first flat tire!!

[singletrackmind]

Good job, you! Personally I'd rather a patch kit or tube than slime, but that stuff was the bane of my car tire dealing with days, so I'm biased.

[rachael24]

Slime works great...Congrats on your 1st of many, many flat tires LOL

[SouthernBelle]

A lot of folks don't like slime as it may foul your stem or even pump. & in the event of a big gouge or hole it can be messy.

I've never used it myself, so this isn't from personal experience.

Congrats on your self reliance.

[lph]

nothing like changing your first flat to feel like a real biker

If you have to use a tire lever, you have to. Just think about where the tube is and be careful about where and how far you insert the lever so you don't lever a hole in the tube. Be a little careful about how hard you lever too, the tube can catch in the gap to the side of where you're levering, if that makes any sense. If you go over the wheel afterwards pulling/pressing the tire sideways you can see if the tube is caught under the tire bead. I use plastic tire levers on virtually all tire changes. If I have the time I put in a little air first and let sit a minute before I air it all up, I like to think it helps work out the kinks.

[bikerchic]

Oh man it's been a long time since I've had a flat, years! I put Armadellos on my road bike and so far all I do is air them up and they are good to go.

That said it's a good thing because I decided a couple of weeks ago to check out my frame pump and the thing is toast! Dang!

Anyway thanks for the reminder that I need to get a new pump!!! Any good suggestions for a good road pump? I don't want another frame pump I would like a pocket pump CO2. Suggestions???

Oh and my first flat it took me almost an hour to change it, ugg!! I got so laughed at by my boys......kids, humpt!

[Grog]

Anyway thanks for the reminder that I need to get a new pump!!! Any good suggestions for a good road pump? I don't want another frame pump I would like a pocket pump CO2. Suggestions???

CO2 is great, I use it often, but remember the following equations:
N (number) of flats on any given rides = N of CO2 carts you have + 1

And there is always the possibility of a CO2 mishap that would make you lose a cartridge (happened to me this weekend).

Don't jinx yourself, always carry a pump, especially if you ride in somewhat isolated areas.

[bikerchic]

CO2 is great, I use it often, but remember the following equations:
N (number) of flats on any given rides = N of CO2 carts you have + 1

And there is always the possibility of a CO2 mishap that would make you lose a cartridge (happened to me this weekend).

Don't jinx yourself, always carry a pump, especially if you ride in somewhat isolated areas.

Good advise Grog I'm checking out CO2 pumps on Performance right now. Thanks!