Don't count on a guy for help!

[jobob]

I'm not Mimi, but I always carry one tube with me.

Two, if it's one of those potential Outer Slobovia rides.

[Biciclista]

TWO tubes, a patch kit, a rubber glove, a multi tool, a road morph, and some tire levers. forgot the name of the levers.

[Crankin]

Well, there's no way to put the Road Morph on my frame. I did have it precariously on my Trek 5200, so it's not so much the carbon, but the size of my bike. I carry two tubes and two cartridges. If I am on a long ride, there are other people around, who have other stuff, too. If I am doing a metric, etc. I might stick 3 tubes in my bag. Carrying the cartridges is easy and we have never had an issue with them (dh had to use one on Sunday). We save the used ones and recycle them on hazardous waste recycling day, but it hasn't been more than 1-3 in the last couple of years, for both of us.

[Karma007]

I have all the gear, and even took a class at REI on how to do it, but haven't had to do it. I know my tire is incredibly tight and could get as far as putting the tire back on, but don't know if I have the strength to do it.

[jobob]

That's when you practice changing your tire in the comfort of your garage or backyard.

And have an appropriately rewarding beverage or snack awaiting you afterwards.

[Biciclista]

Yeah, Tofu, that's another thing. I've seen my DH struggle with the tires on my bike. I have no idea why they are so tight, but they are.

[OakLeaf]

One tube and a patch kit.

Two CO2 cylinders and a mini-pump which (1) is great for getting a tube seated in the tire regardless of how I plan to do the final inflation; and (2) will do the whole job - very slowly but adequately - if I'm out of CO2.

Most of us remember "back in the day" when you carried a frame pump and a patch kit and that was it. Spare tubes and CO2 are a convenience when you're by yourself. When you're riding with a group, it's simply polite to carry what you need to get back on the road as quickly as possible. IMO of course.


... Why do you have to put a *used* cartridge in hazmat? It's empty, only ever contained gas. I recycle mine with the regular metals? Or do you mean the tubes? How many patches does a tube get before it's toast? (Most of mine have two. This is an honest question... I figure by the time they get four or so I should think about new ones?)

[SadieKate]

To be honest, when I'm riding w my husband & I get a flat he usually ends up changing it because he gets too impatient waiting for slowpoke me to change it.

(heh, works like a charm ...)

Ah ha! Now, I know why you sit down to fix a flat.

I wish I had a copy of V's photo to post but I can enjoy what I thought was just your leisurely fixitude every September on my calendar.

[Pedal Wench]

My issue is putting the rear wheel back on. Yes, I have practiced and I know the "tricks," but it is really freakin' hard for me. I actually hurt my back when I was balancing the bike in one hand and trying to get the deurailleur /chain lined up. I am better at it now, but still.

I flip my bike upside down. It's easier for me to get the rear tire in and out, and it keep the frame and chain from lying on the ground.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I carry 1 new tube, 1 patch kit (with several patches), 2 levers in case I really need them, and a mini pump. That's all I need. Oh, and always have a dollar bill to use as a boot if you get a small tear in your tire. I'm cheap- I usually tear the end flap off the tube box and throw it in my saddle bag just for that purpose.

[Blueberry]

For local rides (<30 miles, near home), I carry 1 tube and a patch kit (plus a mini tool, road morph pump and pedros tire levers). For longer rides (80+) and rides out of town, I'll have 2 tubes (3 if its my Friday) + all of the above stuff. I have actually needed 2 tubes on a ride (had a defective batch in San Diego and had 2 blow at the valve stem, where they could not be patched).

CA

[Biciclista]

Oh, and always have a dollar bill to use as a boot if you get a small tear in your tire. I'm cheap.

Raleighdon uses 20 dollar bills, he's a highrolling big spender

[sundial]

TWO tubes, a patch kit, a rubber glove, a multi tool, a road morph, and some tire levers. forgot the name of the levers.

About the same for me. My seat bag weighs about 2 lbs.

[ZenSojourner]

I carry 2 tubes minimum (I ride a Terry, with the small front wheel and the 700c back wheel). Patch kit, though I've had bad luck from them and they don't help much if it's a pinch flat. Tire levers. Frame mount bike pump. And I, too, have learned not to rely on cheap pumps. Set of hex wrenches. screwdriver w/replaceable heads. Ball wrench.

On a long ride I also carry a spare tire for the front wheel. That's too big to go in my kit so it gets folded up, securely fastened to the rear rack. Because finding a 700c tire is possible, but a 24" tire? Usually I have to order those.

Oh yeah, and as far as guys fixing things - my ex used to hand me tools wrapped in a paper towel when I was working on the car, so he wouldn't get oil on his fingers.

And I was trying to show my son (13 at the time) how to change a tire, he was paying NO attention. Finally I asked him, "So what are you going to do when you get a flat one of these days?" To which he replied, "I'll wait for some woman to stop and change it for me."

[Biciclista]

And I was trying to show my son (13 at the time) how to change a tire, he was paying NO attention. Finally I asked him, "So what are you going to do when you get a flat one of these days?" To which he replied, "I'll wait for some woman to stop and change it for me."

LOL!