Currently I only carry a pump, which is fine for my solo rides. I recently started joining some group rides. Would you recommend bringing a CO2 inflator and cartridges on group rides, so that I don't hold up the group (on no-drop rides) or so that I can more easily catch up to the group (on no-wait rides)?

Currently I only carry a pump, which is fine for my solo rides. I recently started joining some group rides. Would you recommend bringing a CO2 inflator and cartridges on group rides, so that I don't hold up the group (on no-drop rides) or so that I can more easily catch up to the group (on no-wait rides)?

That's the thoughtful thing to do, but if your group has a wait when there's a flat policy, they'll wait for you to pump the tires. But being the nice guy that you are, you're not going to make them wait the extra 90 seconds while you give yourself an arm workout.

IMO, get the CO2 cartridges anyway - even for solo rides. Once you use a couple times, you'll never go back. Get them (12g) at walmart for 50 cents a piece (in the guns & ammo dept). This way it's not costing you a fortune.

Keep in mind you'll have to pump your tires the next morning with a floor pump. Either way, CO2 is the way to go while on the road.

CO2 rules! And, if you use Armadillo tires, you'll likely rarely need even that.

CO2 rules! And, if you use Armadillo tires, you'll likely rarely need even that.

CO2 does rule, but the true gentlemen rides kevlar so they get fewer flats to begin with!