CO2 inflators are like pumps that use a small bottle, i.e. a cartridge, of compressed CO2 gas. A typical setup includes an inflator or nozzle that fits onto the valve of your tire, and a cartridge of CO2 gas. Two types of CO2 inflators are available in the market – one with flow control and one without. Also, there are two types of cartridges, threaded and unthreaded.
Cartridges come in different sizes – 12g, 16g or 25g. The smaller ones are designed for filling tires up to about 90 PSI. The larger ones are designed for filling tires up to 120+ PSI. This corresponds to lower pressure tubes such as clinchers (typically 90-120PSI) and tubular’s (140-170 PSI) such as race wheels.
CO2 inflators are perfect for sportives or fast training rides, with all the work done by a small bottle of compressed gas, carbon dioxide (CO2) inflators.
