2nd Flat
 

I had another flat today (on the way home this time), and I gained a pearl of wisdom. When you change the tube out of your tire, look for the nail that caused it, so you don't end up on the side of the road the next day.
--A

In Los Angeles, I used to get flats all the time. The breaking point was during an 8 mile ride where I got a front tire flat, walked to the nearest LBS to repair it, and got a back tire flat a few miles down the road (then having to walk the remaining miles)!! Two flats in one trip. Being new to cycling at the time I walked the next nearest LBS I came to and said "Please make this never happen again." They put something called "chubbies" in between my tire and tube and 4 years later I haven't gotten a flat since.

I can recommend them to all commuters. But, then again, everyone probably already knows about them. I was a fresh-faced novice to city ridin' back then.

You are one step closer to enlightenment.

Have you seen the commercial for "Monk" where he puts an extra coaster under the coaster saying he likes to have a bacvkup? Call me Monkish but here is what I do.

#1- I make sure my tire is inflated to the max suggested on the tire. Harder the tire, the harder it is for something to poke in.

#2-I use a thorn resistant tube. They are harder to puncture.

#3-I put slime or True Goo or some such in the tires. (I use tubes with shrader valves. Wont work with Presta valves) (However, I believe specialized is selling tubes with the slime already in them)

#4-I use a liner. Mr. tuffy, chubby, or whatever.

I know, I know you are saying this is overkill. Well, I dont have flats. I am not certain which of the items above or combination there of is responsible, but it works so why should I worry about it.

I have a friend that works in a bike shop that said he never realized how many flats the Slime sealed up until some one came in to get replacement tires. The number of holes that the Slime had sealed up was amazing.

Steve
2005 Lightfoot LWB recumbent

Thickwalled, thorn resistant tubes, kevlar and/or dense tires and/or Mr tuffy is the commuter's best bud. And yes, get Slimed. :) The more armor against the garbage, the better. Sure it's weighty, but would you rather gain a tiny bit of time shaving weight, or lose a lot of time with an emergency flat fix?