Do you Carry a Pump or CO2 on the Trail? [Survey]

If there's one thing every mountain biker can agree on, it's that flat tires are a bummer. Where we disagree is on how to add air back into the tire once it's been repaired.

By Singletracks Staff
December 6, 2020 Last Updated: July 20, 2021

8 comments

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If there’s one thing every mountain biker can agree on, it’s that trailside flat tires are a bummer. Where we disagree is on how to add air back into the tire once it’s been repaired.

If you’ve got a minute, tell us about your worst trailside flat tire situation in the comments below!

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8 Comments

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diamondback1x9 Washington // 2020
Dec 7, 2020

i frequent duthie hill (which actually has a proper maintenance stand with tools and a bike pump) so i don't need to bring one.

2 reply

mattyhawk California // 2017
Dec 7, 2020

Depends on the ride. Short (2 hours gets a minipump with plugs, extra sealant and maybe a tube if over 3+ hours in a backpack.

0 reply

Sam James British Columbia // 2018
Dec 9, 2020

For my daily rides I use a hip pack and personally I hate the current trend of strapping things to your bike, the only thing I can stand hanging off my bike is a bottle cage (and the specialized SWAT tool that mounts on there, it's tiny). For that reason I just carry a CO2 in my hip pack. I can count on one hand the number of punctures I've had in the last 3 years.
When I'm going for a big mission that's a little more out there I'll carry a pump in a backpack.

dsjjmj54 Minnesota // 2015
Dec 7, 2020

I use a CO2 for everyday riding and both for long or remote riding.

macstevens Massachusetts // 2011
Dec 10, 2020

I went on a group ride, tried to add air to my rear tubeless with a pump. lost pressure and thought it was my tape leaking(?) so I installed a tube. later got a massive pinch flat, patch didnt fasten first few tries(stans dosent help vulcanizing process) and I ended up rebuilding my pump on the trail as the backflow gasket was folded and didnt keep the air in. I sent the group on their way and took an hour to finally fix my flat.

Tom Galambvari New Jersey // 2021
Jan 24, 2021

If you're sporting tubeless, there is no need to carry anything more than CO2 and some bacon strips and perhaps an emergency sidewall patch. I've never had a total flat since going tubeless in the past 7 years. The sealant takes care of most minor would be show stoppers.

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Dec 6, 2020

Lezyne Micro Drive HV and my bike has a first aid kit in a Green Guru seat pack. Rema Tip Top patch kit in a spent Altoids can with tire care items, a spare tube, a couple tools and tire levers. Yay!
Gotta love the ride...

Quincrnuget 2020
Dec 7, 2020

there is a bike pump at my local trails

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