Weight Weenies

konky wrote:Thanks for the suggestion but as I have said earlier in this thread I couldn't possibly have a pump strapped to my frame, or have a bike bag for that matter. I'm far too vain. I have to have the pro look. My weekness I'm afraid.

prendrefeu wrote:let me continue that for you:

... and wasteful(1), and short-lasting (2), and costly(3), and limited(4)

So therefore mini-pump > C02 pump unless you're in a short (less than 100km) race w/o support.

Footnotes:
1. The amount of energy needed to create each cartridge, fill it with compressed air, ship it to your door all for one use is ridiculous. Only a very small percentage are actually ever recycled, the majority end up in landfills. Those that are recycled for metal content do not simply get re-filled: an entirely new cartridge has to be created for new sales, they are not re-used, along with all the energy needed to make that possible. Using compressed air cartridges is a bit of a 'f*ck you' to the planet when there are better, more intelligent resources available that are efficient, reusable, and longer lasting.
2. C02 leaves the tube faster than normal air mixture. Ever get a flat 100mi in with another 100mi to go? Your best bet is use a mini-pump or pray that someone has a floor pump in your near future.
3. Shit costs money, yo. One mini-pump = $45, years of use and no-limit to the amount of tubes it can pump up. Cartridges are a cost per use (and waste per use)
4. How many cartridges are you willing to carry on an extended ride? What if one releases gas through a poor valve connection? That's one less. A mini-pump is not limited in usage, and it's only one unit you have to carry - not a quantity of units.

Besides - use a mini-pump and give your arms a little exercise, eh? If you're properly fit and a well balanced athlete as you think you should be, getting a TopPeak Micro CF up to 120psi really isn't that big of a deal.

konky wrote:Yes I liked prendrefeu's post also. I just ordered up a Lezyne carbon pressure drive 3 mini pump for £50. There is a limit on how much time one can ponder over a fairly basic item, and my limit is small.

Thanks for all the helpful comments

HakeemT wrote:

konky wrote:Thanks for the suggestion but as I have said earlier in this thread I couldn't possibly have a pump strapped to my frame, or have a bike bag for that matter. I'm far too vain. I have to have the pro look. My weekness I'm afraid.

Pros race without saddle bags, however most of them train with a saddle bag. Hence, get a saddle bag to mimic the pro look while training.