First rear flat

[Trekhawk]

It took an hour and ten minutes!!! Is that pitiful or what?!?!?! Oh well, at least I know how to do it now. Maybe next time it will only take 45 minutes.

Dont be too hard on yourself the positive is YOU DID IT.

I found this guide from TE really helped:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/articles/asa_levers.asp

I printed it out and would carry it in my seat bag until I was sure I had it down pat (doesn't hurt to have advice close at hand). I find turning my bike upside down helps a lot when changing the back tyre.

Well done and just think how easy the next one will be.

[indigoiis]

Trek does this workshop: http://www.fitforwomentour.com/
with participating bike shops. Ask your lbs if they ever do workshops to teach folks how to do quick repairs. At the Trek event, I got a little magazine that has a step-by-step instruction on changing a rear flat, which they also showed us in the workshop. When the time comes to use it, I've read it over about 100 times so hopefully I'll remember.

[Tri Girl]

I had to giggle at your post. Not because you got a flat on a new tire, or not because you struggled (really sorry about that)- but because that was me changing my first rear flat. It took me forever and when I was done cursing and fighting the new tire to get the bead back on- I had to sit back and laugh at the whole situation. Difference was I was on the road and had to do it far from home. I must've been a sight (that's why I laughed at myself).
I giggle because I can just picture what your struggle looked like- and how frustrating something so seemingly simple can be (and then the guys at the LBS take it off, change it and put it back on in less than 2 min. ).

We're all VERY proud of you for changing it and getting it done. You should be proud of yourself, too! Empowering, ain't it?

[SouthernBelle]

The hardest part in explaining that was remembering the word "dropouts". Totally blanked.

[jusdooit]

I've changed many flats and still hate it when it's the rear. I also have trouble learning how tight to get the skewers afterwards. It was a little embarrassing to have LBS guy show why the wheel kept popping off the chain. LOL. It'll get easier. If you can get your hands on that Trek booklet it really does have good illustrations.
Meanwhile...............enjoy the ride!!!

[short cut sally]

All I can say is CONGRATS!!! Job well done. Even with that time. I can take that rear tire off without problem, getting it back on is another story. I need 4 hands to get that rear back on. One of the bike shops offers tire changing on Thursday nights, I keep thinking I need to get there and have them do the rear wheel change with me. Only way it will get easier.

[Kano]

Good job, Sara!

I hope the tire liners do the job for you and keep your tubes safe from the foul goatheads, but if they don't, Specialized Armadillo tires have been a boon to my pocketbook! When I put them on my bikes, no more flats, more cash for other accessories!

Karen in Boise