Co2 vs Hand Pumps?

[Lefty Kev]

Originally Posted by Waldo

Can't believe this thread has gone this long without a mention of CO2 use with UST tires and long-term incompatibility with Stans. My understanding is that C02 makes it much easier to seat the bead on a UST tire if needed, but that the gas degrades Stans sealant if left in after a trailside fix. Right or wrong?

Co2 does compromise the integrity of the Stan's (it makes it stringy). If you reinflate a tire on the trail with Co2, then you will need to replace or at least top up the Stan's after your ride.

REI sells the Innovative 16 gram Co2 cannisters in a six-pack which seems to be a better value. I still think that you should use 'em for emergency trailside purposes and an air compressor or hand pump when inflating your tires at home

[katonk]

I've never had to use CO2 with Stans. I've only had one flat on the trail with tubeless tires. It was a major puncture and due to my own stupidity, I had let the Stan's dry out. I just put a tube in, CO2'd it up and rode on. Do you guys carry extra Stan's with you on the trail? I don't, but I always carry a tube. I usually end up giving or selling it to some one unfortunate enough to still be running tubes.