failing to fix a flat

I had the same problem with not being able to get my tire back on, until I took a flat fixing class with the luna chix. I have carpal tunnel so I just couldn't get the freakin' thing back on, but the teacher showed us how to do it pretty much like Deb says, squat (or sit) with the tire on your knees to get leverage, and use the meaty part of your hand to push the tire in. That was the most helpful part- before I was using my fingers/thumb to try to push the bead in. Gripping the other side of the rim with my fingers and pushing the tire in with the meaty part of my hand worked! First tire changed, 6/20/07 at around 9 pm (in that class). I actually cried I was so happy.

That youtube video helped me immensely. I couldn't get a picture in my head of how to change a tire. I've never tried it, but after watching the video, I think it might be possible. (Someday!) :rolleyes:

Thank goodness it isn't just me! By some miracle (and my flat-resistant tires, which unfortunately are not manufactured any longer) I have never had a flat out riding. But I was a good girl and tried it at home, and it took 30 minutes. I talked myself up by reminding myself at least I COULD do it. Thanks for the video recommendation! Getting the dern thing back on is definitely the hard part for me- I just can't get the tire to seat itself correctly.

one more tip I learned is to put your extra new tubes in a baggie with a little baby powder squirted in... then when you put the new tube into the wheel (DO inflate a little as suggested so they go in easier and hold shape) the rubber of the tube doesn't stick to the tire or wheelset... slides ride in, smooth as a baby's bottom...:D

of course, you also smell good for the rest of the ride...:p

glad you figured it out... it's an important skill to have...way to go!

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Originally Posted by batsheva

maybe i will practice with the rear when i can get out on the bike long enough so i can get the gear onto the littlest cog at the back-- cant get enough speed riding in the living room to change down :-)

but i did it - twice on the front - thank you for your encouraging words that i WOULD learn to do it okay - you were right :-)

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Congrats! Good to hear that you and your tires have come to a cooperative agreement.

To get the gear into the smallest cog, you don't need to ride the bike. Simply move your rear gear shifter multiple clicks until you've gone far enough to get to the smallest cog if you were riding. Then lift the back of the bike and pedal it a couple revolutions and the chain will be where you want it. Because you're going downhill on the cogs and the derailleur is spring-loaded that way, it works nicely. After you change the flat, you'll want to get out of the small cog before you start riding. In this case, move the shifter one click, then pedal until the chain jumps one cog, then move another click and pedal again, etc.