Flat tire question

[PamNY]

I've just had my first flat. Luckily, it happened right in front of my building. The tire is coming off the rim already. Does that signify anything? Also, if I decide to take the bike to the DIY bike workshop tomorrow, will rolling it on a flat tire cause harm?

I want to go to the workshop because I have a brake problem I don't know how to fix, and I might as well fix the flat there too. I live in Manhattan so transporting my bike by car isn't an option (unless I pay a car service which is pricey).

Thanks for any advice.

Pam

[AnnieBikes]

Don't, don't, don't ride on the flat tire. You can shred the tire and damage the rim irrevocably!! Ditto for pushing the bike..Can you lift the end with the flat and get it there anyway? You will really be doing yourself a great favor to get to the do-it-yourself maintenance class. A flat is something that always seems to happen in the worst possible place, and at the worst possible time, so knowing how to do it is very liberating. It takes practice and you can do it!

[PamNY]

No, I couldn't carry it that far with the rear held up. I probably can change the tire; then I'll just take it in for work on the brakes. Thanks!

Pam

[ny biker]

I once rode 2 miles on a flat tire. I was on an isolated section of trail by myself and it was getting dark, so I rode back to more populated area where there was a bike shop. The wheel was not damaged, although it might have made a difference that it was the front wheel so there was less weight on it.

But, changing a tire is not too difficult. This is pretty good overview.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5K-DXt9djA

[aicabsolut]

Have the shop take a look at the tire while you're there anyway. If the tire was coming off the rim, then the tire might need to be replaced (not just the innertube). Check for sidewall cuts. An old, stretched out or cut tire will have more difficulty keeping the bead seated on the rim.