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Riding along, sun going down, about 15 minutes from home when I hear this weird noise that I have never heard before. Sounded like something was in the spokes slapping the frame every time around. Then I realized what happened. I was about 1/4 mile from the nearest gas station. I had to get there because it was going to be dark soon. So I walked it over. I am glad I have the SPD shoes that you can still walk in. Took me about 45 minutes to figure out what I was doing. Broke both plastic tools that came with the repair kit. Just as I was filling up, a cop in an unmarked car pulled up and watched me. Didn't say a word, just watched. Like someone said before, I must have looked like I knew what I was doing with the tools scattered all about. Because nobody stopped to see if I needed help. I had two pin holes to patch. I am glad I double checked the tire after I put the patch on the first hole. I made it home and am taking the tire into the shop today to get the tube replaced. I am too afraid of getting the tube pinched or something. I really need to attend a seminar to learn how to do it right.

10 Wheels

Had 23 flats a so far this year.

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You must have changing a flat down to a science by now. I hope it doesn't take me 45 minutes next time. I made the mistake of inflating the tire before I put it back on the frame. I was pushing and shoving and realised the tire was hitting the brakes. I was covered in black gunk from head to toe.

Jersh

Just do a quick Google search for 'fix flat bike tire' and you should find all sorts of videos and webpages with photos that walk you through it. Practice taking your tire off the rim and replacing the tube at home, so that next time it happens when you're riding it's not so disruptive/stressful. I carry 3 tire levers, a small patch kit, a spare tube, and 3 CO2 canisters in my saddle bag, this all I need to fix a flat in a matter of a few minutes.

Also, when you take your bike in to your LBS, ask them if there is a way to open your brake calipers so that you can slide your tire in easier. My brakes have a little lever on them that I can turn to open the calipers and this makes it easier to slide an inflated tire in.

socalrider

here is the howcast video on fixing a flat.. It is always much easier if you just have a spare tube..

https://www.howcast.com/videos/238393...ir-a-Bike-Tire

billyymc

Here's a tip to make it go faster next time (assuming you're patching rather than replacing).

As soon as you hear the noise of the air escaping, jump off the bike and try to find the puncture as quickly as you can -- you can usually find it and often there is still glass or some object in the tire so be careful.

Then - do NOT take your wheel off. Instead, put the puncture at the top of the wheel, deflate the tube if it is still inflated, and simply pull about six inches of tube out of the tire/wheel. You'll have to unseat about 10 or so inches of tire to do this. Go about readying the area for the patch - rough it up, put the glue on, and while it's drying carefully check the inside of your tire to see if the offending object is still in there. If it is, remove it. By now your glue should be dry -- if it's not, spread it around a little with your fingers (if they're clean). Put your patch on and press on firmly, holding the tube in your palm and pounding the patch with the tail of your pump.

Put the exposed tube back in the tire, put the unseated tire section back on the wheel, inflate, and ride.

If you have more than one puncture, this might not work. But if I'm in a hurry I can do this in under 5 minutes easily. The most time consuming part is inflating to a decent pressure.

Get some decent tire levers, or a good multi-tool that includes tire levers. And do carrry a spare tube on longer rides especially -- in case you get a flat that can't be patched.

sstorkel

Pedro's Tire Levers are awesome! I have a pair for every bike I own. I've changed numerous tires, including some that were incredibly difficult to mount, and I've yet to break one... Highly recommended!

bautieri

Quik Stiks are the bee-knees! Ask about them at the bike shop, they are usually near the register in one of those beef jerky tubs.

Engyo

I have had very good luck to far with much thicker (thorn-proof) tubes and kevlar tires. No flats since mounting them, after several hundred miles. Yes, they are heavier.

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I actually had a tube with me. The holes were small enough to fix with the peel off patches. Saving the tube for a blowout. I was struggling getting the tire back on. There was some glass still in the tire. Not sure if that is what caused it. The LBS replaced the tube and showed me how to disconnect the calipers so I can get an inflated tire on now. So it was worth taking in this time.

I am riding a Trek 7.3FX, so I don't know how the standard tires/tubes compare to an alternative. I have been happy with the bike so far. The flat came at about 650 miles.

cyccommute 

We had 27 flats on 4 bikes this weekend. Curiously 4 of the 8 wheels had none and one poor soul got 24 of them herself My bike was absolutely unscathed. The 4 without flats were a tubeless tire and 3 wheels equiped with Mr. Tuffys.

nymtber

Armadillo tires...

I had GREAT luck with Michelin Krylion Carbon, back when I had a road bike. Thinking of some Armadillo Elite tires for my Sirrus. Time will tell...

CliftonGK1

I'm a big fan of Intense brand steel levers. They're a bit longer than others for better leverage, and of course they're a little on the heavy side if you're being a weight-watcher on your gear. But you'll never break one, even if you use it to mount new tires on a city bus.

I've been lucky with flats so far and only had 3 this year (I think. Maybe 4.) I totally forgot about the speed patch method billyymc mentioned; I could have used that on my ride this weekend. Came through an intersection and my ride partner said "What's that noise?" so we pulled into a parking lot. Sure 'nuf, there's a big old twisty bit of steel belting wire sticking out of my tire like a whisker. I took the whole thing apart to patch it, when I could have just pulled the section of tube since it was really obvious where the problem was!

AiredaleII

Great tip, thank you.

Mr. Beanz

I have a ligthweight friend that was complaining about flats on the Elites just the other day. But who knows!

My Armadillo is one of the big fat heavy suckers! It stands in the middle of the room by itself! I just put it on as a training tire since I had it and it was $35 so figured I'd use it for something. It's 700X25 and it's HEAVY! I've used it on several training rides through the mountains and lots of happy flatfree miles. Felt like and anchor at first but once I got used to it, it aint all that bad.

Now that I've got nearly 5,000 flatfree miles this year, I'm starting to like it!

But that gawd awful red color bugs the tar outta me! But I'm using it till it wears out.

More flat free happy miles this morn!

10 Wheels

You need one red water bottle to match the tire.

Mr. Beanz

....that would really drive me nuts!