fast89fox

I was about 4 miles into my ride and the rear tire started feeling funny. So I pulled over and discovered the Presta valve core had completely sheared off. Luckily I had a spare tube but have never changed a bicycle tube before.

Being the rear tire if was a little more difficult getting the rim off, but not too bad. I would suggest that anyone who has never had a flat take off their rear tire and deflate it then remove the tube and reinstall it. I have pretty good mechanical skills being that I worked as a mechanic for a few years before changing careers. I can see where a rear tire flat could be challenging to someone with limited mechanical skills.

It definitely helped having a mini pump, spare tire, levers and a pair of nitrile gloves. All in all not that bad, but hope it doesn't happen too often. I have a patch kit also but I'm thinking about carrying 2 spare tubes in the future.

To top off my excellent evening, I also was chased by a dog I have never seen on this route before. I really didn't know I was capable of 23-24 mph on flat ground until this helpful dog challenged me for over a quarter mile lol. A nice evening ride for sure but glad its not the norm.

GeoBigJon

Sounds like a productive ride with some good advice to be learned by others.

fast89fox

Yeah it was. My 22 mile ride turned into 14 miles but what can you do right. My biggest worry now is the dog, I carry pepper spray and thought I was prepared. But when it actually did happen, I totally forgot about the pepper spray and adrenalin kicked in. I know that I'm not going to be able to outrun all dogs so now I'm trying to figure out a strategy. I am really thinking about getting one of those loud air horns but not sure if it would be effective or not. The clipless pedals put a new spin on this as well because I'm not sure how fast I can unclip in a stressful situation.

But back to the flat, I really think if a rider has never changed a tube they should do it a couple of times before they have to. Not that bad, but I know everyones mechanical skills vary. Definitely glad I had all the stuff I needed though.

Mr. Beanz

.............

There are a couple of hints that make removing the rear wheel very easy.

fast89fox

Actually nothing was hard about it. I was just suggesting that if you have never removed the rear wheel and broke down a tire that it might be a good idea to practice it before it happens. I'm sure seasoned riders would have no problem with it. Just thought maybe someone new to cycling might benefit from my experience tonight.

Mr. Beanz

Ahhh! I just thought it would be nice if you included a few tips that aided in making your experience run a bit smoother. I didn't want to hijack your thread

chefisaac

mr beanz: go on.... explain please.....

I learned that changing your gears to the smallest rings on both makes the wheel come off easily.

fast89fox

A few tips ok. My advice is be prepared and have a spare tube, levers,patch kit, disposable gloves and a mini pump or co2 inflator.

1. as stated above put your chain on the smallest gear.

2. When removing the axle skewer remember the correct orientation of the springs. You may also want to hold off on the gloves until the skewer is out so you don't lose small parts you will never find again in the grass.

3. once you have the wheel off look around for any obvious reason for the flat. Mine was broken Presta valve

4. tire levers make this much easier. Put lever under tire bead and push down and attach lever to spoke. Now put another lever in gap between tire and rim. from there the bead just slides off.

5. I would recommend just taking off one bead. It depends on how your tire goes flat but its a good idea to check the inside of your tire for something that may have pierced it.

6. put just enough air in the new to tube to give it shape

7. when putting the new tube in, take your time and make sure the tube is seated properly

8 start putting the bead on by hand as far as you can go then pop it on with the lever

9. inflate and reinstall

This is not very hard to do. I just wanted to let others know who haven't had a flat to practice beforehand. I would watch a Youtube video for a better understanding.

Mr. Beanz

Not bad!

But one doesn't need to remove the springs etc. or remove the skewer. You unclip the lever, spin the cone thingy around about 4 times and it releases the tension so that the wheel slips out without removing the entire skewer. If the lever doesn't release, a slight push of the skewer from side to side will loosen things up.

I also use the small gear in the back and the big gear in the front so that the chain is furthest position to the outside.

While replacing the wheel, I place the cogs between the chain, line up the top section of chain with the small cog by eye, then press down on the derailleur cage near the lower pulley, this gives lots of chain slack so that things slide right into the correct spot easily. Spin the cone on the skewer a few times till snug, voila!

We is crafty aint we?!

Mithrandir

Removing it is easy. My problem is putting the damned thing back on. I might have the wrong chain length on my bike, because with my new derailleur it's ridiculously difficult trying to fit the axle back into the dropout; the guiding wheels are just too close and it's tough trying to bend the wheels out of the way while simultaneously trying to fit the wheel back in.

And it's always the rear that flats. I've never had the front go flat. Which I suppose is very good news, considering front flats can be deadly if they occur at an inoportune time!

Mithrandir

Indeed. My advice to everyone:

Practice maintenance on your bike at home using only the tools you carry with you on the road. Try adjusting the seat, the handlebars, the derailleurs, and changing tubes. This will give you a great idea of how difficult it is, and what tools you may be missing that your X-tool multitool doesn't have.

Mr. Beanz

Hmm, I find it best to bend over forward, saddle placed behind me (actually at the back of my armpit). This way I am supporting the bike with my arm (back pit).

I push down on the pulley to swing the der forward. This opens a big gap in the chain between top and bottom levels (of chain).

Place rear skewer between top and bottom of chain lining up top level onto small rear cog.

Even if the chain was too long, swinging the bottom pulley forward would open up a big space between top and lower levels of chain to perform wheel replacement.

Lower body down placing the dropouts right onto the skewer with no interference of the chain.

Mr. Beanz

OK, this is a clyde exclusive! ...This is how I remove my rear wheel easily. Method I 'splained above somewhere.

Mithrandir

You know now that you posted that, I think part of my problem is that I never pay attention to what cog the chain was on because I'm too frustrated by the fact that I got a flat.

I'll have to remember to do that next time.

Mr. Beanz

It's funny, I've done centuries with some very experienced () riders that pride themselves on being self sufficient. One guy flatted and got so shook up that he almost started crying then threatened to toss his bike into the trash. We sat there and watched him whimper through a bad patch job then a second tube replacement all in one sitting.

We were on a century and we hoped to be back by dark so I took the bike from him and fixed 'er up with in 5 minutes or so. Sometimes it's faster to relax and do it in 5 minutes rather than trying to do it in 2 but having to repeat 5 times.

CraigB

That's a slick little trick where you push down on the pully, B. I've never done that before because my frames always had a chain hanger on them, which always kept the chain out of the way and gave me lots of space to get the gear cluster back in place. But the new Cannondale doesn't have a chain hanger, so I'll have to keep your technique in mind.

Mr. Beanz

Cool, works like a charm! I'll show the Clydes my smooth 'n' easy method, Clyde exclusive!

Mithrandir

You just made me slap my forehead very hard. Oh wow.

Ok so for years I've been baffled by this little metal thing hanging off the chain-side seatstay. I've always wondered why the hell it's not on the left side, and what it could possibly be used for. I figured it might have something to do with a rack design that I haven't yet run across.

So when you said your frame had a chain hanger, I wondered what that could be for a second, then my mind made a brilliant mental connection and suddenly realised that's what that's for. Holy hell. It all makes sense now...

Rimmer

I'm glad my first flat was close to my place maybe about a mile. I have wire bead tires which I heard are harder to mount, but it could be my rim/tire combination. They’re just too damn tight. Removing the tire is easy. Getting it on is not as easy. It's impossible for me to get the last part with my fingers. I need to use the levers toward the end and use some force. Start the side by the valve should make it easier. I wish I learned first how to do it with something else.

zandoval 

Me too - I had a hell of a ride with two flats a broken spoke and a freewheel wedged chain - I have had off and on problems with Self adhesive patches but today I learned that even old not leaking self adhesive patches cannot hold up to 100+ degree weather - Two patches more or less melted off of the same tube on my ride today - Bastrop Tx temp was about 103+ but I am sure the asphalt was much hotter - For me its back to vulcanized patches only and a few self adhesive scabs as back up just in case my glue dries up...

fast89fox

I never thought of doing it this way. Hey i know I'm a bike nooby, but I did get back home without pushing lol. I will try your way next time and I am sure there will be a next time.

Mr. Beanz

If you ride, there will be several down the road. One thing to do is be patient. As mentioned before, I've watched others fuss with the wheel 5 times over trying to hurry. I've had to take the bike, a deep breath, relax then do it for them in a matter of seconds.

fotoflojoe

Great tips. Thanks for the video Mr. Beanz - good stuff!
Tangential question: how do you all carry a spare tube? I got the largest seat wedge I could find (large Specialized Wedgie?). Even expanded, it's barely large enough to hold a patch kit, levers, three allens, a tiny crescent wrench and my cell phone. I can't imagine trying to stuff a tube in there, let alone two of them. And this is the largest wedge I've seen. I'm baffled, how do you do it?

Thanks!

Dean7

Flats happen but I'm glad to hear you conquered this one like a man.

Mr. Beanz

Thanks!...This is my set up for repair stuff.











When water is available. bike paths,parks etc. I use an old water bottle cut in half for extra storage.