Have the shop install a QR on the rear wheel for you. That way you wont need to carry a wrench to remove the wheel. You will also need a set of tire irons to remove and reinstall the tire. You can usually pick up a saddle bag that comes with a tool kit, and patch kit. I would also recommend a hand pump in addition to the CO2 inflator. I have a hybrid pump in my bag that can be used manually or with CO2.

Uh....YOU asked what to do, right? Then complain about the answers. Definitely a woman........

Where did he ask what to do? I missed that.

Even if you don't care to use the information, it is good information that can be used by someone else who reads the thread.

What is it with this throw away society anyway? ;)

DnvrFox wasn't the OP. I don't think s/he asked anything.

When you clean your bike, check that the pump is functioning, the problem with CO2 is more like Jack. Jack carries 3 tubes and 3 cartridges, goes for a 40 mile loop ride, after 10 miles, he comes upon his buddy, who has a flat, uses a cartridge there, because he doesn't want to wait for buddy to pump up the tire. After 20 miles, he gets a puncture and starts to fix it, the cartridge doesn't go on right and dumps it's load into the air, uses the third cartridge, goes another 5 miles, gets a flat, swaps the tubes and then gets a Homer Simpson moment, finds out that a 5 mile walk of shame is about 4 miles, 5,270 feet further then you want to walk in road clipless shoes.... Yeah if you carry only CO2, then carry extra cartridges.

When I lived in a high-theft area I changed out both QRs for nuts. That slight inconvenience to bike thieves is probably what kept my wheels from getting stolen while all my friends' wheels did.

I carry CO2 and a CarbOne mini pump (about 55 grams). The CO2 makes getting back on the ride really quick. The pump is for when there's no other choice. Keep in mind that if your use CO2 you'll need to replace the air when you get home. Tires with CO2 alway seem to lose pressure by the next day.

Having a bad day?

Why don't you read the OP before accusing me!

Three pages and no referal to Sheldon Brown....

"What Every Cyclist Should Know About Flat Tires"

http://sheldonbrown.com/flats.html#tiresavers

It's a rather loooong read, but you will find the answer to your questions.

Ass.

The last time I had to fix a flat, it took me more time to find the culprit (a piece of wire from a steel belted radial) than it did to swap out the tube and put everything back on.

It's always worth spending the time to find out what caused the flat especially if it isn't obvious.

This thread also reminds me that I should get a mini pump for backup because those presta valves can be a little tricky.

Oh you did NOT just go there.

This is the 50+ forum. We're all mature adults here.

Another candidate for the ignore list.

:lol:

this is really getting good

I carry a mini, it works ok for the ride.....it just doesnt generate the poundage like my other one did. I could get 115lbs showing on the guage.

You may want to try a toe peak road morph, got turned on to it here several years ago. If you do decide to get one I would suggest that upon arrival you take the handle off, liberally apply lock tight and put it back on.

Got the flat fixed at the LBS and picked up a saddle bag with tube and everything else I would need in the event of another flat on the road including a portable pump. Thanks to everyone for the advice! I'm ready now!

Okay here is what you do now, go let the air out of your back tire, and practise changing it, use the same tube, do it several times, when you stop thinking about the steps, you can stop. Here is the reality, flats rarely happen on warm sunny days when you have lots of time to spare. Flats commonly happen when it's cold, wet, dark and you need to be somewhere 10 minutes ago and your too tired to think. Making the process of dealing with a flat, automatic, means you notice the flat, get off your bike, and fix it without needing to think about it.

Hmmmm... ok, good idea!:thumb:

+1 very true. For that reason I tend to favor the Topeak Road Morph.

Maybe in Canada. But in Georgia, flats frequently occur on sunny days. Hot, sunny days when it is 95 degrees in the shade. But you aren't in the shade because the flat happened far from the nearest shelter or tree so you get to swelter in the heat while trying to see what you are working on through the sweat flowing into your eyes. :eek:

It's on my list. Thanx for the threadlock tip.