Originally Posted by eccccyclsm
Something important that everyone forgot to mention is that if you do get a flat you should CAREFULLY run your fingers along the inside of the tire to make sure that you got out what gave you the flat. Otherwise you can put in your new tube and flat right away which if you're minus a patch kit could mean you are SOL.
I agree practice at home, or you could do what some of my friends do and never learn and just ride with someone who knows and will save your butt.
I mostly agree. This is very important. However, I believe it's better to take a slightly more scientific method of finding the source of the puncture. After you get the failed tube removed, put some air in it and find out where the leak is. Once you figure this out, relate the position of the leak in the tube to the corresponding position on the tire. THEN, carefully feel around for the cause of the puncture. Alot of times you will be able to see it easily (thorn, nail, piece of glass, or whatever). This is an important reason why you mount your tire so that it's label is aligned with the valve.