Stranded with a flat
#1
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 218
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From: Virginia
Stranded with a flat
Went for a ride in the middle of the work day, got a flat from a small piece of metal wire, pulled it out of the tire, replaced the tube then immediately got a second flat.
Obviously I did a poor job all getting the metal out. Since I only had one spare tube I was screwed. Eventually phoned a friend who wasn’t working for a ride.
- Do you carry more than 1 spare tube?
- Do you carry a patch kit?
- Will Uber pick up you and the bike?
Obviously I did a poor job all getting the metal out. Since I only had one spare tube I was screwed. Eventually phoned a friend who wasn’t working for a ride.
- Do you carry more than 1 spare tube?
- Do you carry a patch kit?
- Will Uber pick up you and the bike?
#2
Senior Member




Joined: Sep 2017
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Yes.
Yes.
Irrelevant, since I have friends.
Actually, it's all irrelevant since I run tubeless in my most-ridden bikes, and I also know how to clear a tire before putting in a fresh tube
Yes.
Irrelevant, since I have friends.
Actually, it's all irrelevant since I run tubeless in my most-ridden bikes, and I also know how to clear a tire before putting in a fresh tube
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#3
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,890
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From: Kentucky
Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline
My underseat bag has 1 spare tube, a patch kit, CO2 inflator, tire levers, and a used dryer sheet--to run around the inside of a tire-a used dryer sheet will snag easy and show if there is anything left in the tire. That's not all in there-just what's there for fixing flats. Never called for anyone to pick me and the bike up.
#4
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?




Joined: May 2007
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From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
I used to carry 2 tubes, but I've had much better luck with tires the last few years, so I'm back to 1. I carry "instant" patches, which generally work well enough to get home. If the tire is too damaged, I call my wife - in fact I had to do just that a month or so ago, when a piece of glass made two slashes all the way through the casing and into the tube. I couldn't imagine trusting that tire not to tear apart no matter how well I booted it in the 25 miles I'd have had to ride home.
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#5
No. On a few bikes I have tubeless tires, and I carry a CO2 bottle and inflator valve, plus sometimes a small bottle of sealant. On my bikes with tubes, I carry at least a patch kit and a pump or CO2, sometimes one tube as well.
Always, on my bikes with tubes.
I don't know about that.
#6
Road bike: Even though I run tubeless, I still carry at least one tube (sometimes 2) and 2 CO2 cartridges.
Touring bike: When out on tour, I will take 3 tubes and a patch kit if bike shops will be few and far between (or not there at all). When bike shops will be more readily available, I will take 2 tubes and a patch kit. Either way, pump is a Road Morph G. if I am commuting close to home on it, I sometimes won't bother with any flat fixing stuff. My one office is only two miles from home. I can walk that if necessary.
Touring bike: When out on tour, I will take 3 tubes and a patch kit if bike shops will be few and far between (or not there at all). When bike shops will be more readily available, I will take 2 tubes and a patch kit. Either way, pump is a Road Morph G. if I am commuting close to home on it, I sometimes won't bother with any flat fixing stuff. My one office is only two miles from home. I can walk that if necessary.
#7
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 570
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Bikes: Kona Dew, Gary Fisher Paragon, Salsa Campeon
I carry some inflator cartridges. But to answer your question, yes, an UBER XL will take you home.
I have switched to schwalbe marathon plus tires and tuffy tire liners. That has helped a great deal.
I have switched to schwalbe marathon plus tires and tuffy tire liners. That has helped a great deal.
#8
For The Fun of It

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,125
Likes: 1,997
From: Louisissippi Coast
Bikes: Lynskey GR300, Lynskey Backroad, Litespeed T6, Lynskey MT29, Burley Duet
1 spare tube, 1 patch kit and one frame pump.
During hot weather, it wouldn't be kind to an Uber driver to drench their seats with sweat, so I don't consider that an option.
During hot weather, it wouldn't be kind to an Uber driver to drench their seats with sweat, so I don't consider that an option.
#9
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
I carry 2 tubes, patch kit and 5 or more dollar bills to serve as temporary boots to get me home. Zephal HP or HPX pumps on all my bikes.
Whenever possible, I patch the tube at the time. That gives me a marker to where the issue is. I then find said issue and fix/remove it. (I carry a Leatherman that has a very square tipped pliers. Best tool I've ever used for removing tiny car thread wires and thorn tips.)
Whenever possible, I patch the tube at the time. That gives me a marker to where the issue is. I then find said issue and fix/remove it. (I carry a Leatherman that has a very square tipped pliers. Best tool I've ever used for removing tiny car thread wires and thorn tips.)
#10
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 524
Likes: 1,100
From: Scotland
Bikes: Way too many
I've normally got a tube and a patch kit. Patching at the roadside is a pain so I'd rather throw on a new tube and patch in my nice warm garage. The patch kit is there for when the new tube punctures too, because it's still quicker than getting a taxi home.
#11
Wheelman
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 1,594
From: Putney, London UK
Bikes: 1982 Holdsworth Avanti (531), 1961 Holdsworth Cyclone, 1953 Holdsworth Whirlwind
I don't (yet) carry a spare, or any tools.
Running tubulars with Orange Seal in them.
But I'm in London so if I'm stuck I just take the front wheel off and jump in any black cab
Edit: Or I can get on the tube.
Running tubulars with Orange Seal in them.
But I'm in London so if I'm stuck I just take the front wheel off and jump in any black cab

Edit: Or I can get on the tube.
Last edited by Aardwolf; 10-18-22 at 02:23 PM. Reason: Tubes
#12
Gruppetto Bob




Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 11,425
Likes: 11,648
From: Seattle-ish
Bikes: Orbea Orca, Bianchi Infinito & Campione de Mundo
On my tubed bike:
1 tube
1 patch kit
1 tire boot - like a dollar bill (remember those?)
tire levers
1 multitool
2 CO2s and valve
1 mini-pump
and all of that fits in this:

Never been stranded.
1 tube
1 patch kit
1 tire boot - like a dollar bill (remember those?)
tire levers
1 multitool
2 CO2s and valve
1 mini-pump
and all of that fits in this:

Never been stranded.
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“A watt saved is a watt earned” 🚴🏻♂️
Not a CAT
“A watt saved is a watt earned” 🚴🏻♂️
Last edited by rsbob; 10-18-22 at 06:45 PM.
#13
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,838
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...
Mini floor pump + elaborate patch kit. Carrying a spare tube was in practice pointless for me. I ride differently sized wheels on different bikes. I can remember to take along my tire repair set, but remembering to swap the tube for another size has been beyond me - I usually ended up with the wrong size taken along.
#14
Senior Member


Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,674
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From: Sussex County, Delaware
For most of my rides; spare tube, patch kit, co2 canister and a frame pump. I rarely know where I will be going, or for how long, when I ride. There is a lot of cell phone dead area where I live. I lighten up when/if I know I am going for a quick and/or fast ride. I do not have one of my bikes set up for just that purpose, I like to switch rides regardless of what kind of ride I am going to do.
#15
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,285
From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
I carry 5 Spare Tubes, One Spare Tire, CO 2 and a Pump to get back riding.
Never patch at on the road. Patch at Home and Test for 24 hours before using.
Never patch at on the road. Patch at Home and Test for 24 hours before using.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#17
Banned
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,701
Likes: 2,506
From: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
I carry 3 spare tubes on all my rides . If it's a long distance ride I will also add a patch kit. I don't use Co2, I prefer a pump...I won't make a call of shame unless I was injured or sick and unable to continue or stranded in some remote area far away.
#18
Gruppetto Bob




Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 11,425
Likes: 11,648
From: Seattle-ish
Bikes: Orbea Orca, Bianchi Infinito & Campione de Mundo
I carry 20 spare tubes, a floor pump, a complete tool set, extra wheels and tires and everything needed to build my bike from scratch, 'cause you just never know. Or you can read my earlier post with the byline: in 40 years carrying that stuff has NEVER left me stranded.
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“A watt saved is a watt earned” 🚴🏻♂️
Not a CAT
“A watt saved is a watt earned” 🚴🏻♂️
#19
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 14,153
Likes: 5,275
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mini floor pump + elaborate patch kit. Carrying a spare tube was in practice pointless for me. I ride differently sized wheels on different bikes. I can remember to take along my tire repair set, but remembering to swap the tube for another size has been beyond me - I usually ended up with the wrong size taken along.
#20
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 14,153
Likes: 5,275
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
For most of my rides; spare tube, patch kit, co2 canister and a frame pump. I rarely know where I will be going, or for how long, when I ride. There is a lot of cell phone dead area where I live. I lighten up when/if I know I am going for a quick and/or fast ride. I do not have one of my bikes set up for just that purpose, I like to switch rides regardless of what kind of ride I am going to do.
#21
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 14,153
Likes: 5,275
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mini floor pump + elaborate patch kit. Carrying a spare tube was in practice pointless for me. I ride differently sized wheels on different bikes. I can remember to take along my tire repair set, but remembering to swap the tube for another size has been beyond me - I usually ended up with the wrong size taken along.
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 706
From: Albuquerque NM USA
I mostly ride roads. I run tubeless, I carry:
1 spare tube
patch kit
small pump
several CO2 cartridges and valve
boot
Dynaplugs
tire levers
I've never needed the tube or of course the patch kit for the tube or tire levers. But do use the plugs and CO2 a few times per year when a large puncture won't seal. I could certainly get by without the tube etc. But, I like the idea of being almost certain I can deal with any sort of puncture without having to phone a friend. The tube etc. simply doesn't take up that much room and I'm not a weight weenie.
I pull goat heads out of my tires after almost every ride and these leak air for a moment until I spin the wheel to get sealant in there. I have a few bikes I don't ride often enough to keep up with sealant. In those cases I use tire liners, heavy duty tubes, and Slime. Still carry spare tubes etc. for those.
1 spare tube
patch kit
small pump
several CO2 cartridges and valve
boot
Dynaplugs
tire levers
I've never needed the tube or of course the patch kit for the tube or tire levers. But do use the plugs and CO2 a few times per year when a large puncture won't seal. I could certainly get by without the tube etc. But, I like the idea of being almost certain I can deal with any sort of puncture without having to phone a friend. The tube etc. simply doesn't take up that much room and I'm not a weight weenie.
I pull goat heads out of my tires after almost every ride and these leak air for a moment until I spin the wheel to get sealant in there. I have a few bikes I don't ride often enough to keep up with sealant. In those cases I use tire liners, heavy duty tubes, and Slime. Still carry spare tubes etc. for those.
#23
Senior Member




Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 10,296
Likes: 14,743
You are flirting with disaster.
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