Question about flat tires

[dachshund]

I got a flat the other day, and I was really surprised that none of the cyclists asked if I needed anything. Some of the walkers stopped to chat. I provided them with some entertainment, I guess. A woman from the neighborhood was over feeding the ducks, and she offered to drive me home

Anyway, fortunately I was prepared. A CO2 cartridge might have helped, but the tube needed to be patched or replaced first.

It occured to me that the LBS should warn new riders, maybe have a handout they can give away, on how to get the tube out, fix it, and put it back. Until you get a flat, I can imagine that new riders don't think it will happen. It doesn't happen in cars often.

[spokewench]

Most decent bike shops will give you instructions on how to change a tire. You should ALWAYS carry a tube (that will work on your bike); tire irons, a patch kit in case you get multiple flats; and a way to pump up the tire whether it is a co2 cartridge kit or if it is a pump that fits on your bike.

I've even had a flat on a 5 mile trip to work so no trip is too short to carry your stuff.

Don't just let them show you how to change the tire tho. What will happen is you will go out thinking you know how and then you will not be able to do something on the road. Go home after being shown how to change your tire. Sit in the living room or wherever and practice 1. getting wheel off of bike (both wheels they are different), remember to loosen your brakes or disengage brakes on a mountain bike 2. taking off the tire and removing the tube 3. putting the tube back into the tire; 4. pumping the tire back up; 5. if you are using co-2, go ahead waste a cartridge to make sure you can use it on the road; 6. put the wheel back on the bike 7. don't forget to check your brakes before you ride (either reattach them on a mountain bike or put them on the tight setting on your road bike.

It is really important for your safety to know how to do this! I wish I could do a video (no video camera ) instruction and put on this site. I have given instruction on this many times!

[DebW]

It is really important for your safety to know how to do this! I wish I could do a video (no video camera ) instruction and put on this site. I have given instruction on this many times!

There are instructions on this site (no video though):
http://www.teamestrogen.com/articles/asa_levers.asp

[Teddyparker]

Also at this site you can download a podcast video.

http://www.bettybikegear.com/tips.aspx

[tulip]

Before I could drive a car (after I got my license), my dad made me change each tire once and drive 1500 miles with him...best advice EVER.

Bike shops should not let customers leave the store without showing them how to change a flat--front AND back. It can be dangerous out there if you get a flat and are helpless.

There are lots of good links provided here, so please PLEASE learn to change a flat. Practice at home until you are comfortable with it. Take a class at a local LBS or REI if you have to. A little bit of self-sufficiency goes a long way.

Ride fast and have fun (and learn how to change flats!)

[Toni]

Thanks Teddyparker, that was a great link...I actually think I could change a tire! And I was totally clueless.

[Teddyparker]

I am glad you found it useful. I actually needed to use it the other day when
I found my rear tire flat. Thank goodness I was home and I could pause and replay the video to get me though it.