CO2 bike pumps with or without pressure gauge

CO2 bike pump, get rolling again in no time after a pit stop

The CO2 pump is the best solution for getting back on the road quickly after a puncture. An alternative to the traditional cycling pump, it consists of a regulator and a CO2 cartridge. The mechanism is as simple as it is effective. The cartridge is screwed onto the regulator and, as it tightens, is pierced by a pin. At that point, the gas is free to escape, inflating the inner tube or tubeless tires. And to control inflation more precisely, some bike CO2 pumps are equipped with a shut-off valve. Always compatible with Presta and Schrader valves, they are also sold in convenient repair kits. Topeak Tubi Master X, for example, is the ultimate set for those who run tubeless tires.

All the benefits of CO2

Light weight and fast inflation: these are two strengths of CO2 pumps, which attach easily to the frame or seat post. If you are stranded at the roadside with a flat tire, nothing lets you solve the problem so quickly. In addition, in terms of maximum achievable pressure, CO2 pumps can compete with traditional options without fear. Once the valve is inserted into the regulator, it only takes a few seconds to see the tire inflate up to 7/8 bar. The CO2 pump is considered an emergency solution to be used away from home, providing rapid but approximate inflation. Things change when you choose a model with an integrated pressure gauge, such as the Specialized Air Tool Gauge Trigger. Here, you decide the ideal pressure. And you can do it before every ride.

The right cartridge for every tire

CO2 pumps work very well with any type of bike. However, you need to pay attention to one element: the cartridge size. There are three main sizes: 16, 20 and 25 grams. The difference is easy to explain. For a road bike CO2 pump, the 16-gram cartridge is more than sufficient. In fact, the road tire is thinner and less voluminous than an off-road one. 
A good CO2 pump for MTB, on the other hand, should always be paired with a 20- or 25-gram cartridge, capable of inflating even a very large tire without difficulty. Carrying a spare cartridge is always a good habit. Just as it is to prefer models with a waste-saving valve, including the Lezyne Control Drive.