Running a CO2 in tires?

33” tire on 17” rim is around 6000 cubic inches internal volume. So that’s ~80 gallons of air that is needed to fill it to 45psi. That 80 gallons of air at atmospheric pressure needs to pass through the compressor (Ie be compressed). it’s a lot more than people think, which is why airing up using a wimpy compressor with no holding tank is a PITA. That’s why people started using CO2 tanks.

 

Yeah I guess the other problem I've heard of with the air compressors is that they can get hot and depending on tire size may need to cool off between fills.

 

Honestly the weight of the tank, having to refill and carrying a pressure vessel are reasons why I probably won't get one. Airing back up via a compressor is a great time to grab lunch or take a piss........

 

MATH! To add, I think a common scuba tank holds 80 cu. ft. (~600 gallons). So by your estimates a scuba tank could fill 7.5 tires from 0-45psi. Not terrible.

For reference, the 10lb Powertank (which is similar in size to a common scuba tank) fills up 22 tires if you only add 15psi. So 0-45psi it would only do about 7.3 tires.

Someone check my math, but it looks like they might be close to the same.

 

use CO2 on bike tires all the time. FAST inflate from a cartridge

 

I would argue that a co2 tank is more reliable than a compressor. Much less prone to failure.

 

Never heard of putting CO2 in tires, my Corvette Grandsport came with Nitrogen in the tires, not sure why, however I've just been adding air as needed.

 

Had one too many beers. Sorry. Back to normal now.

 

Jump to the 7 minute mark. He does a real world test of scuba vs CO2. Watch to to the end for some interesting remarks too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oy_dheGJNM

 

Very cool test. Thanks for posting!

 

They don't freeze - if used properly. Either use at 30 degree angle or more, or have them modify a tank for horizontal use. And a proper regulator is key.

 

And why a proper air compressor with closer to 100% duty cycle is more expensive; better design and parts.

 

Fair point. How does a tank do though in constant weather and elevation changes, as in a road trip through Utah and Colorado?

 

That is the most adorable Powertank I have ever seen.

 

Why go some where and have a tank filled with CO2 when you can just use a compressor?

 

Not many people have an air compressor that can go to 3000 psi.

 

Speed, portability, reliability, more versatile (run air tools, reseat beads), etc. They're not for everyone because you do need a place to mount it and you do need to get it refilled every once in awhile, but for those with larger tires they're a god send.

 

$25 to refill(exchange) a 20lbs can of CO2 seems pretty cheap compared to dealing with the horse shit of an in board compressor. and not having any moving parts or electrical connectors is a win for me, too.