Originally Posted by froze
No contest, I've been doing this for over 30 years you just figure out how to do it and do it quickly. Over the years folding tires made the job easier and faster as did the glueless patch. I knew guys that could do it faster then 5 minutes including many LBS mechanics, and in fact last time this was asked on this forum there were some that said they could do it faster then 5 minutes. I was referring to a front flat and not a rear, the rear takes longer due to the mechanical hassle of the derailleur; also this is assuming the hole is found right away, if the hole isn't evident then you have to fill the tire and either listen for the leak or move the tire near your lips to feel the air coming out and that will consume time thus 5 minutes will be shot before you even get to fixing the flat.
I get what you're saying froze, but since I don't race anymore, the only reason I'd be in a hurry to fix a flat is not to lose the group I'm riding with, or to get the hell out of the rain. OTOH, you get into a habit of moving quickly just from having done it so much.