Hasn't happened often but I've had multiple flats on a ride before.

here for this. i have a patch kit and pump but thinking about getting a spare tube and CO2 cartridges too. maybe just the spare tube...

I know what causes my flats, I wasn't asking.

I wasn't telling you why you had flats, I was explaining why I like carrying a pump instead of a CO2 inflator.

I have dreadful luck with Presta valves and chucks, and would be terrified of running out of cartridges just trying to get the tire seated. Therefore I'll stick with a pump.

I carry a pump and two CO2 cartridges. I'm a belt and suspenders kind of guy.

Using a pump is a good way to find out where the hole is in the flat tube so you can trace it back to the tire. It's also nice to put a few pounds of air in the new tube before cramming it into the rim/tire.

CO2 is nice to use in order to get the 100psi which is difficult with a pump unless you have a really good pump, But, if it's old, the seals probably won't hold that kind of pressure.

There's nothing wrong with redundancy. Best of both worlds.

The only time when I had multiple flats was when there was damage to the plastic rim strip. I was very new to cycling and couldn't figure out what was going on. Had 5 flats, used up the tube and my 4 patches. Was using pump at the time.

Went to LBS and was educated about rim strips. Used the cloth Velox rim strip ever since.

Other than that, never had more than one flat on a ride....that I recall. But it can happen.

So that's what they mean by tube socks!

lol...truth. I really hate the idea of having to call for help just because I have a flat.

BTW, ever since I've begun using Gatorskins--2009--I have not had a flat out on the road. Worst so far was one flat tire in the garage that I saw when I went out to the bike in the morning. This was with an old tire that had 3500 miles on it that I knew was due for replacement.

I already had the new tire in a box. So, I swapped it out along with the tube, and off I went. I guess, therein lies the challenge: determining when the tire needs replaced. I like getting every last mile out of them, but I hate the idea of getting a flat because I waited a few miles too long.

I do the same, and also carry a spare tube and a patch kit.

Isn't that like wearing a belt and suspenders with overalls? Anyway, I do the same. I really don't want to have to walk or call for help. Also, in the winter or bad weather, having a way to inflate quickly is good.

That's why I do it.

IME, if you're a CO2 kinda guy, and you somehow screw up your flat repair, some smug pump-toting pompous pedaller will show up to help you out while giving you a lecture about how cartridges are inferior.

Baron is bi.

I am considering getting CO2 for that reason. Any thoughts- would it be best to use a pump and inflater or do these combo devices work well? Something like https://www.ridepdw.com/goods/inflation/magic-flute Or is it a case of compromise where neither works as well as it would as a stand alone device?

Agreed. If you're willing to throw away a half dozen cartridges a year you're probably willing to drink a dozen or more beer during the year from cans or bottles instead of water from the tap. It's a downward spiral of waste and selfishness...

Who would throw away an aluminum cartridge... or a beer can? In America, waste is recycled (or at least recycling is available). I don't know anyone who "land fills" aluminum. You can't make an omelet... without cracking a few eggs.

Throw them into the blue bin or wastebin it makes no difference still a waste of energy. No need to use CO2...or drink beer...

Energy can be wasted? I thought it could only be transformed? What difference could it possibly make anyway? There is more energy available than our species could come close to tapping. You worry too much!

I've seen the light. Haven't had a beer since 5pm. It's water and mini-pumps for me from now on!

I don't use CO2, but drinking beer a waste of energy???

That's just wrong on so many levels.

To be totally honest... I think a frame pump would look great with one of my vintage bikes. But I try to keep my modern daily rider sleek and clean looking. I only added the 2nd water bottle for the heat wave.

The tube, inflator, one cartridge, a couple tire levers, and tools... is all I can cram into my saddle bag. And I always have my phone!

I did have a flat reasonably far from home once.... and made a two mile or so detour to a LBS for a new spare tube and CO2 cartridge.