Today I had my first flat on the new bike. We had just ridden up a monster hill and I was feeling pleased with myself when I heard what sounded like a sprinkler coming on. I quickly realized it was the back tire going flat. Having changed several flats on the Sirrus (28mm's) I thought I would be a pro at this. The Bianchi road bike has the 23mm's but I figured the procedure would be the same. I took the tire off and found the puncture on the tube. Curiously there was no mark on the tire itself. I figured I just ran over something and it didn't lodge in the tire. I put the new tube in the tire and did my best to get the tire back on the rim. For the life of me, I could not get the tire back on the rim. I know you aren't supposed to use the levers to put the tire back on, but we had no choice. I just knew I probably screwed up the tube doing this. As I was putting air in the tube...."pop"....ssssssssss....flat again. I take it off again...the failure this time was at the base of the stem. On to tube number two. Same thing. I had to use the levers to get the tire back on the rim. We crossed our fingers and began to inflate for a second time. This time it seemed to be holding air. We were about four miles from home and we wanted to get home before dark. After about two miles I spotted a snake in the road. I gave him a wide berth and pulled over so I could warn Seafoam when she came rolling up. Turns out it was a rattler who had had the unfortunate fate of meeting a car. We are pretty sure he was dead. Anyway, we made it home without further mishap. So, am I stupid or is there a trick to getting the danged 23mm tire back on the rim without using the levers???? I realize I am old goat and not as strong as I used to be...but this is ridiculous!