CrossChain

Yes.

Tom Bombadil

I carry what I do just to give me an option, should something happen. I take my cell phone so that I can call my wife with the minivan to come and get me. In your case, your backup is a taxi, which will cost a few bucks. If you have the mini-kit that I suggested, then if you have a flat you could decide if you want to try to fix it or just call a cab.

If you think you will call a cab every time, without doubt, then just take the cell phone. My mini-kit of the simple CO2 inflator, Bell tire levers, and pack of 5 patches cost me a grand total of $15. I may throw in a $3-$4 tube but haven't decided as yet.

Tom Bombadil

Oh, and a big YES on that standard transmission. I went to standard a couple of years back with a nice little Acura Integra 5-spd hatchback. It's a blast to drive and with the back seats folded down, a bike fits inside!

Big Paulie

Actually, grasshoppers are a viable alternate to fixing flats!

If you flat, find a grasshopper along the side of the road, then have him inspect the tire for the punctured area...



Then, when he's done fixing your flat, ask him to true up your spokes...

Coyote!

Paulie spake wisely. . .

>>> I'm a firm believer in riding the way you want to ride

I'll add that each ride is also unique. Fast spins around a short radius locus. . .it’s CO2, tire levers, and a multi-tool. . .I can walk it back to the centre if there’s a serious mechanical failure. At the other end of the spectrum, long loops with potential heavy weather, I and the rig are well over “Clydesdale” status: pump, fluid, food, raingear, the whole nine yards. About the mobile; tho’ the anti-technology [former professional slave thereto] voice in me hates the Infernal thing, I find myself packing it more often, but primarily for emergencies. Over the last three years, I’ve called in accidents, injured deer on the highway, and deer poachers [real-time] on National Park land.

Hermes

+1 Have you actually used a cab that you hail or call from the street to carry your bicycle or is that just a hypo? How about one of the cabs that have a propane tank, a tool box, an old battery and other misc junk alreading in the trunk when they pull up? Maybe he will have a rope also to tie the trunk down on your bike or just force fit the bike in the trunk and slam the lid. I suggest carrying bubble wrap stuffed in your cycling jersey to use to protect the frame and wheels while in the cab.

Logic????

BluesDawg

I've only owned a couple of auto tranny vehicles in my life. The PT cruiser that hauls me and my bike around would be an absolute turd with an auto, but with a 5-speed it zips around pretty good.
And that goes for my bikes too. All my road bikes have friction shifters.

And the amps I use to amplify my harmonicas all have the nice warm glow of vacuum tubes. I guess I am a bit of a retrogrouch.

NOS88

DG: I get crap from my brothers all the time because I don't do the oil changes, tune up, and other stuff on my car. But, I didn't buy my car to be a mechanic. I bought it to drive it. And, I love driving it. On the other hand, I do almost all of the work on my modest group of bikes, because I like doing it. We only get one shot at this life, and I try not to live mine according to what other people think I ought to do. You want to carry a cell phone because it makes sense to you? Then by all means do so. You like fixing flats in your home instead of the road? Then go for it. The "self-sufficiency" police will probably not like that view, but what the heck, it's not their life. Despite what many might think, your life really is about you. I carry a cell phone and on the day my rear chain stay snapped, I was darn glad I did. I carry a spare tube, but I've had rides where I went through three tubes and had to walk home. Who knows how it will all work out? You live in an area where help is usually close by. If you were in a remote area where the possibility of help anytime soon was not likely, then you might make a case for a higher level of caution. I know a guy who never carried a pump, tube, patch kit, or cell phone, and he rode sew-ups! When he had flats, he was self-sufficeint in a different way. He had to be inventive and resourceful to get his bike and him back home. However, he always managed to get home.

jppe

I thought everybody already did that??? What year is it anyway!!

stapfam

Yet another posting for us to decide on the Fate of DG- and the future it doesn't hold as this post will get no reaction- From DG.

To be a complete cyclist you have to look the part. Tight Lycra and lurid tops get you noticed when you are at the side of the road. Bike upside down and the wheel out will also get you noticed - by other cyclists. We are a helpfull lot and will always help a maiden in distress so wear a short Skirt and a Flowery top, Oh and a shave might help aswell. This infornmation also helps the girls aswell.

Tom Bombadil

I've driven PT Cruisers with both auto and manual, and it makes a BIG difference. The stick models are much more responsive and fun to drive.

I also have some vacuum tube gear. I have two tube amps and two tube preamps in my audio systems.

I have given up on my own oil changes ... got tired of splashing oil all over me and then trying to environmentally dispose of it.

I also pedal my bikes, no electric or gas motors. No "mo-peds"

guybierhaus

All I can add for DG is whatever floats your boat. I don't have the choice riding on country roads. No cabs, no cell phone. Haven't had a flat since I started riding in June 2004. Often rode with just the bottle of water. However DG's thread has reminded me I maybe pushing my luck. A spare tube and changing bars fit in left jacket pocket, kleenex in right. Strapped pump to top tube with rubber bands. But alas, rode 27 miles today and still no flat.

As to cars, I used to do everything to the Volvos I owned. But since I went Japanese its just the oil change. And thats a case of convience for me. Change on my schedule, no waiting and costs me just $8. I return the used oil to local Pepboys auto shop. They sell oil, so by law (at least here in PA) they have to take back used oil. Don't know if law says no charge, but that's what it is.

big john

I don't have a cell phone, pretty weird, huh? I've never had the misfortune to not finish a ride, except the time I crashed in 1987, and the time I bailed on a tour in 1990. A flat is a minor stop, a few minutes, usually. I was with a lady on a century when she had 6 flats, 3 on each wheel. Now I've thoroughly jinxed myself and I'll break the stem off on my next flat.

zonatandem

I have never seen anyone fix a flat with a cellphone nor have I ever seen anyone being able to call with their pump! Bet that will be the next invention for cyclists: a cellpump!
Stay tuned . . .

spry

Gary,
As your ancestors in tha 1800,s trecked the Oregon Trail to Cal-a-forn-iaa,did they stop to telegaph a repair for a broken wagon wheel?If they followed your phone-call logic,you future genetic make up would have been lost out on the prarie.Show the same pioneer spirit,buy the $30 dollar road survival kit,and let no cabbie have to rescue the COMFORT ROAD WARRIOR!

bkaapcke

I prefer to fix flats at home too and Slime allows me to do just that. I can usually ride home on one or two pump ups. I do carry levers and a patch kit, but I've never had to use it on the trail. bk

Retro Grouch 

Gary, there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING wrong with your logic.

It's simply a different choice than many of the other posters might make. You do what you think's best for you and I'll do what I think is best for me.

PaulH

I agree, whatever choices work for you are great. Personally, I don't carry any tools or do any maintenance work. The guy in the bike shop does that, and his billing rate is lower than mine.

Paul

BluesDawg

yep!

Garfield Cat

As long as you're not concerned with weight, and you most likely do not consider yourself into racing, then why not try a backpack where you can have more stuff rather than a saddle bag?

I recently bought a backpack for biking. No, its not from a bike shop nor REI. They're way too expensive and over complicated. Mine cost me $15.00. There is a local vendor near my house, Bags USA, and I stopped by one day and found my ideal backpack. The only thing I need to do is to add some high density foam to gain some breathing room between the pack and my back during the warmer season.

Digital Gee

I've thought about backpacks from time to time. I hesitated because I thought they'd be a bother on my back. Maybe I'll rethink that.

John E

Assuming you have a place to put it, a frame-fit pump takes up very little space and adds very little weight. (My mountain bike has a pump peg for a Mt. Zefal pump on the BACK of the seat tube; works like a champ.) Carry a spare innertube because not all punctures can be patched.

wagathon

Simple: if you carry patches, CO2, etc., you probably won't get a flat. However, leave that stuff home and you for sure will be thumbing a ride.

But wait, there's more: if you're prepared, you can flip a spare CO2 cartridge to the guy wearing tights on the side of the road trying to reach someone on his cell phone.

P.S., I bring a spare tube so I can fix a flat at home too and it all fits in a small container that's made to fit in a waterbottle holder. Got it at Nashbar.

stercomm

I like having both options. I will normally change the tube and get rolling again; however once in the rain got a flat and said "what the heck am I doing", call the wife who of course sent one of the kids to pick me up but nonetheless got of of the rain and cold and fixed the tire in the warmth and comfort of my family room.

With respect to the Hooters girls, given our ages I'd stay away from that quagmire, go with wisdom and maturity.

bkaapcke

Here is where your logic fails. The cell phone option eliminates self reliance. Self reliant people are good decision makers, and tend to choose things that support more self reliance. I always carry tools, patch kit and pump. I can get home on slime and the pump and never have patched one of my flats on the trail. But I notice that many on our trail ride without these things, and often need them. I lend a hand regularly. They aren't all newbies either. Levers, patch kit, 4,5 and 6 mm allens, a small 2 way screwdriver and tweezers are enough. Twice I've patched people up, so pack a first aid kit too. Get with it you guys. bk