Originally Posted by linux_author
- timely topic here... just had a flat this morning after a quick 25-miler w/my riding buddy... it's a good thing i carry a spare tube, as the leak was at the base of the valve stem!
- of the four times i've flatted in the last six months i found it impossible to locate the source of the leak in two instances; for the other two cases, one was a faulty valve, and today's was the rip at the base of the valve stem...
- ergo, i carry a spare tube and patch at home...
I carry both as a second flat can leave you out and the kit ain't large.
Lick the over-inflated tube in suspect areas to find the leak if you can't find it holding each section next to your ear. Traffic noise can often make it hard to find a leak, a bit of sensitive skin can find a small leak too.