Question about flat tires

[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.

[Leonne]

I was having this discussion with my BF a couple of days ago. Some on another forum asked whether people tended to patch or replace? It came up because he came upon a women with a flat, who needed help because she had given her last tube to someone else and didn't know you could patch a tire and was completly amazed when the guy did it for her. So, do you patch or replace? BTW, I just tried a sticker patch, that DID NOT work. I'm going back to glue.

[Nanci]

I patch if I can find the hole. I use the Park sticker patches with no problem. I've even patched over another patch and put a few hundred more miles on. I patched a tube for someone a couple brevets ago- he was concerned about running out of tubes, but leery of patching, but then broke the stem on his oast remaining tube. Time for a patch!!

Nanci

[Dogmama]

Nanci, I can NEVER find the hole! Maybe it's old eyes.

I take two tubes with me. I've had flats where the replacement tube had a defect (usually around the valve).

You've received some GREAT advice about sitting in your living room & practicing. The rear wheel can be difficult if you have never done it before.

I'm surprised nobody asked to help! What is this world coming to? I always slow down and call out "Got everything you need?" If it is a women who appears to be struggling, I'll stop. Another good reason to carry two tubes - I've been able to give away a tube to hapless cyclists.

Karma is a good thing!