Quote Originally Posted by Crankin View Post
but I cannot get the rear wheel back on. I know what gear to put the derailleur in before taking it off, but by the time I do that and lay the bike down, I am lucky if the chain isn't totally disengaged from everything. If I manage to not do that, it is almost impossible for me to hold the rear end of the bike up, position the chain over the ring, pull the derailleur back, and get the bike into the drop outs at the same time.
Turn your bike upside down and rest it on the handlebars and saddle. (You make need to take your computer off. I do.) This is my strategy for not having to balance anything. Plus, gravity is your friend - it helps the rear wheel slip into the drop outs correctly.

With the miles I ride, flats are inevitable. I had one just this weekend in the middle of nowhere. I carry TWO tubes, a spare TIRE and a patch kit (which I check regularly for glue consistency.)

I ride alone a lot, especially at night on long brevets, so knowing how to change a flat is critical. And knowing how to do it well enough when I'm tired, hungry, it's cold or dark (or all 4 of those things at once! ) is really important.

I've trained myself to change my tires without the aid of tire levers. You can to. It does NOT require great strength (I'm a wimp.). It requires technique. We have a very good " how to" on the TE website. I've had gals print it off and then practice in their living rooms until they get it down. Doing it at home when you don't NEED to is way less stressful than when you are out on the road and HAVE to.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/content/asa_levers

Try it!