Dreading flats!

[Ana]

I have not yet had a flat while riding. So far, my only flat was while I was inflating my tire and the pump got stuck on the valve and I pulled it....yeah :P

I have to say, I'm quite terrified of the idea of getting a flat tire while riding. So, here are my questions: what is it like to get a flat while you're riding? What should I expect? Does it usually result in injury?

Currently, I only have a road bike with 700 x 23 tires. I have also never experienced a flat tire on a car.

Thanks!

[lph]

I have to say, I'm quite terrified of the idea of getting a flat tire while riding. So, here are my questions: what is it like to get a flat while you're riding? What should I expect? Does it usually result in injury?


Nope. Sez I, having experienced all of 1 flat on a road bike :rolleyes: I've had plenty of flats on mt bikes, but they may be "gentler". Usually it's the front wheel, usually I just start thinking "hm, steering's a little wonky" or "did I forget to check my tire pressure?" as the handling gets a little soft. Then I'll look down on my tire and usually see it flatten underneath me. Stop, squeeze tire, start swearing :D

But I've never had a real blow-out, just puncture flats. I guess a blow-out at high speed is more dramatic.

[Grog]

I cannot think of many situations where a flat tire would result in an injury. If your front wheel goes flat and you're going at high speed down a hill it may cause some steering problems, but nothing that cannot be conquered with some bike handling skills.

I suggest:
1) Taking a basic bike mechanics class. Flats will be covered as well as minor mechanical issues, and what you can do about them.
2) Taking a bike handling skills class if you can. It will teach you LOTS of great stuff even in a very short time!

There's nothing like PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

Good luck!!

[Veronica]

The worst I've had is a pinch flat on the front while captaining a tandem. Fortunately my stoker was a very experienced rider who didn't panic. We carefully slowed from about 23 mph to change it. It was a club ride so I just let the guys take over. I've changed enough tubes on my own that it does not hurt my pride to let them do it if they want!

Plus it gave me time to let my heart stop racing. Stopping 280 pounds is hard work!

On my single I think the worst was a front puncture that I got just before descending a hill. The bike felt a little squirrelly and the handling was off, but not dangerously so.

Practice changing your tubes at home, both front and rear, with the tools you carry on your bike. You'll feel more confident when you have to do it for real.

V.

[DebW]

I've experienced probably 1 to 3 flats on the road every year for 30 years and never been anywhere near losing control because of it. Typically I just notice a "thunk thunk" sound and maybe a "thunk thunk" feel as the valve area of the flat tire hits the road repeatedly. If you have a blowout, a noise like a gunshot may make you jump, but once you recover from the noise, it's no different than any other flat. Just put on the brakes and slow down, stop and change the tire. The majority of my flats have been on sew-ups, so that's a little different feel, and also safer to ride on when flat. The major concerns with flatting are that if you are cornering with a strong lean and a tire suddenly goes flat, you may have rim in contact with the road rather than rubber and the wheel would slide out from under you. If it's a rear tire, you go down and take some road rash. A front flat under those conditions could be worse. At high speed, you need to be careful how you use the brakes with a flat tire. Try to use the brake on the non-flat wheel only, because a flat clincher tire can slide around the rim when the brake is put on.

[Jolt]

In my experience (I had three or four flats last summer while out running errands) it's a pain but not all that bad. I ride a hybrid with 38s though; maybe a road bike is different. If it's the front, the handling will feel a little funny and the wheel will sound funny; if it's the rear it will sound funny and feel a little different under you (that's the best way I can describe it). Then it's just a matter of pulling off to the side of the road or into a parking lot etc. and fixing it. Make sure you have a spare tube and patch kit, as well as tire levers. And don't forget to disconnect the brake before taking off the wheel, as well as reconnect it once the wheel is back on!!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

A flat on the back felt to me like the asphalt was soft and sinking in while I was riding.
Practice changing a tire in your living room where it's a lot easier. Then you won't be so afraid in the real world when it happens.

[tulip]

I suggest:
1) Taking a basic bike mechanics class. Flats will be covered as well as minor mechanical issues, and what you can do about them.
2) Taking a bike handling skills class if you can. It will teach you LOTS of great stuff even in a very short time!

There's nothing like PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

Good luck!!

I second this. You need to be prepared to take care of a flat. It's the basic, basic, basic mechanical thing every cyclist should be comfortable with.

Take a class (REI has them, as do some local bike shops). PRACTICE!!!! In the comfort of your own home so that when it happens on the road you won't freak out and you'll know just what to do. Practice both wheels. I always thought it would be a good idea to have a Flat Tire Party where people who don't know how to change flats could learn in a fun and convivial atmosphere.

Call your bike shop and see what they offer.

[SadieKate]

I cannot think of many situations where a flat tire would result in an injury. If your front wheel goes flat and you're going at high speed down a hill it may cause some steering problems, but nothing that cannot be conquered with some bike handling skills.

I suggest:
1) Taking a basic bike mechanics class. Flats will be covered as well as minor mechanical issues, and what you can do about them.
2) Taking a bike handling skills class if you can. It will teach you LOTS of great stuff even in a very short time!

There's nothing like PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

Good luck!!Absolutely agree with Grog. A slash on the front tire causing instantaneous depressurization (is that a word?) during a high speed descent is the one time you would be at risk. Practice your bike handling skills which will stand you in good stead for other situations anyway. Learn how to change a flat and go ride.

[tink]

Yep and Yep.

I agree it takes practice and do not worry, it is not that hard! I personally am willing to pay extra for armadillo tires; I had NO flats last summer and rode to work and back everyday and took my bike on my honeymoon and rode it all over the pacific northwest "city style" and still have not had a flat. I think these folks are right.. take a class. There are videos you can download online too! Good Luck girl... just dive on in!

[Wahine]

I put a lot of mileage in on my bike and I will have to change flats at least once a month and I've had as many as 3 on one ride. The worst one happened when I was in a big pack of riders, I hollered flat but a couple of people didn't hear me and got really mad because they alomst ran into the back of me when I slowed down. Moral of the story, don't assume that people in a group know what you're doing even if you've done your best to inform them.

I found this on youtube...

How to change a flat (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5K-DXt9djA)

I don't agree with using a tire iron for putting the tire back on, I use the heels of my hands. But this is a pretty good video.

And yes.... practice at home a bunch of times. Especially with the back tire.

[Ana]

Thanks for all your insight! I will definitely be practicing changing tubes before I go out riding! :-D

[wackyjacky1]

Geez, I used to be a flat magnet. Every piece of glass or metal on the road seemed to find its way into my tires. I think I got a flat at least once a month. Because I was so prone to flats, I had lots of experience fixing them, and I could fix a flat in no time! I never lost control of my bike; rather, I would notice that pedaling seemed harder, or the bike seemed a little sluggish, before it would dawn on me what had actually happened. (Knock wood, nothing so far on my current bike -- it has Kevlar-reinforced tires.)

I once did a 60 mile ride down in Corpus Christi and flatted three times along the way -- all on the rear wheel of course. :rolleyes: Just beware of where you lay your gloves when you're changing that tube: the last flat I got on that Corpus ride, I didn't discover that I had put my gloves down on a fire ant hill until I started putting them back on. Ouch! :eek:

After that ride, I installed Mr. Tuffy tire liners and didn't get any more flats.

[jesvetmed]

Wow this is timely. Just got back from a nice long ride in the sun, and yep, flat on the front. Was slow so I was able to just pump it back up twice and head home (slower than I would have otherwise). I know / am comfortable changing a tube. But I realized I still have some concerns I'm hoping someone can help with:
1) In a race, does CO2 work better / faster / as well as a tire pump?
2) Someone once mentioned about something you squirt into the tube the "seal" it up to get you going without having to change tube?
3) Basically my questions are: In a race, have a flat (likely a basic puncture); what are the best options for not losing a lot of time, but yet not damaging the rim (or myself:p). Considering my handy little pump stops cost me about 7 to 8 minutes on my ride today, this is something I should figure out ahead of time! And my tube changing skills at best are 10-15 minutes. that's a lot of time when the ride is only 22 miles or so!

Any suggestions would be great!
Thanks...
Jessica

[Grog]

1) In a race, does CO2 work better / faster / as well as a tire pump?


I am not sure what type of race you are talking about, and what type of event. My husband won't even change a flat during an Olympic triathlon (not my philosophy but...). In triathlons you can't get help normally. In a road race you could have a new wheel given to you by your team I think. (May not apply to all races.) In any case fixing a flat would be a major time sucker. CO2 would definitely be the way to go.

[Geonz]

Add to the votes to practice in the living room (or the garage, or wherever).

I still need to read the side of the box when I'm doing it, and tho' I'm pretty lucky, in last year's 10,000 miles I had a few flats. I really, actually *did* ... at the bike shop, no less... try to take the tire off before the wheel. Not too long ago. I don't do well when distracted :rolleyes::o ... but hey, I can handle the "magic head" pump well.

Oh, but when it happens... *all* of mine have been "Oh, garbanzo beans, the tire is flat." No trauma.

[jesvetmed]

My first one is an olympic tri.... then a sprint, and another tri for the the year. Yeah, it just seems like a lot of time wasted! On the other hand, when I pumped and kept pedaling today, I only really got about 3-4 miles before I was completely flat again.

[sgtiger]

2) Someone once mentioned about something you squirt into the tube the "seal" it up to get you going without having to change tube?


The only one that comes to mind right now is Slime (http://www.bikecommuters.com/2007/10/15/ive-been-slimed/) but I think there are other brands on the market. You have to remove the valve to get it in though. Some LBS's will do it for you or you can purchase prefilled tubes for about 3x the price of regular ones. You'll probably still need to stop to inflate your tire and inspect it to remove the offending object that punctured your tire in the first place.

I found an excellent how-to once on a commuting site, but I can't seem to find it now.:confused::o I'll post it if I stumble upon it later.

ETA: I just read on one of the local LBS's website that it's not recommended for high pressure road bike tires.

[Geonz]

Oh, and I would as of today especially strongly recommend Bontrager Hard Case tires - they're heavy duty and I think harder to get on & off (but I've done it)... but my tire should have been gashed today and it wasn't at all.

[Spec&TrekGirl]

I had to chime in because I just got home from a ride where I had my first flat in years - I'm just getting back into riding. Oddly, I decided to stop and check my tires for no particular reason and found that the back tire was a little low and saw the offending thorn sticking out of it. I had a patch kit and remembered how to fix it...except that I apparently didn't wait long enough for the vulcanizing glue to dry before applying the patch because as soon as I got the tire put back together and pumped up - it started leaking again! :( Oh well, practice makes perfect, right.

I am interested in learning how to put the tire back on the rim without using the tools because I've pinched tubes before that way. I'm wondering if I don't have the hand strength to do it or if there is a technique I need to learn. I am signed up for a class coming up shortly.

I second (or third, or fourth) the practice in your living room before it happens to you approach.

I must say, there were several friendly cyclists who asked if I needed any help and if I had everything I need. Interestingly, some even said they didn't have anything to change a flat but offered their cell phone if I needed it.

[VeloVT]

I'm a fan of glueless patches (well, they're pre-glued/self-adhesive actually). Much easier than the old-fashioned kind and they work just fine. Plus the box is super teeny.

But any time we're riding more than 30 miles or so we bring 2 tubes each plus a patch kit. Rarely need it but better safe than sorry.

A few things to always do before fully remounting the tire and reinflating:
1. Check the inner surface of the tire for debris
2. When you're mounting the tire (getting the second bead on) it helps to actually push the valve up into the rim -- this helps ensure that section of the tube is seated well, it's an easy place to pinch for some reason.
3. Before you reinflate, but after you've fully seated both beads, go around the entire rim (starting and ending at the valve), pinching both sides of the tire away from the rim and making sure there aren't any areas where there is tube under the tire bead. This only takes a few seconds but it can save you from blowing out a tube.

There's a trick to getting the rear wheel back on easily and once you get the hang of it it's super quick. My first rear flat took me ages. I also used to be really slow at the actual tire-changing process... with plenty of er, practice :eek:, I've gotten pretty efficient -- and I can change a tire and hardly even get my hands dirty. The first few times I tried I was covered in black by the time I was finished :D. Hands, legs, face... ;)

[OakLeaf]

That was going to be my next question, whether the "dry" patches will hold on a high-pressure road tube. I've got a couple of them on my hybrid's tubes already! The local "roadie" shop doesn't sell them, the cruiser-oriented shop does, so I wondered. But I take it they hold fine?

[VeloVT]

Oakleaf -- the glueless patches are fine. Frankly, when possible, we fix flats with "virgin" tubes and patch the punctured tubes at home, then put them in seatbags as spares. I have used glueless-patched spares for months with no problems, and I have also used glueless patches on the road (when I didn't have a spare tube) with no problems. I inflate my tires to 120 before every ride (on road bike -- on my commuter with cx tires I go for weeks without inflating!!!), so they can certainly handle high pressure just fine, I think...

[KnottedYet]

the box those glueless patches come in really is cute. My LBS has them, presta/shraeder adapters, and teeny keychain multitools at the checkout counter in big bowls like penny candy.

mmmm, better than candy!

[DebW]

How about those little stem lengthener adapters? If you need long stems, keep a stem adapter in your seat bag so you can use generic tubes if you ever have the wrong tube or have to borrow one.

[Andrea]

Most of the time when you race, you stick a spare set of wheels in the wheel truck. Otherwise, if you get a flat, you abandon the race and ride back in the wheel truck :p

As for what happens- I've had a front tire blowout at 20mph+ and the biggest thing is (just like in a car) DON'T PANIC!! Just keep your arms relaxed, stop pedaling, and don't make any sudden moves/braking. You'll be aight...

[Grog]

My first one is an olympic tri.... then a sprint, and another tri for the the year. Yeah, it just seems like a lot of time wasted! On the other hand, when I pumped and kept pedaling today, I only really got about 3-4 miles before I was completely flat again.

There is a very low chance that you'll have a flat during a race because usually the course director will have inspected it for glass and swept away grit and stuff. However, having been on the course director side, I know that sometimes some things get overlooked at the last minute! :eek:

So you can have a tube in your pockets, and a cartridge of CO2. But I don't think I'd carry that unless it was a half-ironman. Even for friendly triathlons I have taken off my saddlebag.

I am not 100% sure but in other types of races you wouldn't be allowed a saddlebag or anything attached to your frame (like a pump) that could become detached from it (possibly causing an accident).

[SadieKate]

There is a very low chance that you'll have a flat during a race because usually the course director will have inspected it for glass and swept away grit and stuff. However, having been on the course director side, I know that sometimes some things get overlooked at the last minute! :eek:After standing for an hour at the finish line of the Mt Bachelor climb on the Cascade Classic 2005, we finally asked the race crew in the trailer across from us if maybe, just maybe, the glass should be swept up. We volunteered the labor but they had to provide the brooms. Hey, it meant we had live color commentary of our performance.:D

[Jen-Jen]

Hey- nice question and good info. I, too need to learn how to change flats this year: per DH.

He even purchased a flat kit and a little hand held pump for me!