Utility Cycling - My first flat on my Yuba Mundo- of course its the rear one!

I decided to take it into the LBS because it's due for a tune up anyway (my free one after purchase) and I need to try to avoid this from recurring as much as possible- therefore its time for some thorn proof liners and tubes.

I've heard about different tires that might be helpful for an area with goatheads- what would you folks recommend for someone on a budget? I have to avoid flats as much as possible because I can't fix them roadside with the toddler on the back- too dangerous. Can anyone recommend a website too for inexpensive tires or am I generally best going though my LBS?
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What size tires does your bike use?

In addition to tires with a Kevlar belt, two other anti-goathead measures are tire liners and putting some sealant (like Slime) inside the tubes. Sounds like you're already planning on adding liners.

Thorn Resistant inner tubes.. 2x the price but 4x the rubber.
Schwalbe marathon plus tires
put the tire liner stuff under the tread , outside of the casing
inside the tire the overlap of the strip liner
moves with every rotation, and so will eventually make a hole in the tube.

What size tires does your bike use?

In addition to tires with a Kevlar belt, two other anti-goathead measures are tire liners and putting some sealant (like Slime) inside the tubes. Sounds like you're already planning on adding liners.

They are 26x2.00 tires.. thanks

Thorn Resistant inner tubes.. 2x the price but 4x the rubber.
Schwalbe marathon plus tires
put the tire liner stuff under the tread , outside of the casing
inside the tire the overlap of the strip liner
moves with every rotation, and so will eventually make a hole in the tube.

good tip- thank you!

When buying thorn resistant tubes, be sure your tires are at the low end of the size range. The tubes are only thick on the outside, so all the stretch happens on the inside. I have had a new tube split when the tire was the max size it was spec'd for.

Aside from all the thorn proofing you can do. You might want to consider picking up a 'cobra tube'. http://www.amazon.com/Flybikes-Cobra-Schraeder-Valve-Eachh/dp/B005U5T8FS It's basically a temporary tube you can fit without having to remove the wheel. Nothing is puncture proof, and it's good to have a backup plan. These tubes might be workable with Jack on board. Just remember to swap it back to a regular tube when you get home.

Also, it's a good idea to practice in the back yard a few times so when it happens 'on the road' you won't have to think about what to do. You can just do it! I've done puncture repair with toddler twice now. It's not fun, but it is possible if you are really quick. Not having to wrestle the rear wheel off the bike helps hugely. As does letting the wee one work the pump :)

thanks kevbo!!

Aside from all the thorn proofing you can do. You might want to consider picking up a 'cobra tube'. http://www.amazon.com/Flybikes-Cobra-Schraeder-Valve-Eachh/dp/B005U5T8FS It's basically a temporary tube you can fit without having to remove the wheel. Nothing is puncture proof, and it's good to have a backup plan. These tubes might be workable with Jack on board. Just remember to swap it back to a regular tube when you get home.

Also, it's a good idea to practice in the back yard a few times so when it happens 'on the road' you won't have to think about what to do. You can just do it! I've done puncture repair with toddler twice now. It's not fun, but it is possible if you are really quick. Not having to wrestle the rear wheel off the bike helps hugely. As does letting the wee one work the pump :)

I had heard of those cobra tubes last time I asked about this and yesterday I was thinking about them lol. Couldn't remember what they were called. I obviously need to buy a pump too!

I get about 5-6 rear wheel flats per front one, seems to be true on cars, bikes, and motorcycles. One theory is that nails and such lie flat on the ground, but the front wheel gives them a spin/nudge and sometimes they end up standing on end just when the back wheels pass over.

Just before I broke the frame on my commuter/utility bike I put new Schwalbe Marathons on it. I fixed all the goathead pinholes before putting the old tubes back. I had 13 in the front, and 2 in the rear. The rear has many more total patches, as I would do the pinholes whenever I got a big hole the slime couldn't seal. The last one was only a few days earlier and convinced me to go for the $chwalbes. Seems like the goatheads are equal opportunity tire pokers, but the big stuff waits for the back tire. 13 pinholes in that front tire, and the slime still had it holding air pretty well (top it off weekly). No flats on the Schwalbes, but I only rode them less than two weeks before the frame gave out. Surly Cross Check frame is due tomorrow, so I can continue my tire test. :)

Lindsay, if you decide to try the flybike cobra tubes, ebikestop had the best price I could find. Also carry some rope, cord, zipties or old shoe lace, so you can tie the old tube up to the left side of the rack out of the way...you won't be able to remove it without cutting it, or pulling the wheel, so just tie it up and patch it when you get home. You can patch a tube without removing the wheel from the bike, but it isn't really much easier, IME.

I get about 5-6 rear wheel flats per front one, seems to be true on cars, bikes, and motorcycles. One theory is that nails and such lie flat on the ground, but the front wheel gives them a spin/nudge and sometimes they end up standing on end just when the back wheels pass over.

Just before I broke the frame on my commuter/utility bike I put new Schwalbe Marathons on it. I fixed all the goathead pinholes before putting the old tubes back. I had 13 in the front, and 2 in the rear. The rear has many more total patches, as I would do the pinholes whenever I got a big hole the slime couldn't seal. The last one was only a few days earlier and convinced me to go for the $chwalbes. Seems like the goatheads are equal opportunity tire pokers, but the big stuff waits for the back tire. 13 pinholes in that front tire, and the slime still had it holding air pretty well (top it off weekly). No flats on the Schwalbes, but I only rode them less than two weeks before the frame gave out. Surly Cross Check frame is due tomorrow, so I can continue my tire test. :)

Lindsay, if you decide to try the flybike cobra tubes, ebikestop had the best price I could find. Also carry some rope, cord, zipties or old shoe lace, so you can tie the old tube up to the left side of the rack out of the way...you won't be able to remove it without cutting it, or pulling the wheel, so just tie it up and patch it when you get home. You can patch a tube without removing the wheel from the bike, but it isn't really much easier, IME.

Thank you Kevbo- always so much good info from you! cheers!

Well, I guess I'll be the first to suggest an airless tire.

Air Free Tires (http://www.airfreetires.com/)

There are probably other brands and places to buy them, if you look around.

I get about 5-6 rear wheel flats per front one, seems to be true on cars, bikes, and motorcycles. One theory is that nails and such lie flat on the ground, but the front wheel gives them a spin/nudge and sometimes they end up standing on end just when the back wheels pass over.

Just before I broke the frame on my commuter/utility bike I put new Schwalbe Marathons on it. I fixed all the goathead pinholes before putting the old tubes back. I had 13 in the front, and 2 in the rear. The rear has many more total patches, as I would do the pinholes whenever I got a big hole the slime couldn't seal. The last one was only a few days earlier and convinced me to go for the $chwalbes. Seems like the goatheads are equal opportunity tire pokers, but the big stuff waits for the back tire. 13 pinholes in that front tire, and the slime still had it holding air pretty well (top it off weekly). No flats on the Schwalbes, but I only rode them less than two weeks before the frame gave out. Surly Cross Check frame is due tomorrow, so I can continue my tire test. :)

Lindsay, if you decide to try the flybike cobra tubes, ebikestop had the best price I could find. Also carry some rope, cord, zipties or old shoe lace, so you can tie the old tube up to the left side of the rack out of the way...you won't be able to remove it without cutting it, or pulling the wheel, so just tie it up and patch it when you get home. You can patch a tube without removing the wheel from the bike, but it isn't really much easier, IME.

Well, I guess I'll be the first to suggest an airless tire.

Air Free Tires (http://www.airfreetires.com/)

There are probably other brands and places to buy them, if you look around.

Be careful, do not use the "air free" word! It is like swearing in church. Soon they are going to verbally beat you up for not watching your mouth. Hide while you can..:innocent:

What's wrong with airfree? I have zero interest in fixing flats and my LBS is quite the distance from my house. I thought it looked like a good idea. I can just imagine being stuck at the side of the road trying to keep 3 small children occupied while I change a flat. If I can bypass that, it sounds great.

I've never tried one so can't say firsthand, but I would think that the rolling resistance / ride quality on an 'air-free' would be pretty horrific.

Speaking from a position of total ignorance here.

Air free tires are harder, create more rolling resistance on real surfaces (as opposed to smooth "lab" surfaces), and give a harsh ride. Pneumatic (air-filled) tires were invented for a reason. Feel free to spend your money on them, but you'll probably switch back... or give up and quit riding. :eek:

The least-likely-to-flat setup you can ride is probably the Schwalbe Marathon Plus and Schwalbe tubes. It'll cost just a little more than airless tires. They're heavy, but that's not a huge issue on a cargo bike.

You really should carry a spare tube, patch kit, and pump. Learn to change a tube. It's not too hard. I understand the problems with several bored children to watch, but maybe they'll be impressed with "Mommy fixed the bike!"

I've never tried one so can't say firsthand, but I would think that the rolling resistance / ride quality on an 'air-free' would be pretty horrific.

Speaking from a position of total ignorance here.
I'm also speaking from a position of ignorance, (as I've yet to change the stock tires on my current loaner bike, and don't feel like changing them prior to buying whichever bike I finally do decide on), but the website I linked to touts someone using their tires to do amateur racing.

Setting yourself up with the right tires/tubes/liners to avoid flats is good planning. Not being prepared to fix a flat on your own is poor planning. If you have never repaired a flat tire on your bike, I recommend practicing it in a controlled environment (e.g. your garage, parking lot @ your apt., etc.).

I used to do maintenance on my car for years. Oil changes, rotating tyres, spark plugs, minor repairs, changing brakes etc... I'm sure I can change a tyre. I just hate being put on the spot, hence I always drove newer vehicles so I wouldn't be stuck on the side of the road with a problem. It's one thing to do maintenance/repairs in a change of clothes on my driveway. It's different on the side of the road.

How often do you get flats? I think I'll go with pneumatic tyres, but if flats happen as often as it comes up on bikeforums, I might go airfree.

It varies with road conditions, thorns, glass, etc. Also riding style (in the gutter with the rubbish, or further out in the 'clean' bit of the road, etc.

No thorns here, but plenty of broken glass (ahhhhh, Glasgow) I run Schwalbe Big Apples, which have a some kind of puncture protection, but not as tough as Marathon Pluses. I'm getting what I would guess about 3 flat a year on average, over the course of maybe 1000 miles a year. Interestingly, when I wasn't working from home I was riding about 3k a year and I had the same number flats... Go figure

Also, for those who are thinking about practicing fixing a flat. Do it at least once in the dark, preferably in the rain or snow. The process might be the same, but I find those conditions make fixing a flat an entirely different kettle of fish.

How often do you get flats? I think I'll go with pneumatic tyres, but if flats happen as often as it comes up on bikeforums, I might go airfree.

I only get flats two or three times each year. That is spreading about 10,000 miles per year over several bikes. I have never had one on my Yuba, but I am usually prepared for it if I do, which includes having the atypical wrench size to get the rear wheel off. I have schwalbe marathons on one bike and got my first flat in a few years on those tires this winter before the studded tires went on. Other bikes/tires are more problematic.


Also, for those who are thinking about practicing fixing a flat. Do it at least once in the dark, preferably in the rain or snow. The process might be the same, but I find those conditions make fixing a flat an entirely different kettle of fish.

Dark and/or rain doesn't affect me much. But trying to fix a flat when your fingers don't want to work right due to the cold is just not fun.

This reads like a fairly objective review of one airless tire:

http://felixwong.com/2006/12/air-free-tires/

Be sure and read the embedded updates regarding poor customer service from one supplier.

How often do you get flats? I think I'll go with pneumatic tyres, but if flats happen as often as it comes up on bikeforums, I might go airfree.

It seems to go in cycles. I can go months without a flat, and then have 3 in the same week. The last time that happened it was along the same 100' or so of road. There must of have been something evil spread along that stretch, but I never found anything in the tire, and couldn't see anything on the road either. Part of what you are reading is sample bias. Nobody wants to talk about not having flats for months on end for fear of jinxing themselves!

I think people underestimate having a 20 month old baby to watch while changing a flat is not by any means realistic, on the side of the road or in a garage for that matter. He is old enough to climb, push and run and not old enough to be trustworthy to listen to direction. I'm not on any superwoman quest to prove anything, even if I got a flat beside a play structure I still wouldn't let my child play unassisted because he thinks he can fly.

I don't have a double kickstand yet so removing the rear wheel on a yuba with a peanut seat is simply not easy, call it bad planning or whatever you will- I simply don't intend on fixing a rear flat on the side of the road EVER. Does that mean I'm going to have to walk, call a cab or possibly get stranded occasionally- YEP. Can I fix a flat, yes done it a hundred times, I could do that when I was 9.

All I really need is the least likely to get a flat option...and of course a patch kit, small tool kit and a pump with me at all times. As long as I know I've done all I can to avoid flats I'll be happy. I think checking tire pressure everyday or so will help too, pretty sure I got a pinch going over a bump.

I think people underestimate having a 20 month old baby to watch while changing a flat is not by any means realistic, on the side of the road or in a garage for that matter. He is old enough to climb, push and run and not old enough to be trustworthy to listen to direction. I'm not on any superwoman quest to prove anything, even if I got a flat beside a play structure I still wouldn't let my child play unassisted because he thinks he can fly.

I know exactly what you are talking about. I've got a 4 year old and a 1.5 year old, and got a flat recently with them both in tow. Now, they were in the trailer so I could just leave them strapped in while I went about my business. Of course, this percisley when the younger decides he wants out an throws a tantum; flailing arms striking his impressively patient sister. Letting him play with the air pump helped.

Depending on how active the kid is, it's only doable if you can keep the kid strapped in, and I'm not sure how you will do that on a Yuba even with the double leg stand. Maybe the cobra tubes would work, but you'd certainly have to practice unseating and reseating the bead with the bike upright. I don't even want to think about doing that with all tubes around the Yuba's rear wheel.

Yeah, Marathon Plus tyres are the way to go.

Thanks for the info. I used to ride bikes all the time but I don't remember getting a flat. I'll prepare for the worst but hope my record stands. I would have thought the street cleaners would have picked up garbage along the curb. I see them spring through fall.

Thanks for the info. I used to ride bikes all the time but I don't remember getting a flat. I'll prepare for the worst but hope my record stands. I would have thought the street cleaners would have picked up garbage along the curb. I see them spring through fall.

The cars going past push all the junk to the side of the road. Where the car tyre's track has the least debris.

When I was that age, mom had a harness and leash for me. Seems to have gone out of fashion as families have gotten smaller.

When I was that age, mom had a harness and leash for me. Seems to have gone out of fashion as families have gotten smaller.

They still have them Kevbo. Jack has on but he can get out of it in less than 2 seconds!

I know exactly what you are talking about. I've got a 4 year old and a 1.5 year old, and got a flat recently with them both in tow. Now, they were in the trailer so I could just leave them strapped in while I went about my business. Of course, this percisley when the younger decides he wants out an throws a tantum; flailing arms striking his impressively patient sister. Letting him play with the air pump helped.

Depending on how active the kid is, it's only doable if you can keep the kid strapped in, and I'm not sure how you will do that on a Yuba even with the double leg stand. Maybe the cobra tubes would work, but you'd certainly have to practice unseating and reseating the bead with the bike upright. I don't even want to think about doing that with all tubes around the Yuba's rear wheel.

Yeah, Marathon Plus tyres are the way to go.

I think even with the double kickstand it would be a bit risky. A trailer would be helpful but would make the yuba slightly redundant for me lol

The cars going past push all the junk to the side of the road. Where the car tyre's track has the least debris.

thats exactly it!

I've used leash's before. I've also been accosted in the street by complete strangers for "disrespecting" my child using a leash. Of course, small children shouldn't walk they belong strapped down in strollers. @@

I just love it when strangers tell me how to raise my children.

For the benefit of those of us who do not yet have children, what would be the feasibility of this scenario?

In the context of Youaintgotjack's setup, leaving the child strapped in, while laying the bike down, derailleur-side down?

If one had a spare tube zip-tied to the frame and a set of tire levers, one could simply switch the punctured tube for a fresh tube in all of 5 minutes, without removing the wheel, even with as many bars as the Yuba has in that area...The child is the variable which is unknown to me.

When I was that age, mom had a harness and leash for me. Seems to have gone out of fashion as families have gotten smaller.

I remember the good old days when mom used to harness me up to the bicycle.

Either the Schwab Marathon's or the Specialized Armadillos will work for you. I went from a flat a week down to two in six months, both from nails.

+1 to one of the Schwalbe Marathon tires, they are a bit pricey but seem to do the job well

For the benefit of those of us who do not yet have children, what would be the feasibility of this scenario?

In the context of Youaintgotjack's setup, leaving the child strapped in, while laying the bike down, derailleur-side down?


The bike would have to be able to stay upright, and STABLE, if the kid was going to remain strapped in.

+1 to one of the Schwalbe Marathon tires, they are a bit pricey but seem to do the job well

The big apples come in sizes more appropriate for the Mundo...pretty similar tires.

The big apples come in sizes more appropriate for the Mundo...pretty similar tires.

I prefer the Big Apple's to the standard Marathons, but as far as puncture resistance the Marathon Plus is in an entirely different league.

For the benefit of those of us who do not yet have children, what would be the feasibility of this scenario?

In the context of Youaintgotjack's setup, leaving the child strapped in, while laying the bike down, derailleur-side down?

If one had a spare tube zip-tied to the frame and a set of tire levers, one could simply switch the punctured tube for a fresh tube in all of 5 minutes, without removing the wheel, even with as many bars as the Yuba has in that area...The child is the variable which is unknown to me.


As a parent, be as convincing as possible to keep your child away from the road. Try to get them to participate if you can get their interest. They younger they are, the less likely this is.

I wouldn't leave him in the seat with it on its side- face head on ground, uncomfortable, dangerous. If you saw the seat with the child in it and the bike- you would see how that wouldn't work.

Accidents happen all the time, when I had a child I promised to protect him as much as possible from any foreseeable danger, which is why I bought a bike in the first place. I can honestly say from a mum's prospective there is no easy answer to this question for Jack's age/accountability level.

If you watch a group of toddlers at play, which I did just yesterday you can see multitudes of different levels of mental and physical ability even in similar sized/aged children. My child is very advanced physically- he can pass tests for kids a year older and has amazing dexterity and balance. But mentally he's still a 21 month old who by all means does everything a 3 year old can.
The issue with toddlers is their whole mind set is "LEARN, and LEARN everything you can"- toddlers translate this into testing boundaries of physical and emotional self. Examining in depth everything and touching, feeling, tasting the entire world. I know we all know this- but the point I'm trying to make is no child at Jack's emotional level should be trusted beside a road for any amount of time without a firm hand holding theirs and a person whose job is to give that child 99.9% of their focus. Nothing anyone can say will change my mind on that. I am around children all the time- literally- and they still amaze me in their ability to find danger in a split second- even in a child proofed home.

Two examples that come to mind- last week my child had a bunch of keys he was playing with that Id handed to him to keep his hands busy whilst I put the groceries away. After trying to put them in the utility room keyhole- he decided the electric outlet was a keyhole! This took less than a second from door to outlet. That is my child! haha and he's 100% normal- they are all like that!

I'm very much the kind of parent that prefers to let my kids 'learn things the hard way'. Bumps, bruises, and tears are all very effective teachers regarding the nature of the big, bad world.

That said, I would never consider letting a 20-something month old at the side of the road without my full and complete attention, and a firm grasp on their hand.

Yup, no roadside puncture repair with toddler unless you can keep 'em restrained in a seat / trailer / whatever.

This is something that I too will soon have to come with a solution to, as the trailer is being exchanged for a cargo bike with a passenger compartment.

Forget thorn proof liners and tubes, get better tires.

We use the ESGE double legged kickstands and IF, I remember right, they, "highly" recommend NOT leaving a "child in the child seat" while the bike is on the "stand", FYI. That Yuba is hefty bike and the double legged stands do have recommended weight limits, ours are listed for "25 KG" max. load. I'd go with getting some "Marathon Extremes" and using a "tire sealer" too! We recommend a product called: TRUE GOO, it's not full of "fibers" like Slime, etc. so it won't "PLUG UP" valve cores, and doesn't "spit back at you near as much" when you air up the tube from our experiences over many years! YMMV.

How far from home do you usually go with Jack in the seat? If you still get a flat despite good puncture-resistant tires, sealant, etc. there may also be the option of just riding home with the flat tire. I've done this on a couple occasions when something went wrong with my flat-changing toolset and discovered that it's not nearly as bad as I feared as long as I kept my speed down. The ride's bumpier, the handling a little squirrelly, and it's harder to pedal, but at up to about 10 mph it was very manageable and surprisingly there was no damage at all as a result of riding up to 6 miles on the flat - not to the rim and not even to the tire.

Hi folks- so I ended up going to my LBS on Friday and they recommended liners and the pre-slimed tubes. For $59 I got the tubes and liners fitted with a 12 month no flat guarantee (free repair and replacement if I get a flat). I managed to borrow a pump from my mum and it has a P.S.I. gauge built in. I'm also trying to learn what the right pressure feels like so I can just stop at a gas station if needed.

I know there are a multitude of different opinions on this subject and have appreciated everyone's comments. It seemed like this was the most affordable fix for me at the time and the simplest. The LBS owner said the only downside would be the added weight and we all had a chuckle about that because honestly that is not on my "worry radar" for the time being.

Since fitting the flat I've been out twice and took my longest ride to date (just over 10 miles). I honestly haven't noticed any change in weight at all between baby gear and my gear- I couldn't tell.

Thank you all for your help and comments! Love this forum!

I'm very much the kind of parent that prefers to let my kids 'learn things the hard way'. Bumps, bruises, and tears are all very effective teachers regarding the nature of the big, bad world.

That said, I would never consider letting a 20-something month old at the side of the road without my full and complete attention, and a firm grasp on their hand.

Yup, no roadside puncture repair with toddler unless you can keep 'em restrained in a seat / trailer / whatever.

This is something that I too will soon have to come with a solution to, as the trailer is being exchanged for a cargo bike with a passenger compartment.

I totally agree- I have no issue with bumps and bruises- but taking potentially life threatening risks is just not me. I think this would be a judgement best left to the individual parent based on location at time of flat and accountability and maturity level of the child. Good luck with your solution:) Let me know!


We use the ESGE double legged kickstands and IF, I remember right, they, "highly" recommend NOT leaving a "child in the child seat" while the bike is on the "stand", FYI. That Yuba is hefty bike and the double legged stands do have recommended weight limits, ours are listed for "25 KG" max. load. I'd go with getting some "Marathon Extremes" and using a "tire sealer" too! We recommend a product called: TRUE GOO, it's not full of "fibers" like Slime, etc. so it won't "PLUG UP" valve cores, and doesn't "spit back at you near as much" when you air up the tube from our experiences over many years! YMMV.

Yeah, I have stepped back to take a picture with him in the seat if its leaning against something for extra support, but it just seems too dodgy for extended time over a split second or two. I have a Yuba double kickstand on my list of wants/needs.


How far from home do you usually go with Jack in the seat? If you still get a flat despite good puncture-resistant tires, sealant, etc. there may also be the option of just riding home with the flat tire. I've done this on a couple occasions when something went wrong with my flat-changing toolset and discovered that it's not nearly as bad as I feared as long as I kept my speed down. The ride's bumpier, the handling a little squirrelly, and it's harder to pedal, but at up to about 10 mph it was very manageable and surprisingly there was no damage at all as a result of riding up to 6 miles on the flat - not to the rim and not even to the tire.

It really depends- I just did my first 10 mile ride, and I hope to just keep building on that. I'm sure if it was a slow leak I could fill it and ride it until it was low. I asked at the LBS and they reckoned It would be fine with Jack's weight in his seat with no air but probably would just walk myself or call a taxi (we have van ones around here).

In some countrys peopel carry theyr children strapped to the back (or resting on the hip when they get older and heavyer). I did it myself after learning it in Africa but it is also done in the far east. If your child is used to being carryed like this and you can take the load I am sure it is possible to fix a flat with th echild temporearely strapped to your body like that, at least for us who are used to fixing flats and can do it fast.

Reading this thread I have also been thinking: Is it possible to remowe the seat from the bike, one way or another place it securely on the ground and keep the child in the seat that it is used to sit in without the risk of falling over with the bike? You could use your modifyed milkcrate childseat for this or invent some sturdy legs or frame for your seat to be placed on the ground as described.:thumb:

I used wraps to carry my oldest and youngest a lot. He's too big for me now. But at 18 months, that would work nicely.