BOMB IT !

For most of us, changing a punctured tube is easy, but changing a tube in a race is not where we loose valuable time, but inflating it,  is.  Sure, mini pumps fill endless tubes with no fear of spilling precious contents of a CO2 cartridge, but they’re bulky and can rarely achieve a satisfying pressure.

Prep your CO2

When you’re ready to inflate your new or patched tube, attach your air cartride to the dispenser.  There are two types:  threaded and non-threaded.  A non-threaded cartridge fits into a dispenser with a top that fits into a dispenser, with a top that fits over the cartridge.  Push the top down until the cartridge is pierced, then simply depress the lever to dispense the CO2. A threaded cartridge screws onto a smaller dispenser.  CO2 is released using either a lever or by partially unthreading the cartridge to allow air to escape.  Both types are equally efficient to used.  Non threaded cartridges are less expensive while a threaded dispenser, however, is smaller to carry.

Inflate and go

Fit your CO2 dispenser over the valve stem and release the lever (or unthread the threaded cartridge if that’s the type you’re using) and give your tube a shot of air – just enough so the tube holds it’s shape.  Tuck the tube back into the tyre.  Make sure valve stem is straight, and reseat the tyre.  Once the tyre is back on the rim, give the tube another quick shot of air, then inspect again to make sure is is seated properly, to avoid a blow-out.  When everything is in place, release the remaining CO2 into your tube.  Don’t worry about overinflation; a little gas always escapes in the early steps.  Just let ‘er rip and get back to riding. !