Lynne,

We have an article on the website on how to fix a flat. Even if you already know how to do it, I think there's some good tips in it. The tip I've found most useful is how she describes creating "slack" in the tire to make it easier to get off. It DEFINTIELY works, and using this trick I can get most tires off without a lever (and I don't have great hand strength. Don't ask me to open a jar...).

http://www.teamestrogen.com/articles/asa_levers.asp

My last on-the-road flat was on a rainy morning. I think 3 cyclists passed without so much as a "hey, do you have everything you need?" Imagine my surprise when a *motorist* stopped and asked if I was OK. (I was fine).

Hope the article helps.

Susan