first flat tire!!

[fastdogs]

I am excited because I changed it myself. I have feared two things- removing the rear wheel, and changing a flat. I did both today. not sure why I was afraid- I can change car or truck tires (20 years in the army and monthly vehicle maintenance was routine), but I was afraid of the time when I'd have to change the bike tire.
I set out on my hybrid for a quick ride during lunch break. I rode past some nice houses, many appeared to have renovations being done. Shortly after passing through that neighborhood, I rear tire sounded funny so I stopped. It was flat. I checked it and found a carpet tack in it.
I searched my handlebar bag and I had a spare tube and a CO2 inflator. But no other tools- somehow between changing bikes they got left with the mountain bike. I couldn't figure out how to get the tire off without a tire lever. I pushed it to a nearby ice cream shop, and there was a bike chained around back. Sure enough, a kid that worked there rode to work, and he had a single tire lever he let me use. I took the wheel off and got one side off, and pulled out the damaged tube and put the new on in. But I had to use the tire lever to get the tire back on the rim, and I've read that you shouldn't because it might damage the tube.
I thought I was ready to go, until I went to air up the tire, and the cartridge fizzled out. The kid didn't have any cartridges or frame pump, so I ended up having to call someone at work to come get me anyway.
On the way home I stopped at a bike shop and got another frame pump and tools, so I'll have one for each bike. I also replaced the tube so I'd have one to carry, even though I tried to repair the damaged one- hope it worked. The patch kit I have has "glueless" patches, not sure how well they'll hold.
I'll check my rear tire tomorrow to see if it's still aired up, to make sure I didn't pinch something when I put the tube in.
What is with slime? is it a good thing to use, and if so, why don't bicycle tires come with it in? I've never used it, but was wondering if it's something I should put in my tires?
vickie

[singletrackmind]

Good job, you! Personally I'd rather a patch kit or tube than slime, but that stuff was the bane of my car tire dealing with days, so I'm biased.

[rachael24]

Slime works great...Congrats on your 1st of many, many flat tires LOL

[SouthernBelle]

A lot of folks don't like slime as it may foul your stem or even pump. & in the event of a big gouge or hole it can be messy.

I've never used it myself, so this isn't from personal experience.

Congrats on your self reliance.

[lph]

nothing like changing your first flat to feel like a real biker

If you have to use a tire lever, you have to. Just think about where the tube is and be careful about where and how far you insert the lever so you don't lever a hole in the tube. Be a little careful about how hard you lever too, the tube can catch in the gap to the side of where you're levering, if that makes any sense. If you go over the wheel afterwards pulling/pressing the tire sideways you can see if the tube is caught under the tire bead. I use plastic tire levers on virtually all tire changes. If I have the time I put in a little air first and let sit a minute before I air it all up, I like to think it helps work out the kinks.

[bikerchic]

Oh man it's been a long time since I've had a flat, years! I put Armadellos on my road bike and so far all I do is air them up and they are good to go.

That said it's a good thing because I decided a couple of weeks ago to check out my frame pump and the thing is toast! Dang!

Anyway thanks for the reminder that I need to get a new pump!!! Any good suggestions for a good road pump? I don't want another frame pump I would like a pocket pump CO2. Suggestions???

Oh and my first flat it took me almost an hour to change it, ugg!! I got so laughed at by my boys......kids, humpt!

[Grog]

Anyway thanks for the reminder that I need to get a new pump!!! Any good suggestions for a good road pump? I don't want another frame pump I would like a pocket pump CO2. Suggestions???

CO2 is great, I use it often, but remember the following equations:
N (number) of flats on any given rides = N of CO2 carts you have + 1

And there is always the possibility of a CO2 mishap that would make you lose a cartridge (happened to me this weekend).

Don't jinx yourself, always carry a pump, especially if you ride in somewhat isolated areas.

[bikerchic]

CO2 is great, I use it often, but remember the following equations:
N (number) of flats on any given rides = N of CO2 carts you have + 1

And there is always the possibility of a CO2 mishap that would make you lose a cartridge (happened to me this weekend).

Don't jinx yourself, always carry a pump, especially if you ride in somewhat isolated areas.

Good advise Grog I'm checking out CO2 pumps on Performance right now. Thanks!

[DebTX]

Congratulations to you!

Today I changed my first flat, and am tickled to get that over and done with. I was so darn scared about it, and it was much easier than I thought. Getting the wheel back on the bike (rear wheel) was the most challenging part, but I fiddled a bit and finally got the chain where it should be.

I was lucky that my first flat happened in the garage, so I was able to change it at home, not outside in the midst of a hot, sweaty ride (that was a gift from the cycle gods!) But it worked pretty easily and now it's one less thing to be scared of out there (yay, I love when the "I'm scared" list gets shorter instead of longer!)