t4mv

Anecdotally, my kids had Mr Tuffys between their tires & tubes when they were younger, and they still got plenty of flats. Since it was the wife's idea to put them in, I suggested that she fix all of the kids' flats henceforth. There was no complaint when I ripped them out, with extreme prejudice...

colpatrick

I grew up at that library!

contango 

How long do they last before they start to rot or mould? I wouldn't ship them internationally because I can see UK customs having issues with them but if they'd last a while I can see if a friend in the US would be willing to hang onto them for me until I'm next over.

I see the point you're making about the flexing of the tube, I guess I just don't quite get how tough these things are.

ThatBritBloke

I've been using tubeless on the road for three years without a flat (tempting fate, touch wood, etc).

I use tubeless specific rims and tyres (Shimano / Hutchinson) but I know people who successfully use Stan's conversions. Your LBS can advise on suitable rim/tyre combinations.

I renew the sealant every spring and, so far, haven't found any evidence of punctures, but I've seen plenty of tyres that seem to have received multiple holes and the Stan's sealant has formed a small plug inside the tyre and done its job.

The system also eliminates pinch flats.

There are other advantages such as lower rolling resistance and a smoother ride because it's possible to run as efficiently at a lower pressure.

Okay, sales pitch over ;-)

xizangstan

Anything we use to counter Goat Head Thorns, glass, screws, nails, tacks, etc. is going to add weight to our bikes. And to some of us who spent lots of extra ca$h on our bikes for extra-light frames, components and hardware - it's frustrating.

I mean, here I am with a fine titanium frame, carbon fiber seat post and handlebars, even titanium screws in my shifters and derailers - and I'm running the bicycle equivalent to combat boots for tires and tubes. It just defeats the whole thing.

And yet, I would rather have the rotating weight than spend half my time fixing flats along the road - or walking home. That sucks!

zonatandem

Your wife WINS . . . you are WRONG !

contango 

I suppose the decision is whether to carry extra weight in your wheels or extra weight in the form of multiple spare tubes.

Robert Foster

I have a set of Dura-Ace clincher/tubeless rims and have yet to try the tubeless tires and stems because I wasn't sure how you would fix a flat if you got one.

And as far as goat-heads go they will last for many months if they aren't is a wet area. In the dry desert they last till someone runs over one however long that takes.

They come from a plant called of all things the Puncture vine.

Road Fan

I love it! Pack "flat food!" Maybe a Fat Tire beer, too!

Artkansas 

It's always realistic to carry a pump and patch kit.

colpatrick

Ok, I've been persuaded.

Any recommendations on a flat repair kit to carry?

RonH

Spare tube(s), CO2 inflator, and frame pump. Any bike shop will have patch kits for ~ $5.

I remove the punctured tube and install a new one, then inflate. I patch the bad tube while I'm sitting around watching TV or when I have nothing to do. Much easier than when sitting at the side of the road.

How to fix a flat ->> https://www.intownbicycles.com/how-to...t-bicycle-tire

mulveyr 

And don't forget the tire levers!

It would be a really, really good idea to practice taking the tire off and on, especially on the rear wheel. It would suck to be out in the middle of nowhere and discover that you have especially tight-fitting tires.

BluesDawg

And don't forget to find what caused the flat and fix it. It really sucks to repair a tire only to have it go flat again right away because the thorn, nail, wire or whatever it was that punctured the tube was left in the tire.

tsl

• Spare tube in the correct size(s) for your bike(s). -- About $5
• Small patch kit (Park Tools or the one in the green box) -- About $3
• Pair of tire levers (I prefer Pedro's big yellow ones) -- About $4
• Seat bag to carry the above, your ID, keys and an emergency snack -- About $12
• Tire pump (I like the Topeak RoadMorph G with built-in gauge) -- About $35

If you're going to go out only in pairs, you can get by with one pump between the two of you. Extra mounts are available move it between bikes. However, each bike should have its own bag and patch kit.

Even if you don't learn how and practice, (Remember the free lessons at Full Moon Vista), it's good etiquette to have these things available for when a Good Samaritan stops to help. It's also good karma to stop and offer to help others.

billydonn

^^^^^ correct ^^^^^^^

I wish now I had devoted more time in my original "your wife is right" post to formulating a cleverly humiliating response to the OP! (just kidding OP!)

DnvrFox

Not quite correct. If you don't find the cause of the flat, you likely will be doing a repeat, and hope you have two tubes or a great patch kit.

FrenchFit 

I'm with you, I've done 100s of 20 mile rides with no kit. However, being with you means we'll both be self-rescuing every once and awhile by hiking 5+ miles to a shop. It's inevitable.

There are times when you just don't want to take stuff. You got a rescue rider with you? Works for me.

billydonn

^^^^^ annoyingly correct! ^^^^^^

CraigB

Ah, but the extra weight in the wheels is rotating weight, which is worse.

Hermes

Body weight is directly proportional to the amount of flat tires. With all other things being equal, more weight on the tire drives glass, thorns and etc into the tire. Historically, I get more flats per mile than my wife does riding the same terrain. Last season, I tried Michelin Pro Race 3 tires. They are light and supple offering great road feel. Previously, I used Continental GP 4000s. Typically, I inspect the tires before each ride. I noticed the Pro Race 3s had tiny micro cuts appearing in the tires. Generally, upon pre-ride inspection, I will remove a piece of glass or a sharp stone that has embedded in the tire but not far enough to puncture. What happens is over time, some of the embedded objects finally make they way to the tube.

I had to fix a flat on the Pro Race 3 and while deflated, closely inspected the micro cuts by squeezing the tire, exposing the cut and probing it with a sharp point of a knife. In general, each one had a tiny foreign object in it. I went over the tire and picked out about 30 pieces. I replaced the tire. I am phasing out the Pro Race 3s and going back to the GP 4000s. The 4000s tires do not embed debris and IMO ride and handle as nice.

Take away... inspect your tires and probe cracks for glass and etc. Many flats happen long after the glass is initially picked up.

CraigB

I made that mistake once. Once.

Garilia

They migrate.

contango 

True, but is it sufficiently worse to warrant the loss of time it takes to deal with a puncture?

gtragitt

I carry a mini pump, CO2 cartridge, tube and repair kit in my Camelbak. I have had to fix one flat on a ride. I may have had worse luck without the pump and tube.