Guide · Pumps
CO2 inflators: threaded cartridges, cold heads, tubeless and TPU
Match the cartridge thread to the head, protect your fingers from the cold, and treat CO2 as a get-home fill for tubeless and TPU. What makers and TSA say.
We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. How we make money
Short answer
Match the cartridge's thread to your inflator head, protect your fingers because the cartridge gets ice cold, and treat CO2 as a get-home fill. Stan's says to replace CO2 with air in tubeless tires, Tubolito says CO2 leaks faster from its TPU tubes, and TSA bars cartridges on flights unless they are empty.
Threads: match the cartridge to the head
A threaded CO2 cartridge screws into the inflator head. Genuine Innovations states its threaded cartridges use standard 3/8"-24 threading.[1] Lezyne's FAQ separately says threadless cartridges are not compatible with Lezyne CO2 inflators.[2]
So "CO2 cartridge" is not one size fits all. Before you buy cartridges, read what your inflator's maker says it takes: threaded or threadless, and which size.
Cold: why it happens and what to use
Genuine Innovations explains that CO2 cartridges become ice cold during release, and recommends a cupped head or sheath to protect fingers from cold burns.[3] It also recommends a controllable inflator head, so you can let gas in gradually rather than all at once. It gives no temperature figure.
Tubeless: a get-home fill
Stan's NoTubes calls CO2 an emergency option for tubeless tires. It says prolonged CO2 exposure can make sealant separate or shorten its life, so CO2 should be replaced with air.[4] Stan's also suggests checking or refreshing sealant every three months.
In practice: use CO2 to get home, then let it out and refill with a pump. See seating a tubeless tire vs topping it up for which pump does which job.
TPU tubes: works, but top up sooner
Tubolito says its tubes can be inflated with CO2, but CO2 escapes faster than air, so the tubes need reinflating sooner.[5] Plan to top up with air after the ride.
Pump plus CO2
Some mini pumps carry a CO2 option as a backup. Topeak lists the HybridRocket HP Mini as a Presta pump rated to 160 psi that includes one threaded 16 g CO2 cartridge.[6] Topeak's page gives no CO2 handling warnings in its text, so the cold advice above still applies.
Flying with CO2
TSA lists CO2 cartridges as not allowed in either carry-on or checked bags unless the cylinder is clearly empty, and says the final decision rests with the TSA officer.[7] We could not read the FAA's own hazmat pages, so we do not describe any exceptions. Plan to buy cartridges at your destination. See flying with a bike pump, light or CO2.
| Question | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Thread | Genuine Innovations threaded cartridges: 3/8"-24 |
| Threadless in Lezyne heads | Not compatible, per Lezyne |
| Cold | Ice cold during release; use a cupped head or sheath |
| Tubeless | Emergency only; replace with air (Stan's) |
| TPU (Tubolito) | Works; reinflate sooner |
| Flying (TSA) | Not allowed unless clearly empty |
A pump with a CO2 head
This approved pick pairs a hand pump with a CO2 head, so you have air when the cartridge is spent. We have not confirmed its thread or specs from the maker.
Picks that fit1 product
Choose the hand pump and CO2 head listing; cartridges are not included. Read the listing for the cartridge type it takes (threaded or threadless) before you buy cartridges, and use a sheath or glove when inflating.
More on choosing
On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or ROCKBROS.
Hand pump with a CO2 head
ROCKBROS mini hand pump and CO2 inflator 2‑in‑1 (110 psi, Presta and Schrader)
Next
Questions
Do all CO2 cartridges fit every inflator?
No. Genuine Innovations says its threaded cartridges use standard 3/8"-24 threading, and Lezyne says threadless cartridges do not work with its CO2 inflators. Match the cartridge type to what your inflator's maker names.[1][2]
Why does a CO2 cartridge get so cold?
Genuine Innovations explains that cartridges become ice cold as the gas is released, and recommends a cupped head or sheath to protect fingers from cold burns.[3]
Can I use CO2 with tubeless sealant?
As an emergency fill. Stan's NoTubes says prolonged CO2 exposure can make sealant separate or shorten its life, so it should be replaced with air when you get home.[4]
Can I fly with CO2 cartridges?
TSA lists CO2 cartridges as not allowed in either carry-on or checked bags unless the cylinder is clearly empty, and the officer makes the final call. We could not read the FAA's own rules, so we do not describe any exceptions.[7]
Does CO2 work in TPU tubes?
Tubolito says its tubes can be inflated with CO2, but CO2 escapes faster than air, so they need reinflating sooner.[5]