How to Pump a Bike Tire Without a Pump

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A road pump is one of the essential items many cyclists carry in a backpack or attached to the bicycle frame. However, some depend on the garage pump that is not portable, and thus having CO2 cartridges could save the day in case of emergencies.

The good thing about the CO2 cartridges is that they are small, making them easy to carry and can inflate both bike tires within seconds. Though some opt to inflate by blowing air by mouth, this should be the last resort given a variety of affordable cartridges in the market. Here are simple steps followed in using the cartridges:

Table of Contents

Remove the cap of the inflator

CO2 cartridges are used with the inflators. The inflator’s cap should be removed by turning the cap in a counterclockwise direction by hand. Inflator fitting and CO2 cartridges should then be removed by tipping the end of the inflator up.

Check the tire and fit the nozzle into its valve stem

You should check the tire well to avoid inflating a broken tube and ending with a flat tire a few seconds later. After which the valve cap should be removed from the stem and inflator fitting threaded or inserted. The tightening of fitting should be done well by hand.

Insert the tip of the CO2 cartridge into the inflator

The inflator once fitted to the stem valve of the bike; the other end will be open. The open end is where the CO2 cartridge neck is inserted with fitting held with one hand. The other hand should be used to push the cartridge into the fitting and turned clockwise until air start to flow into the bikes pipe.

Inflate the tire

There is a risk of over-inflation, which can burst the tire’s tube; thus, inflation should be done with a lot of care. After inflating for a few seconds, the cartridge should be turned anticlockwise to stop the airflow, and inflation level of the tire checked.

If the tire is not well-inflated, turn the CO2 can clockwise and pump more while observing until the desired pressure is achieved.

Remove the cartridge from the inflator

Unscrew or pull off the cartridge from the nozzle then remove the inflator fitting from the bike’s valve stem. The CO2 round is used once and thus should be replaced together with the fitting and kept in inflator tube. You should then put back the valve cap of the tire’s stem.

Replace the CO2 with regular air

CO2 gas tends to dissipate fast as they are made for emergencies. Though it can last for 24 hours, it is good to replace it as soon as you get the pump to continue with the journey. Otherwise, carry more cartridges that will sort you out in case of long travels.

Buy quality CO2 cartridges

Amazon is a trustworthy online store where any cyclist can order for quality and affordable CO2 cartridges. Check two rounds that you can buy:

Mosa 16 Gram Threaded Co2 Cartridges

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The Mosa CO2 cartridges come in a pack of 30 CO2 cartridges to keep you cycling even when faced with flat tires. The cartridges are threaded and compatible with all inflators that are compatible with threaded types.

Besides, the cartridges are food-grade, thus can be used on tap-it-cap or growl tap system for beer. They come at an affordable price, hence a sure pick for many riders.

Pros

Compatible with threaded inflators
Affordable
Food grade

Innovations Genuine 16 Gram Threaded CO2 Cartridges

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The Innovation Genuine comes with 6-pack at an affordable price that gives you value for money. Each is 16-grams and can fill up most of the bikes’ tires. The CO2 gas used is pure and clean, thus cannot interfere with your inflator or tire’s valve stem. They are threaded types and are compatible with all threaded-compatible inflators.

Whether you are cycling standard or road bike tires, the innovation cartridges have got you covered.