I recently caught a flat on the stock tires of my Pista (continental ultrasports, go figure) and I'm looking to replace them. I've purchased continental ultra-gator skins and have the necessary tools. However, as many of you know, there is no wheel release mechanism on the Pista and I'm afraid that I'm gonna mess something up if I try to disassemble the nuts and bolts. Keep in mind that I'm relatively new to biking and I have NEVER done this before. I know there's a first time for everything, but would it be a better option to go to my LBS or should I just attempt to do it myself? I know most of you experienced riders would say "grow some balls and give it a try" but I would hate to mess up my bike. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, while I'm on the topic, should I be getting any kind of special tubing if I'm putting on the ultra-gator skins? Also, any safe measures I should take to avoid flats (aside from avoid glass, thorns, etc..)?

get a 15mm wrench and loosen the nuts. nothing can really screw up... like you might find it hard to get the chain tension right again, but that's about it.

There's another kind of wheel release mechanism eh, just get some wrenches and take the wheel off.

Also, unless you've trashed the tires you don't need to change them on account of one flat. People get flats with gatorskins too. Best way I've found to avoid flats is to stay well away from the curb and all the **** that accumulates there.

Anyway, hit the googles and find some videos... it's an easy skill to teach yourself. Try and mount the tires without using tire levers, and make sure you don't have your new tube pinched anywhere between the tire and the rim and you should be okay.

If you mess this up you can still take it to the LBS and they'll fix it. If you have a bike co-op they can probably teach you at some point too, but really, this is an easy skill to learn.

Now that I think about it, there doesn't seem to be any holes in the actual tires. Could it be the inner tubing? Would that be all I need to replace? I tried pumping the tire to no avail.

Nope, when you get a flat you have to replace the tire, tube, and wheel. Everytime.
You learn quickly to avoid flats.

Yes, you can just replace the tube.
And if you're really good at it, you can just take half the tire off the rim.

And better yet, get a patch kit, and start patching your tubes. And save cash.

yeah yeah good one

what's there to mess up? it's a fixed gear, not like you'll accidentally unscrew your derailleur.

is this guy serious?

everyone starts somewhere.

man up and take a wrench to it.

quoted for excellence.

When you replace/fix the tube (all you have to do), be sure that no little bits of the tube are pinched between the tire and the rim. It seems like everybody I know pinches it the first time they try to fix a flat, so after all their work they immediately get another flat.

ok scratch that, it was easier than I thought. It was an issue with the inner tube. There was a small puncture by the base of the valve, which was letting air escape. Now the question is: What are some durable inner tubes I can replace it with?

Unless you're vying to cut down every gram you can, a tube is a tube.

Or like beef suggested, get a patch kit and save yourself a few bucks.

like i said it's a puncture at the base of the valve. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be able to fix it with a patch kit, but I will purchase one for whenever I get any other punctures in the future. So there's no diff btwn a continental tube and a generic one? I read that some of the heavier tubes are better. If so, what are some of the brands? Thanks.

no it doesn't matter. I just use basic pyramid tubes or Forte tubes from performance bike. Just go get one and do it already.

When you are putting your rear wheel back on, make sure that it is aligned in the dropouts. You want it to line up straight with your bike. Also, push it back a little bit as you tighten down your nuts so you can have decent chain tension. Not TOO tight, but you definitely want to push it back a little bit.

I usually tighten down the drive-side axle nut first. Then I do the other side. Then I go back and give them both another twist to make sure they are on good and tight.

This is something you need to know how to do. Don't ever be afraid to work on your bike. It's a very simple machine and EXTREMELY easy to work on.

the only tubes that I've had a pattern of bad experience with is forte tubes (performance brand). I just use whatever cheapo $3 kenda tube that my local shop sells. But I rarely purchase tubes since I use patch kits and keep reusing tubes as long as possible.

be sure not to pull the pump chuck off at an angle -- just pull straight up when you're done pumping. less risk of damaging the stem.

also, always run your fingers inside of your tire and feel for any debris. run your finger along the inside of the rim for any burs or spokes pushing through. When my tire is back on and inflated, I also look for small pieces of glass and eventually find one or two - I pick them out carefully with a safety pin. if you keep riding on these pieces of glass, they will slowly work they're way through your tire and pop your tube.

and be sure to keep inflation at the proper level -- I pump up every other day and ride every single day. this will reduce or eliminate pinch flats.

partially inflating a tube before putting it into the tire when mounting makes things easier -- reduces the chance of twisting or being caught between the rim and the tire bead.

and be sure to line up tire logos, stem/valve hole -- it will make your life easier.

...that's all I got.

"and be sure to line up tire logos, stem/valve hole -- it will make your life easier."

I never really understood this. What's the point?

if you flat out, you can easily find where the hole is in the tube and find the corresponding glass/debris in the tire. and it's more aesthetically pleasing...

find local bike shop that will change flat while you wait.

pay attention.

????

profit.

Had to steal this for the sig.

I do it 'cos that's usually where they print the inflate to XXXpsi is printed. That's the handiest reason for me.

consider me flattered

1. don't ride through crap
2. keep your tires pumped up (about 100 on your 23's)
3. use the search function. Really. Any search function.

I didn't read thoroughly through every reply, so sorry if it's already been said, but be sure to check the placement of your rim strip. If the hole is slightly misaligned and the bare edge of the valve hole in the rim is showing, it's basically an invitation for an inflated tube to puncture. A new tube certainly wouldn't fix that problem for long.