CO2 cartridges for flats

ST-Traveler

ST-Traveler

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Lost in the sticks
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2007 ST1300
I did a forum search but could not find anything on this particular topic. I'm sure its there but I couldn't find it.
Has anyone had any luck with Co2 cartridges to reinflating a flat tire ?
I was thinking of getting some instead of the air compressor to carry around.
Thanks for any feedback.
 
Last edited:
ST-Traveler said:
Has anyone have any luck with Co2 cartridges to inflate a flat tire ?
Click to expand...
Just my own thoughts on them:
- limited volume... dunno if one would be sufficient to fill an ST rear tire... maybe the first worm doesn't take... as long as I've fuel, I've electricity and can power/charge the compressor...
- corrosion/leakage... so they're sitting, hidden in a pouch, bouncing, damp... possible empty by the time I need them... (scuba buoyancy vests had such, frequent precautionary replacement mandatory)
 
Yeah, I've had to use them in the past. Took 3 cartridges to reinflate the tyre to a reasonable level (I didn't check with a gauge because I didn't want to lose any of the pressure I already had), but you really needed to get to a garage fairly quickly to get up to a proper verified pressure. I now carry a repair kit with three cartridges, but also a small compressor (belt and braces approach).
 
They will inflate a front tire amazingly fast to just under 20 psi, 120 70 17. I would suggest using one in a controlled environment were you have access to a compressor, wear your gloves when use a cartridge otherwise you might get frostbite. I carry three but I also have a lithium battery compressor.
 
They work ok with small dirt bike tires, but only putting about 12psi per unit.
They are not strong enough to seat the bead if it went completely flat.
But have their uses.
I always carry about 12 of them, a small mountain bike large volume pump, and my cycle pump (best one out there in my opinion)
 
Just for info

Speed and Convenience: CO2 cartridges are small and compact, making them easy to carry. When attached to a tire valve using an inflator head, they quickly release pressurized CO2 to inflate the tire. This is significantly faster and requires less effort than using a hand pump.
  • Permeability: CO2 molecules are smaller than the air molecules (like nitrogen and oxygen) that typically make up compressed air. This means they can permeate through the rubber of the tire and inner tube faster than air. This leads to the tire losing pressure more quickly over time compared to if it were filled with air.
  • Not a long-term solution: Due to the faster leakage rate, CO2 is generally considered a temporary fix. You should deflate and re-inflate the tire with regular air using a floor pump once you get home to maintain proper pressure.
I keep a can of fix a flat, and tire plugs. Plug it and fill it. Never had to use it, knock on wood. Now I just jinxed myself.:doh1:
 
ST-Traveler said:
I did a forum search but could not find anything on this particular topic. I'm sure its there but I couldn't find it.
Has anyone had any luck with Co2 cartridges to reinflating a flat tire ?
I was thinking of getting some instead of the air compressor to carry around.
Thanks for any feedback.
Click to expand...
I carry them as well as a 12V compressor. I've never had to use them to inflate, but can attest they can take the abuse of riding in the tail section for the last 10 years. I tried one for viability last summer on the mountain bike tire and it worked amazingly fast. I would think in addition to another source of inflation; good to have 2 methods in case one fails and you are far from help.
 
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