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Propane anyone?

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SpartyBiker

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I was set to order some 25-gram CO2 cartridges when I stumbled across the Big Air 40-gram propane cartridges. I'm going to get one canister of it to see for myself.

Anyone using them, if so are you tubed or tubeless?

I'm always looking for a better way to get a bigger "bang" out of my buck!
 
#7 ·
SpartyBiker said:
I was set to order some 25-gram CO2 cartridges when I stumbled across the Big Air 40-gram propane cartridges. I'm going to get one canister of it to see for myself.

Anyone using them, if so are you tubed or tubeless?

I'm always looking for a better way to get a bigger "bang" out of my buck!
Click to expand...
The Big Air canisters have always been propane (as are/were many car tire inflate and seal cans--or butane). Not fuel grade gas, but still flammable. Have not heard of any issues different than CO2 in bicycle use.
 
#8 ·
I use them for emergency inflation- haven't noticed any ill effects (or combustion :)). I like that you can easily inflate 2 large mtb tires using one canister.

I always deflate the tire afterwards and reinflate using the floor pump.
 
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Discussion starter · #11 ·
bholwell said:
I use them for emergency inflation- haven't noticed any ill effects (or combustion :)). I like that you can easily inflate 2 large mtb tires using one canister.

I always deflate the tire afterwards and reinflate using the floor pump.
Click to expand...
I like your idea. I have some older Bontrager Race Lite wheels that I'm not afraid of damaging through propane experimentation.
 
#12 ·
There was a problem with instaflate cans for cars, where people would go get their tire fixed and the mechanic would be smoking, unaware that the tire was filled with flammable gas.
Propane compatability with rubber is a good question. With instaflate, it is made for short term use. If propane has been used for a while for this application, then its probably ok.

I could see a very slight chance of hitting a rock, causing a spark with the rim, and your tubeless tire to come off the rim at the same time.
Or maybe even rubbing of spoke nipple with rim causing a spark. In these cases, a tube would be safer than tubeless.
The spoke nipple thing wouldn't be a problem if the tire was filed with propane only. It needs oxygen to make a flammable mixture. But there probably would be some oxygen in the tire before you started inflating with propane.

Other than that, awareness of the propane and taking precautions when doing maintenance (proper venting and purging before using tools, no smoking, etc), would be advised.
 
#13 ·
SpartyBiker said:
I like your idea. I have some older Bontrager Race Lite wheels that I'm not afraid of damaging through propane experimentation.
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What's to experiment with? The propane cans have been used by racers for many years.

bholwell's recommendation is good whether you are using propane or CO2
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
As of today I have two 40-gram canisters coming in the mail. I don't smoke or have a lack of self preservation so I don't forsee a propane related incident in my future.

I'm sure they're the same as using a CO2 when it comes to the amount of skill requirement for useage.
 
#15 ·
SpartyBiker said:
Could you elaborate please, or is your response based on an opinion or experience?
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As a life long welder I am pretty well versed in the dangers of flammable gases , so I guess you could say that my answer is based on both .
 
#16 ·
SpartyBiker said:
As of today I have two 40-gram canisters coming in the mail. I don't smoke or have a lack of self preservation so I don't forsee a propane related incident in my future.

I'm sure they're the same as using a CO2 when it comes to the amount of skill requirement for useage.
Click to expand...
isn't shipping compressed flammable gasses by mail illegal? :eek:
 
#19 ·
jeffscott said:
In what way is the propane not "fuel grade"
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apparently the processing to create propane can leave a lot of propylene in the mix, which can gum up engines. Higher, more expensive grades have less propylene and more propane. No idea how that really helps or doesn't help with tires or if it has any effect at all here besides price
 
#20 ·
boomn said:
apparently the processing to create propane can leave a lot of propylene in the mix, which can gum up engines. Higher, more expensive grades have less propylene and more propane. No idea how that really helps or doesn't help with tires or if it has any effect at all here besides price
Click to expand...
Propane is fractionated from natural gas, in which case it does not contain propylene.

Propane may come from refineries in which case it may contain proplyene.

There is a HD5 spec that limits propylene to 5% to prevent gum formation.

It would be difficult to buy propane commercially not conforming to the HD5 spec.

It may be a mixture of butane and propane, to lower the vapour pressure, so that it may be stored in a lighter container. Probably the case.

It may be a mixture of propane and CO2....although I wouldn't think so.
 
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