Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

If you take long rides and don't want to be left walking to get help for a flat tire, you need a repair kit with you. That includes: tube(s), a tire lever, and a source of inflation. This inflation tool is a small lightweight item - you get the metal inflation valve plus a foam CO2 cartridge cover. The main photo is a little confusing because it's showing what the tool would look like with a CO2 cartridge connected to the value plus the foam cover on the cartridge. I carry this tool plus a tube, 2 x CO2 cartridges (in case I have a mis-fire during inflation), a tire lever, a Bicycle Multi Tool, my iPhone 6, and a snack inside my AmazonBasics Strap-On Wedge Saddle Bag - Medium. If I get a flat, I repair and rechart my course for home - since I only have 1 backup, I don't continue my long ride even further away from my home base. When you inflate a tire with CO2, the cartridge and the inflation valve get very cold so the foam cover is almost essential, gloves or a folded t-shirt would work in a pinch. Another helpful tip when fixing a flat on the trail is to slightly inflate your inner tube by mouth just to get enough shape to insert the tube inside the tire before going on the rim. Assemble the tire + tube, then work it onto the rim and use your tire lever to get the tire fully on, then inflate slowly with this tool. If you don't insert the tube into the empty tire you run the risk of pinching the tube between the rim and tire - if you do that you'll end up with a second flat when you inflate the tire (I've done it before!). Hope this helps for your long rides.