Originally Posted by
rydabent
A couple more comments if I may. Yes a few times I have stopped to help someone, they did have a new tube, but really didnt know how to use it.
Then as to carring a spare tube. ONe time when I flatted, I patched the tube, but the presta stem broke off when I was inflating the tire. I of course replaced the tube, and used my CO2 cartridges to inflate the tire. Now I always use the CO2 and just carry the mini pump as back up. BTW I have had at least 2 mini pumps fail. For Christmas I have a mini pump with a small hose and gage on my list so as not to stress the presta stem. I will still carry CO2 mainly when riding with a group for faster repair so as not to hold up the ride.
That sounds like just a series of "Murphy's law" moments to me and it happens.
But the OP question is why don't people try to learn some of the basics of repair or carry the basics? If you're never alone when riding, then sure, "get your husband to do it." But many ride alone, get a flat, and have no clue what to do.
A gave a tube to a guy once who DID know what to do, but didn't have any of the items needed to fix it his flat tire.
I also came accross 2 kids (14ish) on their mountain bikes, and fairly higher quality mtb bikes to boot. One of these kids was riding around with a rear flat tire. When I had taken off the tire to fix it, I counted 17 patches! I patched it (by using another 3 patches). I couldn't give him a tube as I was on my road bike.....
These same types of people drive motor vehicles...and we let them.