2nd flat in 2nd week

[MrsB]

Hubby and I were on our 25 mile ride tonight and at about the 17th mile I got my second flat. Now you think that since I wasnt prepared for the first flat that I would be for the this one. NOPE. Oh yeah, I have a spare tube but left it at home. Ive got to learn how to change a tire and either bring a pump with me or try one of those co2 cartridges. So anyways I had a nice walk for a couple miles until my son came to get me with the mini van. Oh yeah and another thing I had to walk bare foot cuz I had my cleats on. Oh well I'll be fixed back up by tomorrow. Hoping to try and do 50 miles tomorrow. I'll be sure to bring a spare tube and pump. Is it normal to have two flats in two weeks? I bought this used bike two weeks ago. Ive never had a flat with my mountain bike.

[RolliePollie]

In my experience, flats come in swarms.

Last season when I bought my bike, I got three flats within the first month. Then not another one until I got a brand new tire. Then two flats on my first two rides with that tire.

This season, not a single flat for 1,700 miles. Then I put on a new rear tire and joked that I'd probably get a flat. Guess what? I did. A goathead thorn got me. I'm expecting a flat every time I ride now.

This too shall pass...and in the meantime, you'll get lots of practice fixing flats!

[Mr. SR500]

I'm convinced flats are random. Ride On!

[Grog]

Flats do come in swarms. Sometimes for a reason, sometimes not.

Just last week I had two flats on my commuter bike. Totally unrelated events.

Before that I can't even remember when I had a flat tire last. I think it's the time I had a slow leak, my Dear Partner decided to change it (against my will), and he caused a big pinch that ripped the tube and exploded less than a foot from my ears. Ouch!!!

This being said sometimes there's a reason for multiple flats. When you change a flat you should thoroughly inspect your tire (sometimes little shards of glass hide in the rubber and you don't see them unless you really check closely), and if you keep getting them also have a look at your rims. Sometimes rim tape slides...

Good luck!! Do learn the skills (it's really empowering), but do not worry too much.

[salsabike]

My husband commutes to work 2-3 times a week. Last year, he had one week in which he got six flats. Three in one day.

It's good flat-fixing practice.

[Chicken Little]

Ugh, the goat heads are blooming in New Mexico. 4 flats last week. I gave up and bought the heavy duty tubes with the goo in them. They weigh like 5 lbs. each, but I just figure I will get stronger. I could loose 20 lbs and forget about it!