It's only a flat...
#1
Thread Starter
Sloth Hunter

Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, Arizona
Bikes: 03 Lemond Zurich (Sold) 07 Steelman Custom steel road bike
It's only a flat...
15 miles into my ride I notice my back tire is bouncing more than normal. I know what that means, a flat is coming. In the past year I have had maybe 3 flats. Two of them were about 1/4 mile from the house and I made it home on a slow leak. The other I patched and used the Airstick pump.
So, I stop, pull the tube, new tube in, start pumping using my AS-1 Blackburn Airstick. About 85% full the tube lets go. I'm like, "what the F@#K?"
Pull the tube, right at the base of the stem there is a tear. So, I grab the other tube and patch it, put it back in the tire, start pumping, 85% full that tube lets go. Now I'm screwed.
I started walking and Ross, who I've never met, pulled up and offered me a tube along with a shot of CO2. 2 minutes later I was on the road. Mucho gracias Ross.
Now, I'm thinking the problem was the pumping action that tore the stems. I held the damn thing as tight as I could against the rim and tried to prevent any movement.
My rim strips are fine, although I'm going to replace both.
Both tubes were Specialized Turbo Ultralight and leaked where the stem connects to the tube.
I'm going to start using CO2 and carry two tubes (pay it forward).
Anyone have a similiar problem/solution?
So, I stop, pull the tube, new tube in, start pumping using my AS-1 Blackburn Airstick. About 85% full the tube lets go. I'm like, "what the F@#K?"
Pull the tube, right at the base of the stem there is a tear. So, I grab the other tube and patch it, put it back in the tire, start pumping, 85% full that tube lets go. Now I'm screwed.
I started walking and Ross, who I've never met, pulled up and offered me a tube along with a shot of CO2. 2 minutes later I was on the road. Mucho gracias Ross.
Now, I'm thinking the problem was the pumping action that tore the stems. I held the damn thing as tight as I could against the rim and tried to prevent any movement.
My rim strips are fine, although I'm going to replace both.
Both tubes were Specialized Turbo Ultralight and leaked where the stem connects to the tube.
I'm going to start using CO2 and carry two tubes (pay it forward).
Anyone have a similiar problem/solution?
#3
Super Modest



Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 25,329
Likes: 6,636
From: Central Illinois
Bikes: Trek Domane+x2, Trek Emonda
I carry 2 tubes and 3 cyclinders. Even then, I've seen days in the winter when the roads are cindered/sanded and are a little wet where 2 tubes and a patch kit weren't enough. I generally carry 3 tubes on my tandem.
#4
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 2
From: Beaufort, South Carolina, USA and surrounding islands.
Bikes: Cannondale R500, Motobecane Messenger
You are being rough with the pump. Two solutions: a pump with a hose (Topek Road Morph for example) or a CO2 inflator.
#5
Thread Starter
Sloth Hunter

Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, Arizona
Bikes: 03 Lemond Zurich (Sold) 07 Steelman Custom steel road bike
If I'm going to put a pump back on my bike, it's going to be a full size frame pump.
My seat pack now has; 2 tubes, 3 16g cylinders(100-130psi), a small inflator head and a patch kit.
The idea about maybe pumping in a bunch of air and then CO2 is a good idea, that way I can purchase the cheaper 12g cylinders that give you about 90-100 psi.
When are they coming out with a CO2 cylinder that has sealer in it? Or...tubeless wheels.
My seat pack now has; 2 tubes, 3 16g cylinders(100-130psi), a small inflator head and a patch kit.
The idea about maybe pumping in a bunch of air and then CO2 is a good idea, that way I can purchase the cheaper 12g cylinders that give you about 90-100 psi.
When are they coming out with a CO2 cylinder that has sealer in it? Or...tubeless wheels.





