Flat Tire Questions
 

I went on a ride about a week ago, didn't go far but just wanted to get out for a little bit while I had the time. Everything went well, no flat when I finished my ride. When I went for a ride a few days ago I found my back tire to be flat, wouldn't take any air at all. I took off the tire and changed the tube, everything seems to be fine but I haven't ridden it yet. I noticed on my old tube the hole is right at the base of the stem, and it looks like something cut the tube because there is a little flap of rubber. My question is---is it possible that there is a burr or something on the rim that could have cut the tube? Have any of you got a flat tire from the rim, but not like a pinch hole? I got the other tube on the rim before I thought to look and see if something was there. Seeing as this is my first flat replacement I'm a little hesitant to go out on a ride because I don't have a seat bag to put a tube and some tire irons in.

Thanks!

Oh also if I'm out on the road with no replacement equipment how bad is it to ride the tire flat to somewhere I can get picked up or even all the way home?

You might want to remove the tire and tube and check the rim for burrs.

Flats are part of road riding.
Spare tube, CO2 and or small pump should be carried with you.

Checking the rim and inside of the tire for sharp objects should be part of your flat repair routine. I suggest you deflate and do that now; otherwise, you may not get far.

I wouldn't ride a flat tire any distance at all, unless some emergency required it. You can damage the tire and the wheel in a short distance.

I suggest you bring the following with you on all rides longer than 100 feet: tube, pump (or CO2 can), tire tools.

bad....very bad. unclip, pick your bike up and start walking. replacing your cleats would be way cheaper than a new rear weel (or whichever tire is flat). like already suggested, take tube out and run fingers along the inside rim and check. But I have had this happen also. For me it was a matter of being to aggresive with the stem when I was trying to attach my floor pump to it. it happens, just check your equiptment and throw in a new tube.

Depends how much you want to avoid paying for a new wheel. Instead, get a spare tube and a compressed air pump.

Rim tape?

Also make sure you don't overtighten the nut on the outside of the valve stem.This can pull the tube into the hole and cut your tube.

This is why it is best to just remove the nut entirely.

OK thanks guys I checked again and there were no sharp objects in the rim. Hopefully I didn't miss it if there is something there. And hopefully my tire won't go flat on my ride today!

I would imagine this is what happen to the OP the first time (or at least how I'm picturing the puncture).

Many years ago I got a flat because the tube was mounted in the wrong location so that the stem was pushed sideways in the hole. Not sure if that can happen with modern rims, but that's one thing I've been careful about ever since. The valve nut can be helpful to keep the stem straight while mounting/inflating the tube.

This. The stupid nut serves really no purpose and can pull the tube too tight against the hole or rattle if left loose.

Please try not to ride to the LBS on just rim. You could destroy your tire. It's possible, I've done it. Broken axle once too. You get looks like this :twitchy:.

Take the nut and valve cap off.

Have your LBS re-tape and check your rim for anything like you are describing, they will set you straight. Buy the best TAPE they have and you won't have to replace that tape ever in your ownership of that wheelset.

There's really nothing I could tell you, even with pictures, video, lengthy descriptions, etc, because we would have to literally feel the rim and look everywhere.

Actually the tubes that came with my bike didn't have a nut on the stem but the new tube I put in did. So overtightening the nut wasn't the problem of my flat...it wasn't even a possibility. Either way, the tube I put on stayed inflated and rode well so it seems like my flat problems have been solved until the next one!

When you add air to the tube, have you been using a regular floor pump, or a smaller hand type pump? The smaller pumps allow too much movement of the valve stem while pumping, and IMO can cut the tube near the base of the stem.

And you really should have a kit to fix a flat, it'll save you so much time in the long run. And please don't ride on a flat tire if it is at all possible to avoid, it'll cost you big time.

this is what happened.

NEVERMIND i DIDNT READ YOUR RESPONSE TO THAT STATEMENT

You tore the valve off. Happens. Pay attention to what you're doing. Happens more with cheap tubes.

WOW! really? how can i fix my flat tire problems until the next one comes up??? please explain!