Originally Posted by
qcpmsame
Tex,
I always carry a spare tube, a patch kit and a set of plastic tyre irons from Park Tool, there are many others available, too, and I use a CO2 inflator with 3 spare cartridges, in a seat post bag. It is very compact and does not get in the way. I have had to replace a tube twice this fall from blowouts, one required a dollar bill boot for the tyre. You could also carry one of the mini pumps that can be mounted on your bike's frame if you don't want to use CO2 for environmental concerns. Hope the flat bug stays away from you now, many will not post here out of fear that they have jinxed their self on the flat fairy coming around.
Bill
My tire fairy is a goat.
Last ride - a couple of days ago - I got five goatheads - 3 in the front tire and two in the rear.
I knew that if I rode on, the goatheads that had not penetrated the tube yet would, as they were on the bottom of the tire. So, I had no choice but to gingerly remove each goathead, praying that it would be OK. That worked fine for the first 3, but on the 4th, on the back wheel, - pssstttt - and the air came out.
As I wasn't feeling great, and the tires were brand new and stiff, and it was pretty cold, I decided to call the rescue wagon, who sweetly and understandingly came to pick me up.
The bike is still in the garage with a flat, and the temp is 2F. SOmeday soon, I will get the bike down and fix the flat. I am considering kevlar liners (the tire does have kevlar, but a goathead will go through just about anything.)
This is why I carry two tubes and an excellent pump and a patch kit.