're certainly an exception to the rule.

[@keithdeley7236]

Like i said when i inflate my inner tube with co2 it stays inflated

[@scottm5425]

I'd have to agree the molecule of Co2 is considerably larger than both Oxygen & Nitrogen atoms in the air and so has a much harder time getting through the wall of an inner tube. I think people are confusing it with Helium or Hydrogen atoms which are both a pain to store in membranes due to their very small size.