Question about flat tires

[rivergrl]

I stopped to talk to a girl on the riding trail who had a flat. We both had Giant OCR1s and her back tire was completely flat. I live just a few shorts miles from where she was to I went and got my car and took her home. She had already walked for miles and had forgotten her cell.She said I was the only person who had bothered to ask if she needed help.

Anyway, neither of us knew how to use the tire/air stuff in our bag that came with our bikes. Do any of you know where I can find instruction about how to use those short tubes that came with my bike (have no idea what they are called). I guess I could go to the bike shop and get them to show me, but I'd rather see if I can find info on here or the internet first. I'm sure some of you who have a Giant OCR1 know what I'm talking about.

Thanks!

[Fredwina]

I have a Cannodale, but I'll take a stab at clarifying.
By "short tubes" do you metal cylinders about the size of very large finger? These are Co2 cartridges. I use an air pump, so I can't help out. I would go back to the shop and make them show you how to change a flat with tools you have.
Some links that may help:
http://parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=100
and:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/flats.html

[rivergrl]

thank you so much, I found an old link on here about the CO2 cartridges.

thanks again

[bikerchick68]

rivergrl... wow, bike etiquette says that you ALWAYS ask someone who is stopped if they're OK. Sorry to hear people passed her without checking.

Here in San Diego, the local LBS's offer free beginner maintenance classes. You may want to check and see if any near you offer that. They teach you how to fix a dropped chain, how to change a flat, both front and rear, how to use a patch kit, how to use CO2, how to make minor derailleur adjustments to prevent chain hop (common as a new bike breaks in) etc...

good luck and you have earned some good bike Karma by stopping to help someone!

[SadieKate]

I'm sure some of you who have a Giant OCR1 know what I'm talking about.

Thanks!

Just curious, how does the flat being on a Giant OCR1 cause extra problems.

Somebody posted a link today with some pictures. I'll have to go look. I always to to Park Tool first.

[SadieKate]

Try the link in this thread :
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=8998

If your LBS will teach you that's the best route. Having someone watch you do it yourself and give some coaching is really good.

[dachshund]

I got a flat the other day, and I was really surprised that none of the cyclists asked if I needed anything. Some of the walkers stopped to chat. I provided them with some entertainment, I guess. A woman from the neighborhood was over feeding the ducks, and she offered to drive me home

Anyway, fortunately I was prepared. A CO2 cartridge might have helped, but the tube needed to be patched or replaced first.

It occured to me that the LBS should warn new riders, maybe have a handout they can give away, on how to get the tube out, fix it, and put it back. Until you get a flat, I can imagine that new riders don't think it will happen. It doesn't happen in cars often.

[spokewench]

Most decent bike shops will give you instructions on how to change a tire. You should ALWAYS carry a tube (that will work on your bike); tire irons, a patch kit in case you get multiple flats; and a way to pump up the tire whether it is a co2 cartridge kit or if it is a pump that fits on your bike.

I've even had a flat on a 5 mile trip to work so no trip is too short to carry your stuff.

Don't just let them show you how to change the tire tho. What will happen is you will go out thinking you know how and then you will not be able to do something on the road. Go home after being shown how to change your tire. Sit in the living room or wherever and practice 1. getting wheel off of bike (both wheels they are different), remember to loosen your brakes or disengage brakes on a mountain bike 2. taking off the tire and removing the tube 3. putting the tube back into the tire; 4. pumping the tire back up; 5. if you are using co-2, go ahead waste a cartridge to make sure you can use it on the road; 6. put the wheel back on the bike 7. don't forget to check your brakes before you ride (either reattach them on a mountain bike or put them on the tight setting on your road bike.

It is really important for your safety to know how to do this! I wish I could do a video (no video camera ) instruction and put on this site. I have given instruction on this many times!

[DebW]

It is really important for your safety to know how to do this! I wish I could do a video (no video camera ) instruction and put on this site. I have given instruction on this many times!

There are instructions on this site (no video though):
http://www.teamestrogen.com/articles/asa_levers.asp