First rear flat

[RolliePollie]

I hate to hear that! Did you check the tire good for whatever could have caused the flat?

Yup...it was a goathead thorn. As part of the tube replacement project, I put Mr. Tuffy liners in the tire. I hope the liners work because it's the peak of goathead season around here. I was going to go ahead and put a liner in the front tire too, but I was sooooo irritated and exasperated after fixing the rear flat that I decided to wait until I get a front flat and am forced to take everything apart again!

[SouthernBelle]

There is an easy trick to putting the back wheel back on, but I don't know if I can explain it. Stand on the other side of the bike from the cassette and derailleur. Lift the bike with your left hand, hold the wheel in your right. Slide the wheel in place, then use the end of your skewer/quick release to snag the lower part of your chain, pushing it down. Then pull The wheel back to the derailleur. At this point the derailleur is blocking access to the dropouts. Use the end of the skewer, or your hand, to push back the dangling part of the Derailleur where your chain squirrels through like an 'S'. That will give you access to the drop out. pull your wheel back and up to the dropouts, making sure it's straight so it will slide between the brake pads.

I know that's about as clear as mud, but once you've done it, or seen it done, a little light bulb will flash on.

[Jolt]

Hey, at least you didn't do what I once did and forget to disconnect your rear brake! Talk about making it hard to get the wheel on...then I felt like a real doofus when I figured out what the problem was.

[zondian]

I am sorry to hear about your flat tire day, and how long it took to change. But you got it done, and it will be quicker next time If it makes you feel any better, it will take me at least that long to change my first flat. I am dreading it. In fact, I think I'm going to go to LBS this week and hopefully she'll let me change a tire for practice.

[RolliePollie]

There is an easy trick to putting the back wheel back on, but I don't know if I can explain it. Stand on the other side of the bike from the cassette and derailleur. Lift the bike with your left hand, hold the wheel in your right. Slide the wheel in place, then use the end of your skewer/quick release to snag the lower part of your chain, pushing it down. Then pull The wheel back to the derailleur. At this point the derailleur is blocking access to the dropouts. Use the end of the skewer, or your hand, to push back the dangling part of the Derailleur where your chain squirrels through like an 'S'. That will give you access to the drop out. pull your wheel back and up to the dropouts, making sure it's straight so it will slide between the brake pads.

I know that's about as clear as mud, but once you've done it, or seen it done, a little light bulb will flash on.

Thanks SouthernBelle - that sort of makes sense, and at least it gives me a clue that there's an easier way to get the tire back on! Now I must find someone to show me this in person!!!

Jolt - lol, I did that with my first front flat! Amazing how the wheel comes right off when the tire is flat even if you don't release the brakes!!!

Zondian - if you do go to your LBS, have them show you what SouthernBelle is talking about. Believe me, you want to know how to do this before it actually happens to you out on the road!