More than crashes or the myriad other problems anticipated before embarking on a ride, the threat of a puncture is the most tangible. I could be persuaded to leave for a ride or start a race without my trusty multi-tool or even my bidons, but never without at least one tube and a means to inflate it in case of un pneu crevé.
Those of us observing Rule #29 carry a minimum number of tools, each carefully selected for their versatility, weight, and size. Our machines are meticulously maintained, thus roadside repairs are rarely required. Chain tools and box-end wrenches are superfluous and need not feature in the Velominatus’ road training toolkit. A multitool, a spare tube or two, a simple tire lever, and a means to inflate a tire are all that is required.
The means by which we choose to inflate our tires on the road is determined by reason or whim; small, lightweight means of inflation both pump and Cartouche CO2 are readily available for all budgets. My preference is to carry a small C02 inflator with two cartridges and to distribute the weight between my three pockets. I use a rubber band to bind the cartridges together with the tire lever and put them in the center pocket; the inflator and multi tool each go in a side pocket (the mulitool goes on the right, for obvious reasons.)
Made of brass and plastic twist valves, most CO2 inflators suffer from KFC regret and are cumbersome and unnecessarily heavy. Always one to appreciate a simple, minimalistic design, it was love at first sight when my gaze passed over the Lezyne Trigger Drive CO2. Meticulously constructed of CNC-machined aluminum, it is ridiculously lightweight and possesses the soft polished glow reminiscent of the gleaming metal bits Campagnolo produced in the late 80’s and early 90’s. I almost yearn for the hiss of air escaping from my tire, just for the excuse to use it.
In the hand, it feels smooth and perfectly weighted – the folks at Lezyne do the work of a Velominatus. The cartridge threads into it perfectly, without allowing the escape of any air from its compressed confines. It threads perfectly onto the valve stem; the action required to unleash the pressurized gas is both effortless and controlled.
I am not too proud to say I carried it with me everywhere I went during the first two weeks I owned it. Magnifique.
I know as well as any of you that I've been checked out lately, kind…
Peter Sagan has undergone quite the transformation over the years; starting as a brash and…
The Women's road race has to be my favorite one-day road race after Paris-Roubaix and…
Holy fuckballs. I've never been this late ever on a VSP. I mean, I've missed…
This week we are currently in is the most boring week of the year. After…
I have memories of my life before Cycling, but as the years wear slowly on…
View Comments
I'm embarrassed and/or proud to admit, I've yet to try a CO2 cartridge to repair a flat. I always carry a mini pump for such festivities.
On the other end of the scale, I never carry a multi-tool during a road or mountain bike ride. Yes, I tempt fate. I do carry tools in my messenger bag while commuting however. And besides breaking out the spoke wrench once to true another rider's wheel - haven't used 'em yet. Due to Murphy's law, the day I decide to stop carrying 'em, I'll probably score some kind of breakdown while riding to work - late for a meeting.
I am curious on the CO2 deal though, and that Lezyne adapter looks sweet. The CO2 set up works well for mountain bike racing. I should give it a go.
Since on my bike there isn't nothing more than the necessary gears,
the stuff in my pockets is heavily selected too.
I carry a tube with some glueless patches and the obvious levers in a very little bag that never get in touch with my saddle, two CO2 cartridges, if I'm training alone, or one if I'm out with friends.
I've never considered frame or hand pumps, because the first is obsolete the second is not safe to carry in a jersey.
Frank... I see that you, like me, have an unhealthy addiction to all things Lezyne. Those chaps manage to find that sweet spot between giving you exactly what you want and brilliant engineering (before, obviously, taking a lot of cash off you).
Before each ride, I lay out my ride 'mise-en-place' for a quick check - two tubes, two CO2 canisters + Lezyne air drive, one Lezyne multi-tool, two aerospace grade aluminium Lezyne tire levers, one can of Nuuns, one aluminium Lezyne water-resistant container containing Lezyne self-adhesive patches - before putting it all in my Lezyne jersey pocket-sized bag...
I have to say, I've always wondered whether I carry too much for each ride... but then on Thursday, on a proper Rule 9 ride, I punctured three times there was so much flint washed onto the roads by the rain... I even had repair a tube at the roadside and use my mini-pump that goes along side the bag in my centre jersey pocket... slightly pissed, as the tires were brand new Gators, now slightly shredded... but I'm not loving those Lezyne boys any less. And I haven't even got started on the the beautiful track pump I have from them....
BTW 'KFC regret' - genius... captures the feeling exactly.
I've to confess that my adesive patches live into the Lezyne alloy kit...eheheh
As Pedale.Forchetta is to water, I am to tubes and CO2.
Even after 5 flats in one week, I can't see a reason to carry the extra bulk. Most of my riding happens in urban areas within walking distance of bike shops or close to bus routes.
Until now I've carried a small pump in my left jersey pocket but haven't ever used it. I think I'll skip it from now on, unless on long rides away from the city.
But I agree that the design of that pump is ace.
@Geoffrey Grosenbach
I can't be more with you!
Nice little gadget... If it will accept generic CO2 cartridges from the sporting goods store, it may make it into the jersey. (Sorry, but bike shop CO2 comes at too dear a price for me, I buy by the case)
Right now the repair kit contains 2 CO2, one tube, Park Adhesive patches In case of multiple flats, small Crank Bros multi-tool (hex keys+Phillips), one lever with duct tape around it for sidewall / slash repair, old ID and insurance card, plus the most recent addition...a pair of latex gloves to keep the hands clean when fixing a flat. This last item has been an inspiration: clean fingers means no greasy kid stuff on the face at ride's end. Highly recommended for maintaining post ride awesomeness!
Lezyne does everything well, except their glueless patches. Park Tool rools the roost in that department.
I wrote a lengthy post (tongue firmly in cheek) concerning my dislike of CO2 cannisters.
I know there are devoted followers on both sides.
I also know that my use of a handpump afixed to the frame is in breach of Rule 30 (and not within the "Silca exception").
But to those who say a pump cannot reach 100 psi, heed Rule 5.
@Albert
I'm with you. This pump is the bomb. It turns into a tiny little floor pump. I can get a tire over 100psi with it, and I think I could even blow one up if I tried. I should... >:)