CO2 tire pumps: Three for the road
Carbon dioxide tire inflation systems have been around for a while, but one of the pioneers, Genuine Innovations of Tucson, Ariz., keeps coming out with new twists on how to quickly put pressure back into your bicycle tires.
In August, the company will release its hybrid Second Wind Road inflators. These pumps provide cyclists with the speed and ease of compressed air cartridges, plus a backup manual pump, all-in-one.
An aluminum model will sell for $29.99, while the carbon-body pump retails for $49.99. The pumps come in two sizes, 7 inches and 12 inches, though there also will be a mini hybrid pump in carbon offered, priced the same as the bigger carbon pumps.
Genuine Innovations started making portable CO2 inflation gadgets in 1989. Last year it came out with the Proflate 16 ($25.49), which is touted as easier and faster to set up and use than earlier models, though you can find cheaper models like the original Ultraflate Plus for $19.99 in your local bike shop.
The devices are sold with a CO2 cartridge as part of the package, and you can buy replacements once the air is spent. A three-pack box of 12g cylinders goes for $11.99 on the companyÂ’s Web site, while two-pack 16g cartridges sell for $9.49.
Bikers who use the CO2 inflation systems say one recent innovation thatÂ’s made a big difference is that cartridges donÂ’t empty in one shot, allowing you to save some air for the next time you have a flat.