Are you prepared for a flat tire?
#1
Thread Starter
59'er
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 12
From: Alexandria, IN
Bikes: LeMond Maillot Jaune, Vintage Trek 520 (1985), 1976 Schwinn Voyageur 2, Miyata 1000 (1985)
Are you prepared for a flat tire?
Well it finally happened to me. I knew that all my bragging about never getting a flat would come back to haunt me. I was on my way home when the back tire went down. Oh well, I figured I'd just call my wife to get me but I managed to forget to charge my cell and it was dead. Changing out the tube was pretty easy but I was thinking that if I had another flat then I'd be screwed. Now I'm going to carry two tubes and at least three CO2 bottles. Overkill?
What do you folks carry for flat repairs?
What do you folks carry for flat repairs?
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#2
Banned
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 964
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From: Toronto & Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada
Bikes: Ellsworth Id
2 tubes (3 if on a long ride), clamshell tool kit, tire spoons, cotton work gloves, and a small pump
yes...i've had three flats on the ride home once (funny how that imbedded glass can't be found on a cold, snowy night). I've even had the opportunity to use my chain tool
yes...i've had three flats on the ride home once (funny how that imbedded glass can't be found on a cold, snowy night). I've even had the opportunity to use my chain tool
#4
Portland Fred
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,553
Likes: 54
Bikes: Custom Winter, Challenge Seiran SL, Fuji Team Pro, Cattrike Road/Velokit, РOS hybrid
For the racer, 2 tubes, 3 C02, patch kit. For other bikes -- 2 or 3 tubes depending on ride length, patch kit, pump.
I would never only carry one tube or skip the patch kit. It is possible to botch a repair (e.g. not get every last bit of glass out of the tire) or just get unlucky.
I would never only carry one tube or skip the patch kit. It is possible to botch a repair (e.g. not get every last bit of glass out of the tire) or just get unlucky.
#6
I carry an extra tube and a patch kit and a pump, two tire levers. I too have had an opportunity to use the chain tool. Used it for a roadside single speed conversion when my derailer spontaniously imploded. Rode that way for a week!
#7
I carry a spare tube, a patch kit with at least 6 patches in it, an Alien multi-tool, and a pump.
I've had many flats over the years and multiple flats on a single ride. The only time I've ever had a tire problem I couldn't fix was a sidewall blow-out about three inches long. By an incredible stroke of luck, it happened a block from a bicycle store so I was able to buy a tire and tube and carry on my way.
I've had many flats over the years and multiple flats on a single ride. The only time I've ever had a tire problem I couldn't fix was a sidewall blow-out about three inches long. By an incredible stroke of luck, it happened a block from a bicycle store so I was able to buy a tire and tube and carry on my way.
#8
Banned
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 964
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From: Toronto & Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada
Bikes: Ellsworth Id
Originally Posted by Old_Fart
I carry a spare tube, a patch kit with at least 6 patches in it, an Alien multi-tool, and a pump.
I've had many flats over the years and multiple flats on a single ride. The only time I've ever had a tire problem I couldn't fix was a sidewall blow-out about three inches long. By an incredible stroke of luck, it happened a block from a bicycle store so I was able to buy a tire and tube and carry on my way.
I've had many flats over the years and multiple flats on a single ride. The only time I've ever had a tire problem I couldn't fix was a sidewall blow-out about three inches long. By an incredible stroke of luck, it happened a block from a bicycle store so I was able to buy a tire and tube and carry on my way.
Saw this tip on TV
#9
Crankenstein
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,037
Likes: 3
From: Spokane
Bikes: Novara Randonee (TankerBelle)
I carry a patch kit, tools and a pump. I've never had a sudden flat, only slow leaks. One I repaired at work during lunch, and the other I waited till I got home.
Since I got the new tires on my bike, I haven't had any flats at all. 8.5 mile each way. There's also lots of bus routes, worst case is I'd have to walk my bike a few blocks to catch a bus. I also pass two cycle shops where I could get parts in an emergency (assuming, of course that I brought some cash with me!)
I'll have to worry about it more when I move, a couple miles longer trip, plus the route is a little more remote. I'll probably carry a couple tubes with me then.
Since I got the new tires on my bike, I haven't had any flats at all. 8.5 mile each way. There's also lots of bus routes, worst case is I'd have to walk my bike a few blocks to catch a bus. I also pass two cycle shops where I could get parts in an emergency (assuming, of course that I brought some cash with me!)
I'll have to worry about it more when I move, a couple miles longer trip, plus the route is a little more remote. I'll probably carry a couple tubes with me then.
#10
SERENITY NOW!!!

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8,739
Likes: 2
From: In the 212
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
I've had two flats, and both times didn't have the right tools. First time I had everything I needed except a wrench to take my new, non QR wheel off. The second time I had everything I needed except plumbers tape to wrap my presta valve with so air wouldn't leak when I put the extender on. Both problems have been fixed.
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#11
Thread Starter
59'er
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 12
From: Alexandria, IN
Bikes: LeMond Maillot Jaune, Vintage Trek 520 (1985), 1976 Schwinn Voyageur 2, Miyata 1000 (1985)
I'm also going to put a couple of pairs of latex gloves in my bag. Changing flats is dirty work.
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#12
34x25 FTW!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,013
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Bikes: Kona Jake, Scott CR1, Dahon SpeedPro
Every time (unless I forget):
- mini-pump/CO2 inflator (single combo unit)
- 16g CO2 cartridge
- glueless patches
- extra tube
- tires levers
Optional:
- more tubes
- more CO2
- real patch kit
The glueless patches are handy for quick patchings and for small tears in a tire. Bigger tears can be dealt with on the road via a "boot", either an official commercial "boot" (e.g. by Park Tools) or an improvised boot such as a folded dollar bill or scrap of Powerbar wrapper (the mylar is good stuff). The nice thing about a CO2/minpump combo is that it's easy to prime the tube with the minipump to give the tube some shape for mounting on the rim, and, perhaps more importantly, you can be pretty sure of a good seal before blowing a cartridge on it.
Heh, in writing this it occurs to me that my 20" folder tires may not need a full 16g cartridge (it's perfect for the roadie). Hmmm...
Edit: speaking of my folder, with the rear wheel not having a quick release (consequence of the hub gearing) I also take a Park Tools "road wrench" 15mm wrench. Very handy: it's meant to be a pedal wrench, I suppose, and I use it as such as well.
- mini-pump/CO2 inflator (single combo unit)
- 16g CO2 cartridge
- glueless patches
- extra tube
- tires levers
Optional:
- more tubes
- more CO2
- real patch kit
The glueless patches are handy for quick patchings and for small tears in a tire. Bigger tears can be dealt with on the road via a "boot", either an official commercial "boot" (e.g. by Park Tools) or an improvised boot such as a folded dollar bill or scrap of Powerbar wrapper (the mylar is good stuff). The nice thing about a CO2/minpump combo is that it's easy to prime the tube with the minipump to give the tube some shape for mounting on the rim, and, perhaps more importantly, you can be pretty sure of a good seal before blowing a cartridge on it.
Heh, in writing this it occurs to me that my 20" folder tires may not need a full 16g cartridge (it's perfect for the roadie). Hmmm...
Edit: speaking of my folder, with the rear wheel not having a quick release (consequence of the hub gearing) I also take a Park Tools "road wrench" 15mm wrench. Very handy: it's meant to be a pedal wrench, I suppose, and I use it as such as well.
#13
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Tube, patch kit, two CO2 cartridges, multi-tool, and a few zipties. Pretty minimal.
#16
Thread Starter
59'er
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 12
From: Alexandria, IN
Bikes: LeMond Maillot Jaune, Vintage Trek 520 (1985), 1976 Schwinn Voyageur 2, Miyata 1000 (1985)
Originally Posted by shakadude
A noob question.....can you overfill a 23" tire with a 16g CO2 bottle?
I carry two tubes, a patch kit, three levers and an inflater with three bottles.
I carry two tubes, a patch kit, three levers and an inflater with three bottles.
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#17
No one carries the DogBoy

Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,320
Likes: 2
From: Upper Midwest USA
Bikes: Roubaix Expert Di2, Jamis Renegade, Surly Disc Trucker, Cervelo P2, CoMotion Tandem
Every ride:
Extra tube, levers, 2 CO2 inflators, multi-tool (including chain tool), tube repair kit
Commuting rides:
Add mini-pump
Long rides (200-300k):
Add spare chain links, folding tire, 2 more tubes, fiber spoke, extra reflective gear, 2 spare dollar bills.
Extra tube, levers, 2 CO2 inflators, multi-tool (including chain tool), tube repair kit
Commuting rides:
Add mini-pump
Long rides (200-300k):
Add spare chain links, folding tire, 2 more tubes, fiber spoke, extra reflective gear, 2 spare dollar bills.
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,063
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
No flats for almost a year, and last week two (one in the front from a thorn and one in the back from glass) at the same time. On my mountain bike. I had to patch the back one roadside oldschool, the front leak was slow enough to go home first.
Edit: On the extra heavy rim-tire combo I used to have on my freeride bike, I almost needed a crowbar to get the bead off the tire. Whenever I rode that thing I didn't bother with any flat repair things since there seemed to be no point in attempting a roadside fix.
I mostly got away with it too. The only flat over 12,000 km was from a broken valve stem... during a snowstorm, which made walking the 10km home almost as fast anyways.
Edit: On the extra heavy rim-tire combo I used to have on my freeride bike, I almost needed a crowbar to get the bead off the tire. Whenever I rode that thing I didn't bother with any flat repair things since there seemed to be no point in attempting a roadside fix.
I mostly got away with it too. The only flat over 12,000 km was from a broken valve stem... during a snowstorm, which made walking the 10km home almost as fast anyways.
Last edited by ghettocruiser; 06-21-06 at 03:11 PM.
#19
♋ ☮♂ ☭ ☯
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,902
Likes: 2
From: 40205 'ViLLeBiLLie
Bikes: Sngl Spd's, 70's- 80's vintage, D-tube Folder
I would leave without my helmet before I
left without a multi-tool and flat repair kit /tube.
And, remember....if it is a puncture you do not have to
take the rim off of the bike. Leave it on and you'll save time
and stay signifigantly cleaner.
left without a multi-tool and flat repair kit /tube.
And, remember....if it is a puncture you do not have to
take the rim off of the bike. Leave it on and you'll save time
and stay signifigantly cleaner.
#20
genec
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 27,072
Likes: 4,533
From: West Coast
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Originally Posted by Mariner Fan
Well it finally happened to me. I knew that all my bragging about never getting a flat would come back to haunt me. I was on my way home when the back tire went down. Oh well, I figured I'd just call my wife to get me but I managed to forget to charge my cell and it was dead. Changing out the tube was pretty easy but I was thinking that if I had another flat then I'd be screwed. Now I'm going to carry two tubes and at least three CO2 bottles. Overkill?
What do you folks carry for flat repairs?
What do you folks carry for flat repairs?
The only thing I carry different on my touring bike is duct tape... to repair cut tires while way out in the boonies. I have the duct tape wrapped around my pump.
This whole CO2 craze I just don't understand... frame pumps work quite well, have worked quite well for ages and never run out of air, and weigh nothing compared to carrying several CO2 cartridges.
When I ride sewups I carry two spare tires. And a pump.
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,819
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Two tubes (each in an in old sox, makes a handy rag), patch kit, Alien multi tool, two 15mm stubby wrenches, pump, some stick on boots and a bunch of quarters. Oh, and a presta/schrader adapter. I've had too many flats to give a precise number. The latex gloves sound like a good addition.
#22
Fat Guy in Bike Shorts!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 630
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH
Bikes: Specialized Allez
*sigh*
I thought I was prepared for a flat on Monday, but when I was fixing my first flat of the commute, I broke the pump on my 2nd wind inflator. I patched the tube and had to blow both the 12g CO2 carts I usually carry. I was fixed up, but I knew if I got another flat, I'd be SOL. I didn't worry too much because this was my first flat in 3 years, so I wasn't anticipating another one. Of course I get one. I would have been understanding if it was in the same spot as the last flat, meaning I had botched patch job, but it was in a different place on the tube!! Just my luck. Patch holds, but I get another flat anyway
I thought I was prepared for a flat on Monday, but when I was fixing my first flat of the commute, I broke the pump on my 2nd wind inflator. I patched the tube and had to blow both the 12g CO2 carts I usually carry. I was fixed up, but I knew if I got another flat, I'd be SOL. I didn't worry too much because this was my first flat in 3 years, so I wasn't anticipating another one. Of course I get one. I would have been understanding if it was in the same spot as the last flat, meaning I had botched patch job, but it was in a different place on the tube!! Just my luck. Patch holds, but I get another flat anyway
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
From: Fort Collins, CO
Bikes: Shasta Kiliminjaro, Optima Dragon Recumbent
I don't carry anything except a pump. I use armadillo tires with slime. Usually, by reinflating, any leaks will seal themselves. On 2 or 3 occassions in the last 18 years, I had a blowout. If this happens, I just walk the bike Home, Work, or to the LBS, whichever is closer.
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Make a BOLD Statement While Cycling!
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#24
Originally Posted by manual_overide
I would have been understanding if it was in the same spot as the last flat, meaning I had botched patch job, but it was in a different place on the tube!! Just my luck. Patch holds, but I get another flat anyway 

If not, it's possible it just remained in the tire and caused a second puncture.
#25
2-Cyl, 1/2 HP @ 90 RPM

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 15,762
Likes: 5
From: NYC
Bikes: 04' Specialized Hardrock Sport, 03' Giant OCR2 (SOLD!), 04' Litespeed Firenze, 04' Giant OCR Touring, 07' Specialized Langster Comp
Originally Posted by Mariner Fan
I'm also going to put a couple of pairs of latex gloves in my bag. Changing flats is dirty work.






