When it comes to CO2 cartridges, the standard size is generally 16 grams. These cartridges were adopted when the tire standards were 700 x 23 and 26 x 2.1. However, it's important to note that 16 gram cartridges may not fully inflate tires, especially those with larger volumes.
The reason for the 16 gram standard can be traced back to the time when 700 x 23 and 26 x 2.1 were the most common tire sizes. These sizes were popular for road bikes and mountain bikes respectively. Back then, a 16 gram cartridge was typically sufficient to inflate these tires to an acceptable pressure.
However, with the evolution of tire sizes and the increasing popularity of wider tires, the 16 gram cartridge may no longer be adequate for all types of tires. Nowadays, there are various tire sizes and volumes ranging from narrow road tires to wide gravel and mountain bike tires. As a result, a 16 gram cartridge may not provide enough CO2 to fully inflate larger volume tires.
It's worth mentioning that the purpose of a CO2 cartridge is to provide a quick and convenient way to inflate a tire on the go. They are commonly used in emergency situations or during a race when time is of the essence. While a 16 gram cartridge may not fully inflate a tire, it can often provide enough pressure to get you back on the road or trail.
If you have a larger volume tire, such as a mountain bike tire or a gravel tire, you may require a larger CO2 cartridge or multiple cartridges to fully inflate the tire. It's always a good idea to carry spare cartridges or have a backup plan, such as a mini pump, in case you run out of CO2.
It's also important to note that the size of the CO2 cartridge is not the only factor to consider when inflating a tire. The type of inflator head used also plays a role. The standard 16 gram cartridges fit all brands and models of threaded inflator heads, making them widely compatible.
In my personal experience as a cyclist, I have come across situations where a 16 gram cartridge was not enough to fully inflate my mountain bike tires. In those instances, I had to use multiple cartridges or rely on a mini pump to achieve the desired pressure. It's always a good idea to carry extra cartridges or alternative inflation methods to ensure you can handle any tire-related emergencies.
To summarize, the standard CO2 cartridge size is 16 grams, which was adopted when 700 x 23 and 26 x 2.1 were the common tire sizes. However, this standard may not fully inflate larger volume tires. It's important to consider the tire size and volume, as well as carry spare cartridges or alternative inflation methods, to ensure you can handle any tire-related emergencies.