They are a gamble ... but you could argue that anything less than a fully equipped support vehicle is a gamble to some extent.

If you replace the tube and don't have further punctures, one bulb is fine. Carry 2 because you don't always get away without another puncture and sometimes you just mess up using the thing. Thing is, if you get more punctures than the number of bulbs, you're stuffed. Note: I'm pretty sure some systems don't empty the bulb but you get the basic idea.

Why would you get further punctures?

Well, theoretically, you shouldn't. I mean, you carefully check the tyre for whatever blew the tube originally don't you, and you always get all the sources of trouble (like that bit of glass that's only just poking out). Ever been caught by a torn valve that only showed the puncture when you pulled on it in just the right direction? Ride bikes long enough and sooner or later, you'll get caught where the two puncture rule just isn't enough.

If you're going to use CO2, I think you're wise to back it up with a pump. Mini pumps are more or less useless, especially the cheap ones, but there is a lot of free air around you. The CO2 will pump up your tyre quickly and easily and if you get caught, you've got the mini pump so you're not stuck - any air in a tyre is better than riding on the rim. It's a bit like carrying a spare tube because it's quick and easy to just switch tubes, but always carry a puncture kit in case you put another hole in the new one.

The fewer tools you carry, the greater the gamble. The trick is to understand the gamble you're taking and to make sure it's appropriate for the ride - I'd take more tools and spares to ride from Adelaide to Perth (3,000 kms basically without bike shops and nearly all isolated open roads) than I would riding to work where I can ring my son and get him to rescue me if stuck.

There's no way around it. Bring tools if yer riding a mile from home. Yer whining about carrying a wrench, now yer interested in CO2. WTF. Carry a wrench, get a small, cheap, plastic pump, and don't worry about it anymore.

Also,
Keep a dollar bill or two in your patch kit. They work wonderfully for patching side wall damage that would otherwise have you walking (even with a new tube...)

This has kept me rolling several times.

??? I thought for sure you were about to say keep a couple bucks for public traspo or a cab to get home. Why does it need to be a dollar bill? Why not regular paper or cardboard. I currently have the cardboard from a beer box reinforcing a sidewall on one of my tires...

I suspect because USD are not paper but actually fibers, like clothing. That's why you can get them wet and they don't bleed or tear apart. Cardboard or paper would definitely rip or become soggy if it got wet.

Yes, dollar bills are extremely strong and supple and hold up well. Im sure there are other good alternatives.

Had not thought of that, interesting if that is the case. I've not done a roadside sidewall repair. My cardboard fix was done at home when dry. It is glued in and I think that the glue keeps it dry when riding I ride in the rain, not that much water can get inside a tire through small puncture holes....

Use foreign currency that isnt worth much as a replacement for a dollar bill :thumb:

Our currency is plastic, even better than your dollar :)

Seriously, you do need to consider this. I had a blowout that left a hole in my TYRE you could poke your little finger through. Never did find out what caused it. I used the 'call your son to come rescue you' option.

When I lived in the far suburbs with low-traffic routes I generally only carried a spare tube, 4" adjustable wrench, mini-pump, levers and multi-tool. Any issues and I was close enough that I could call for a ride and be picked up and home within an hour.

Now that I live closer to the city I carry an additional 2 tubes, patch kit and gorilla tape for tire booting purposes. The additional items are due to the times I ride, which is right in the middle of commuting hours for the several hundred thousand office workers in the metro area. If I have an issue and need to be picked up it can take upwards of an hour before I get picked up and an additional hour to get home. "Rush-hour" in my area runs from 3:00 and doesn't really end until 8:00+.

If you don't want to use money you can use power food wrappers as well. That Clif Bar you ate is also a tire boot in a pinch.

Also if you are going to use cash money, be a real ****** and use a Benjamin. Roll in style ; )

lolol give me a break I carry a 15 mm wrench that might weigh 4 ounces lol lol lugging around the extra weight lmao you guys kill me dont put gel in your hair when you ride but carry a wrench instead lmao lmao lmao

Unless I'm going under 5 miles or so I like to bring my backpack which contains at least these important items: spare tubes(s), lockring/axelnut wrench, multi size Alan wrench/hex set, tire lever, pump, adapter, spare chain, chain breaker, and the ever trusty pliers. I've inly recently started carrying a tool for my cranks in the rare event that they need repair, but these other items seem essential to fixing almost any problem encountered with any part.

Thorn resistant tubes are pretty good to have too, less worry or going flat. (Little heavier but nice to feel more assured)

Here's one alternative I hear might work -
http://www.parktool.com/uploads/thum...ae_430x390.jpg

That's the good thing about the odd handle on the PDW wrench. After snugging by hand, you can step on it to tighten the nuts.

I'm a belt-and-suspenders kind of guy so I carry a CO2 cartridge and a minipump, and a spare tube and a patch kit. First flat gets a new tube and CO2. Second and subsequent flats (it's happened) get a patch and a pump.

I have the Second Wind pump/inflator. It is a very nice pump that also accommodates CO2 cartridges. That said, I have never used the CO2, I just use the pump which works well.

Ride Safe,

Joe

For anybody interested in getting 1 of those PDW 3wrenchos mentioned several times on the 1st page of this thread...I don't think you'll be able to do any better than here

Origin8 Tool Multi Pb&J Fixie/Stainless - Tools - Urban/Fixie

Just stumbled on this Origin8 tool and it seems pretty cool. Lockring tool and 15mm wrench, anybody ever use it?

Do you guys pedal left-right, or right-left? I prefer right-left, but when I get it backwards, I usually have to stop, crumple into the fetal position on the side of the road, and cry until someone can help me walk to a bus stop. Any tips?

It's a bit on the long side (twss) but it's a great pump. +1

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=425477

Just a tip on carrying Gorilla, Gaffer or Duct Tape....I wrap it around old credit cards/store perk cards or hotel key cards.
You can easily carry several kinds of tape on a couple of cards in your wallet.

When I was a boy scout we used to wrap duct tape around small prescription bottles that were filled with firstaid stuff.. Worked really well! I guess cards would work too..