Frequently Asked Questions


CO2 Inflators & Cartridges

What is CO2?
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a pure and natural gas that is a component of the Earth’s atmosphere. Humans and animals exhale CO2 and then plants absorb it to help them grow. Plants, in turn, release oxygen, which humans and animals depend on for survival.


Is CO2 safe to use?
Consumer products such as beverage carbonation, fire extinguishers, life jackets, soda siphons, and tire inflators have used CO2 safely for many years. 


Why use CO2 instead of just air?
Genuine Innovations’ CO2 inflators are quick, safe, easy to use, and provide years of dependable service. Our CO2 cylinders are a very cost effective and portable power solution for tire inflation. If you are tired of exhausting your arms with a hand pump, or serious about improving your time in a race, use CO2 to get back onto the road or trail quickly.


How much CO2 do I need?
Check out our handy CO2 inflation chart to determine how much CO2 your specific tire size will need.


How much do Genuine Innovations' 16 gram and 20 gram CO2 cartridges weigh?
A full 16 gram CO2 cartridge weights 56.8 grams. A full 20 gram CO2 cylinder weighs 69.7 grams.


What is the size of the threading on a threaded Genuine Innovations CO2 cartridge?
Our threaded CO2 cartridges have standard threading (3/8”-24)


Are Genuine Innovations CO2 cartridges food grade?
Though food compliant, our CO2 cartridges are not food grade. Food grade cylinders are manufactured using a process that cleans the cylinders inside and out before filling, and has all of the appropriate government paperwork to accompany it. Food compliant means basically that the cylinders are produced in the same manner as a food grade cylinder, without the government certification. Our cylinders are produced in that manner, but our factory isn’t certified to label their product “food grade.”


How long can I keep store of a cartridge of CO2 once I have breached the seal?
The AirChuck, Ultraflate and HammerHead inflators have permeation resistant seals, so they average only about 0.5 grams of gas loss per month. The Microflate Nano has a more forgiving seal that aids in its function, but you’ll lose your gas a bit faster at 3 grams per month.


Which CO2 tire inflator should I buy?
Go with the "flow" with this infographic that pairs you up with the right CO2 bicycle tire inflator. Let's make a CO2 match!


How much CO2 does one cartridge dispense?
It depends on the size of the tire. For example, for a standard ATV tire, one 16 gram cartridge can fill a fully flat tire to 3 psi. For a standard dirt bike tire, one 16 gram cartridge can fill a fully flat tire to about 15 psi. Please reference our CO2 Inflation Chart to determine how much CO2 your specific tire size would need. 


Press On Presta to Schrader Valve Adapter

What is the Press On Presta to Schrader Valve Adapter?
Our popular Presta Valve Adapter has a new and improved design. It now easily presses onto the Presta valve, it fits all Presta valves, and it can be used with any tire pump, inflator or gauge. 


How to use the Press On Presta to Schrader Valve Adapter:
1. Loosen the nut on the Presta valve core and press down
2. Press on the Presta Valve Adapter
3. Use your favorite tire pump, inflator or gauge
4. Remove the Presta Valve Adapter and tighten the nut on the Presta valve core

PRO TIP: You can store the Presta Valve Adapter on your valve after you use it.


Click here to download the Press On Presta to Schrader Valve Adapter Education Sheet 


Genuine Innovations Lifetime Guarantee

Genuine Innovations stands by our inflation technology. We are proud to offer a Lifetime Guarantee on our inflator heads. If you have an inflator head fail, please call us at 888-457-5463 to get a replacement product. Please be prepared to provide photos of the failed device. The Lifetime Guarantee applies to inflator heads only.


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