First ever puncture

[plastic_cyclist]

Happened today, 15 miles in, absolutely unprepared, no tools on board whatsoever, a long, lonely walk back !

So, as a total rookie, is it better to replace the tube or repair the puncture? Hell, I don't even know if it even has a tube !
Also, what and how do you store a pump / tools on the bike when riding?

 

[vickster]

Happened today, 15 miles in, absolutely unprepared, no tools on board whatsoever, a long, lonely walk back !

So, as a total rookie, is it better to replace the tube or repair the puncture? Hell, I don't even know if it even has a tube !
Also, what and how do you store a pump / tools on the bike when riding?

Replace the tube on the road, fix the punctured one at home if repairable.
The pump can be carried on bike under bottle cage, other tools and 2 spare tubes in saddle bag, pannier, bar bag, even a pocket.
Lesson learned the hard way unfortunately

 

[mjr]

I favour repairing because then I don't take a wheel off, but it's personal preference.

My pump and tools are usually in a long flap saddlebag.

 

[plastic_cyclist]

So, where do you guys generally buy your spare tubes from? The tyre wall states "Specialized Borough" 700 x 32C (32-622)
I take it 700 is the nominal diameter of the tyre (in millimetres) and 38 is the width of the tyre, but what is the C ??
And do you buy the tube based on 700 x 32C alone ?

 

[HobbesOnTour]

Only 15 miles? You were lucky!! My first puncture was in a different country!

Whether repairing or replacing the tube check, double check and triple check the tyre for whatever caused the puncture! Running a ball of cotton wool along the inside of the tyre will show up most Invaders no matter how small.

This is a great time to check out YouTube for repair resources. Great for practising with at home and a source of many hints and tips.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

double check and triple check the tyre for whatever caused the puncture!

This, a thousand times over.

 

[vickster]

So, where do you guys generally buy your spare tubes from? The tyre wall states "Specialized Borough" 700 x 32C (32-622)
I take it 700 is the nominal diameter of the tyre (in millimetres) and 38 is the width of the tyre, but what is the C ??
And do you buy the tube based on 700 x 32C alone ?

I don’t like Continental tubes personally. Ignore the C, you need a 700 tube that covers the 32 bit, eg https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bi...presta-inner-tube---700c-x-23-32c-525334.html they come nearly packed too 👍 (assume you have the long skinny presta valves not the schrader car type ones if that’s your bike in avatar) 4 for £10 is a bargain

get yourself some of these while you’re at it
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bi...e-reinforced-bike-tyre-levers-x-3-220160.html

 

[plastic_cyclist]

Great, that's exactly what I needed!
Do you also have a preference on a multi-tool which can be slipped into the saddle bag?
Would you say that these are the minimum things you need to take on rides:
1) Pump
2) Repair Kit
3) Spare Tube
4) Multi-Tool

.....and yes, I've been out riding with nothing !!

 

[figbat]

Great, that's exactly what I needed!
Do you also have a preference on a multi-tool which can be slipped into the saddle bag?
Would you say that these are the minimum things you need to take on rides:
1) Pump
2) Repair Kit
3) Spare Tube
4) Multi-Tool

.....and yes, I've been out riding with nothing !!

You’ll need two tyre levers too. I usually have a quick link for fixing a broken chain and a multi-tool that has a chain tool on it.

 

[vickster]

Three levers in the link I posted 👍

 

[mjr]

So, where do you guys generally buy your spare tubes from? The tyre wall states "Specialized Borough" 700 x 32C (32-622)
I take it 700 is the nominal diameter of the tyre (in millimetres) and 38 is the width of the tyre, but what is the C ??
And do you buy the tube based on 700 x 32C alone ?

I buy mine from the local bike shop.

The key numbers are the 32-622. 32mm width, 622mm diameter where it attaches. You can buy on that alone.

The 700 and the C come from an old French size, 700C, which was 622mm across but 39mm tall, making the tyre 700mm across the outside. 700x32C is a widely-used nonsense, pretty much. Don't worry about it, but take it as a lesson that old tyre sizes make no sense and the ww-ddd size type is safer.

 

[slow scot]

Getting a cycling friend to show you how to take a tyre off, and also how to put it back on without damaging the inner tube, is a very good idea. Practice doing it at home once or twice to give yourself confidence. We've all gone through this process.
Nice riding down in "Angusshire"!

 

[MonsterEnergy]

Happened today, 15 miles in, absolutely unprepared, no tools on board whatsoever, a long, lonely walk back !

So, as a total rookie, is it better to replace the tube or repair the puncture? Hell, I don't even know if it even has a tube !
Also, what and how do you store a pump / tools on the bike when riding?

I normally have a small cycling rucksack that i store my phone, and spare inner tube, and pump in there. The other day, i recently got slime in my tyres so hopefully will never get punctures again.
Highly recommended.

 

[Cycleops]

The other day, i recently got slime in my tyres so hopefully will never get punctures again.
Highly recommended.

You will just that you might not know about it .

 

[MonsterEnergy]

You will just that you might not know about it .

If you go to halfords, there is a wheel with nails pushed right into it all the way around, but with no puncture. Its great