changing tires?

[Grog]

The flat happened on the same wheel, which is why I thought I might be due for new tires.

All of my flats (and those of most people I know) happen on the rear wheel. There's more weight on the rear than the front wheel, and there's more chances that something flies from the front to the rear wheel when riding. And of course, it's trickier to take off and put back on, so of course flats have to happen there.

[RoadRaven]

LOL Grog... I've had two flats only and they have both been the front wheel!

[Nanci]

That's like not even having a flat!!

Nanci

[Embellina]

I guess I lucked out. Mine were both on the front wheel, too!

[Grog]

This morning I was getting ready to leave. Didn't have to put air in my tires because I rode just yesterday. But I did take the time to oil my chain because I had rinsed it off with the high pressure hose when I came back from my last ride.

Was fully dressed - for "winter" riding, which means a couple of layers - and lifted the bike to take it over my roommate's stuff that was all over the floor, gently put it down on the sidewalk outside of my door... and realized the rear tire was flat. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Ride delayed by 15 minutes. Had to undress a bit because I was way too warm inside with all these clothes. I'm getting fast at changing flats, but now I'm patching tubes (I used just to throw them away) because it's going to become an environmental disaster if I don't, not to say a financial catastrophy. Again, a small piece of glass well hidden in the tire, at a completely different spot than last time. This is driving me nuts. I can't wait for the Spring Road Shoulder Cleaning operation!!!!!

Just had to share this piece of frustration...

[ladyjai]

what kind of patches are you folks using which last and last?

[Grog]

I prefer those for which you need glue. Important step: prepare the area around the hole with sandpaper (included in the patch kit) before putting down the patch. It is supposed to prevent slow leaks.

Never noticed the brand, just whatever is at the bike store.

When I get a flat, I put on a new tube and bring the old tube home for repair. After patching, I fill it with air and wait until the next day to roll it back, so I'm sure there's no leak.

Of course this works only if I get less than two flats (the number of spare tubes I carry) on a given ride. So far, so good.

[ladyjai]

ok, i'll have to pick up some real stuff. I have the stick on patches, but those are a quick fix to get you home, not good for long term.

[jobob]

what kind of patches are you folks using which last and last?

I use these:

http://www.wallbike.com/tires/tiptoppatchkit.html

They're available at most LBS's, but you may have to hunt around, or ask. The smaller patches are better, the larger ones are overkill for most puncures. If you need a patch that large it might not be worth saving the tube ! Some stores even sell the patches individually (or 5 for a dollar, something like that); in which case, stock up on hte small patches.

[Nanci]

I don't know- I've put over 1000 miles on some Park stick-on (not glued) patches. They come in a tiny box about the size of a postage stamp.

Nanci