I hate flat tires...
#776
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Washington County, Vermont, USA
Bikes: 1973-4 Gitane Tour de France, early 1970's Lejeune, 1970 Italvega Super Speciale, 2010 Surly Long Haul Trucker 26
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"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long."
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"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long."
--Ogden Nash
#778
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,060
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From: Washington County, Vermont, USA
Bikes: 1973-4 Gitane Tour de France, early 1970's Lejeune, 1970 Italvega Super Speciale, 2010 Surly Long Haul Trucker 26
I think we have the basis for an agreement here....
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www.redclovercomponents.com
"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long."
--Ogden Nash
www.redclovercomponents.com
"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long."
--Ogden Nash
#779
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,511
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From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
LOL in Montana there are North Dakota jokes... didn't know same state vs state jokes were elsewhere, but not surprised
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
#780
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2004
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From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
#782
What??? Only 2 wheels?


Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 13,501
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From: Boston-ish, MA
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
We used to discuss flat tire experiences here. This latest trend is unpleasant. Fixing a flat on occasion is required. This discussion isn't.
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
#783
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,637
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I'm sure it's universal. You can imagine what New Yorkers and New Jerseyans say about each other's driving on roads. I have to say, as someone who has lived in both places, we all earn our bad reputations. New Yorkers often are rude on the roads, and New Jerseyans don't have much regard for people's lives, including their own.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#784
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,637
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
This is a good time for me to remind myself and everyone: Let's check our tool kits and make sure they have what they need. I do this periodically and sometimes find dried out glue or a punctured tube or a missing tool.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#786
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,511
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From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
yep....just found levers that I had not put back in saddlebag (threw into backpack) after last flat fix in the rain. I have also taken to writting the date i bought them on patch kits (rema only)
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
#787
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
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From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Once I open a tube of glue, it goes home to patch any other tubes than need it, and a fresh unopened tube goes onto the bike. Never know how soon (or not) it’ll be needed.
#788
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
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From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Good idea, [MENTION=251447]ThermionicScott[/MENTION].
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#789
I AM AI
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,291
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From: Tucson, AZ
Bikes: 2008 S-Works Roubaix SL, 1979 Raleigh Comp GS, 1978 Schwinn Volare
I went a loooong time with no flats. A couple of years, easy. Then at some point, like an idiot, I mentioned it out loud. Flats are now a regular occurrence here, and I've actually had a flat on four of my last five rides. Two today, which means I ended up being "that guy," as I typically just bring a spare tube and CO2 so I'm prepared for my one flat. First time I've ever had to say "nope" when someone riding by asks if I have everything I need.
Anyway I'm just here to tip my cap to the God of Punctures, whoever he may be, and say "yep, you win," and I'll give a nod to St. Sebastian too, just in case.
Anyway I'm just here to tip my cap to the God of Punctures, whoever he may be, and say "yep, you win," and I'll give a nod to St. Sebastian too, just in case.
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A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
#790
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,637
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I don't carry CO2, but I don't blame anyone who does. I don't understand not carrying a pump, though. They never run out of air.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#791
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,637
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I had a flat that sounds annoying but wasn't. I hadn't ridden my Lemond with 650b tires in a long time. I grabbed it to take it to class today, and the rear was flat. It's the tube I patched earlier this year. Failure? I took the tube out and didn't find a leak. The good news is that 1. I had my bike stand ready to go and enough space to use it in, 2. the tires are loose and easy to remove and replace, 3. it's easy to put in 50 psi with a floor pump. I didn't even get my hands very dirty. The tire seems to be holding air. Maybe it's a very slow leak at the patch. No big deal with low-pressure tires.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#792
2-Wheeled Fool
Joined: Sep 2016
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From: New Hampshire
Bikes: Surly Ogre, Brompton
#793
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Ontario, Canada
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
My favourite pumps are the Zefal HP and the Zefal HPX. I need to try and find new heads for mine.
Cheers
#794
Just call me Carrie


Joined: Aug 2019
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From: NH/MA
Bikes: '82 Fuji Supreme, '85 Shogun 200, '89 Centurion Ironman Master, '89 Centurion Ironman Expert
I live two miles north of the border. Born in Manchester. Poor husband, he's from Buffalo. He doesn't get it.
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#795
Senior Member
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From: Seattle WA
Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
or a MTB spare tube in my road bike saddle bag lol
#796
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,637
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Actually, I'm aware that I don't have the right size spare. I plan to use it anyway, if I need it.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#797
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,506
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From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
MTB had a front flat this morning. couldn't find the cause by eye balling the outside of the tire. used some soapy water to make a bubble & found the puncture in the tube. marked it w grease pencil but then sanded it & patched it. found the minuscule offending wire spec inside the tire & flicked it w/ my fingernail. wasn't big enough to grab. patch holds great & I had a nice ride


Last edited by rumrunn6; 11-25-19 at 10:27 AM.
#798
Banned.
Joined: Dec 2007
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OK, so I rode 1000 miles in June to fundraise for cancer. 4 different bikes, 4 flats, one on each bike.
Flat #4 was a tubular, a Tufo Carbon Composite on a Zipp rim. Bad valve.
I replace the tire with a new one, no sealant, and on we go.
Across Indiana. Across Wisconsin.
2 Centuries in SW Illinois, 1 in St. Louis.
No problem.
I'm riding on bike trails in Madison County, IL, a little bit of snow, some very minor ice, 35-40 degrees.
Same tire goes slowly flat. Too cold to mess with, we add CO2 and off we go.
10 more miles, flat again. Too cold to mess with, we add CO2 (my last) and off we go.
6 more miles, flat again. 2 miles to go. I get back on the saddle, lighten the front, and go baby go.
Ending: flat as a pancacke.
Sits inside for a week, flat as a pancake.
I pull it off the rim, air it up, nothing. Holds air.
I fill the big sink with water, no leaks, everything is fine.
I add 2 oz of Stan's, air it up, seems to be holding.
Any ideas what the Sam Heck is going on here?
I mean, it was really inconvenient.
Not to mention, my bike is now 2 oz heavier.
UPDATE:
4 days later: thing is still holding air.
I may ask, WTF? but I know, sometimes the boojuns sneak out and torment me.
Flat #4 was a tubular, a Tufo Carbon Composite on a Zipp rim. Bad valve.
I replace the tire with a new one, no sealant, and on we go.
Across Indiana. Across Wisconsin.
2 Centuries in SW Illinois, 1 in St. Louis.
No problem.
I'm riding on bike trails in Madison County, IL, a little bit of snow, some very minor ice, 35-40 degrees.
Same tire goes slowly flat. Too cold to mess with, we add CO2 and off we go.
10 more miles, flat again. Too cold to mess with, we add CO2 (my last) and off we go.
6 more miles, flat again. 2 miles to go. I get back on the saddle, lighten the front, and go baby go.
Ending: flat as a pancacke.
Sits inside for a week, flat as a pancake.
I pull it off the rim, air it up, nothing. Holds air.
I fill the big sink with water, no leaks, everything is fine.
I add 2 oz of Stan's, air it up, seems to be holding.
Any ideas what the Sam Heck is going on here?
I mean, it was really inconvenient.
Not to mention, my bike is now 2 oz heavier.
UPDATE:
4 days later: thing is still holding air.
I may ask, WTF? but I know, sometimes the boojuns sneak out and torment me.
Last edited by RobbieTunes; 11-28-19 at 08:24 AM. Reason: UPDATE: Damn thing is still holdiong air just fine.
#800
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