Flat Tires - Basic Advice

[surgtech1956]

Flat tire advice, this is a topic I have avoided. I plan on commuting, riding more next year. What do I need as far as a 'flat tire kit', tools - I do have some tire irons that I have never used - don't have a clue either. How many tubes to carry? A tire pump or those cute little CO2 air cartridges? I figure I better be prepared for the inevitable. Thanks

[kelownagirl]

I try to carry two tubes just in case. I have a patch kit as well if I need it and I bought a good pump. And if you haven't already, practice a few times before you go out.

[froglegs]

On my road bike I carry a spare tube, a pump, a patch kit, and tire levers. Some people don't like glueless patches but I have had good luck with them. I've never used C02, but I know some people prefer it, particularly on road bikes because it can be difficult to get high pressure with a small hand pump. I find that I can get at least 60-80psi (depending on how much I feel like pumping) which is enough to get home to my big floor pump.

+1 on practicing at home first.

[maillotpois]

One "tip" - when you're running your fingers inside the tires to check for debris, be sure you run around the tire in both directions. I had a TNT participant who kept getting flats in a tire, and could never firgure it out. When I ran my fingers in both directions, we found part of a rusty stable imbedded in the tire that was not apparant unless you ran your fingers on one specific direction. So he'd just missed the target repeatedly.

[coyote]

When I put my tube back in, I make sure my that the label on the tire is lined up with the valve. This way, when I find out where the thing came thru my tire, I know where to look on the tube and visa versa. I actually had a flat that I could not find the thing that punctured the tube. Once I found the hole in the tube, I was able to go back to the tire and to a really detailed search of that area. I found a very small piece of glass hidden in the tire.

I also put my tube in a bag with a dusting of corn starch. The corn starch acts as lubricant to help prevent pinch flats. Of course if its raining...then all I have is a wet and possibly gooey tube ;) But it does not rain much here.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I also put my tube in a bag with a dusting of corn starch. The corn starch acts as lubricant to help prevent pinch flats. Of course if its raining...then all I have is a wet and possibly gooey tube ;) But it does not rain much here.

Coyote- try talcum powder instead- it does not absorb humidity as readily as corn starch. But you're right- powder helps the tube slip into position without getting "stuck" or bunched inside the tire.

[Starfish]

Book yourself a one-on-one lesson with your bike mechanic to learn how to change your tires (front and rear). I found that really helped me feel confident.

I also like to pack a couple of medical-style "rubber gloves". They don't take up any room, and if you have to change a rear flat on your way to work, you won't have grease in your fingernails the whole day (or week, if you're like me...that stuff really takes forever to get rid of, for me).

[mimitabby]

my DH bought some of those CO2 cartridges and wasted a bunch of money. They are one shot deals and if you don't get it right the first time you need to use another. get yourself a topeak road morph pump, you'll never regret it. they are wonderful.

[silver]

for regular rides I carry:

one tube
one cartridge
cartridge valve
mini tool
pair disposable gloves

I cut off the toe end of an old sock and refold the tube and put it in the sock. This protects it and makes it easier to take out of my saddle bag.

I put the disposable gloves in my bag to protect my hands from grime from grime, but I've never actually used them for that. I actually came upon an accident once where I got them out to use them. The woman was mostly ok but had a good bit of blood on her. I had gotten them out to put them on. I just have basic first aid training, but then an off duty EMT came up on the scene and I offered them to him and he took them.