First flat - and I could not fix it!
 

Alright, its been a year that I have had my Bianchi Tallada road bike with the real narrow tires. Anyways, got my first flat - back tire. Got the tire off and had a hassel getting the new tube in. The problem I had was the inflate stem, it would come all the way through the rim - so I couldnt get my pump to latch on! I was a mile from work and a presentation 25 minutes away - called a co-worker and had her pick me up. Needless to say- I felt like a real tool. Any helpful tips, this is my first bike with the real narrow tires and all. thanks,

the stem would or would not come all the way through the rim?

Bummer! :( I assume it uses Presta valves?

If the stem just doesn't stick out far enough to get a solid lock on it with your pump, try using a Presta-to-Schrader adapter, which is usually only $1-2, and set your pump's head for Schrader. That extends the valve and keeps it from falling into the rim while you pump.

The stem would come totally through. Should I have put on the litttle nut that comes with the tube, put that on right away after inserting the stem through the rim. I have shimano rims that have the oval shape to them, almost making it more difficult to push the stem in all the way. Also, it sure was hard trying to get the tire back on without pinching the tube or getting it twisted - I was very frustrated. Im just going to take it to the local shop and have them show me how to do it. I have a time trial this weekend, I better know how to do it right - I wont have a cell phone on me during that.

I see, you have a pair of the Shimano wheels along the lines of these, right?

http://bike.shimano.com/wheels/images/roadwh6500.jpg

Do you use an inner tube with a super-long valve natively, or do you use an inner tube with a standard-length (short) valve plus a valve extender?

Couple hints / tips for your next attempt.

Yes, put the little nut back on the stem prior to connecting your pump, be sure the tire is on the rim correctly at the valve location because the tube will trap the tire to the rim at this point. This is actually helpful, it's almost like a third hand holding the tire on the rim for you.

Slightly (very sllightly for road bikes) inflate the tube before trying to reassemble the tire / tube / rim combo. That will help you with positioning the tube. CAUTION: Pre-inflating the tube to much will cause you other problems.

Best wishes in the TT

If you're out in the boonies, and don't have a dork-nut on the stem, press the base of the stem (through the tire) against the rim, to stop it from pushing through.

And an aside from roadbuzz's encyclopedia of cycling lessons, volume 208, lesson #16,086,597:
Every so often, in the comfort of your home or garage, change a tire, or deflate, dismount, and remount a tube and tire using only your on-the-road bike tools. Especially if you use a frame pump. This way you can be sure everything is working when you have a roadside flat, and you'll have some sense what pressure is right, etc. (Be sure to check your patch kit from time to time, too. Vulcanizing glue dries up.)

From the sound of it mechBgon is right. I had the same problem with the wheels/tube on my cross bike. It came with the super long presta valves. No local bike shop had any. The standard presta valves don't protrude far enough to get the nut on. But if you leave the valve open and put on a Schrader adaptor, it will work fine. Mine's been like that for a couple months now with no problems.

nikos, you will be able to figure it out, there's always a first time to everything

nikos,
You gotta go with 60mm long valve stem innertubes. It is a standard size you should find anywhere. 45mm is ok for the Shimanos too but it doesn't hurt for that extra length for the pump to grab.

Shimano wheels such as those pictured above are notoriously difficult to change tires on. The rim is really narrow and tall, meaning you have to pull that tire WAY over the top to get it seated. It is very easy to pinch flat the Shimano wheels while changing tires. It takes a bit of practice- it's not the quick n' easy change as some other wheelsets.

60mm valves and some talc on the tube will make life a bit easier.
Good luck!

Yeah, it was the short stem, not the extended. The bike shop that I purchased my Bianchi from tossed me some extra tubes with the bike, and they were the wrong ones. Well, got the extended and a quick lesson in changing.

Nikos, I have had really good luck with Torelli extra long valve inter tubes. I just picked up 20 tubes from the LBS for $100! Should last me a few years! ;)

Joe, wow, that is a real bargain,, some time last week I was buying inner tubes like crazy, Like they cost me $9.00 per tube and that is 15 % tax. that , is a real bargain....

I guess you're expecting a few flats. :D