By kazimladimeji 
💨 Best 20g CO₂ Cartridges for Cyclists Reviewed (2025 Guide)
When you’re stuck on the side of the road or trail with a flat, CO₂ cartridges are a game-changer. They’re fast, lightweight, and easy to use—especially with a compact inflator. While 16g cartridges are common for road bikes, 20g CO₂ cartridges are the sweet spot for gravel, MTB, and tubeless setups that need a bit more volume.
In this guide, we review the best 20g CO₂ cartridges and inflator kits—comparing inflation power, build quality, compatibility, and value. Whether you’re commuting or racing XC, we’ll help you choose the right kit for your ride.
⚙️ CO₂ Cartridge Comparison Table
| Product | Cartridge Size | Pack Size | Compatibility | Best For | Price Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lezyne CO₂ Inflator – 5 x 20g | 20g | 5 | Threaded inflators | Road, Gravel, MTB | ££ |
| Kong MAR CO₂ 20g Cartridges | 20g | 1–6 | Threaded inflators | MTB / Enduro | £ |
| Crankbrothers 20g CO₂ Cartridges | 20g | 2 | Threaded inflators | Road / Race | ££ |
| Peaty’s Holeshot CO₂ Kit (16g/25g) | 16g, 25g | 2 + inflator | Threaded inflators | Tubeless MTB / Enduro | £££ |
🏆 Best 20g CO₂ Cartridges & Kits Reviewed
1. Lezyne 5-Pack Threaded 20g CO₂ Cartridges
✅ High-quality, threaded cartridges
✅ Clean inflation, no residue
✅ Excellent value 5-pack
✅ Ideal for multiple riders or longer trips
💬 “Reliable and consistent—Lezyne cartridges never fail mid-ride.”
2. Kong MAR 20g CO₂ Cartridges
✅ Threaded 20g design
✅ Compatible with most inflators
✅ Sold in singles or value packs
✅ Simple, no-frills and affordable
💬 “Solid performance, and easy to stock up without spending loads.”
3. Crankbrothers 20g CO₂ Cartridge Pack
✅ Twin-pack 20g cartridges
✅ Threaded fit, reliable seal
✅ Pairs well with Crankbrothers inflators
✅ Clean, fast inflation for road and gravel tyres
💬 “A premium choice for those who value brand-matched performance.”
4. Peaty’s Holeshot CO₂ Tyre Inflator Kit (16g/25g)
✅ Includes inflator head + 2 cartridges (16g & 25g)
✅ CNC-machined inflator with push-valve control
✅ Ideal for tubeless setup seating
✅ Sleek design with protective sleeve
💬 “Brilliant for tubeless riders—seats tyres fast and cleanly.”
📝 Note: The kit includes 16g and 25g cartridges, not 20g, but is excellent for MTB/Enduro riders needing extra oomph.
🔍 CO₂ Cartridge Buying Tips
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Threaded vs Non-Threaded: Most inflators today use threaded cartridges, offering better sealing and control.
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Size Matters:
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16g: Ideal for road tyres
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20g: Best all-rounder—works for most gravel, MTB and tubeless setups
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25g+: Needed for large-volume MTB tyres or seating tubeless
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Storage: Store cartridges in a sleeve or inflator pouch to prevent cold burns and rattle.
🔩 Final Verdict
| Use Case | Best Option |
|---|---|
| All-round use | Lezyne 20g 5-pack |
| Budget single cartridge | Kong MAR 20g |
| Road/Gravel | Crankbrothers 20g |
| Tubeless MTB | Peaty’s Holeshot Kit |
If you’re after the best balance of portability and inflation power, 20g cartridges are ideal. They’ll inflate up to 29” MTB tyres to a rideable pressure without needing a second shot—and are still compact enough for a jersey pocket.