Flat after first ride

[dst87]

So I went for my first cycle two days ago, managing 10 miles in an hour. Loved it, despite the light shower I experienced while out!

Anyway I woke up the following morning to see that my front tyre was flat as a pancake. I was a bit confused, so I pumped it up and sure enough, today it's basically flat again. I listened for some hissing after pumping again, and after much wrangling extracted this beauty from the tyre:



So obviously I'm going to need a new tube (and to work out how to change it) - do I need a new tyre too? Is there anything I can do to avoid this, or is it just something we need to deal with on a regular basis when riding off-road? I was on a canal tow-path near my house the entire time which is almost exclusively loose stones on the ground.

Cheers guys!

 

[palinurus]

So obviously I'm going to need a new tube (and to work out how to change it) - do I need a new tyre too?

You can fix the tube with a patch, although buying a new tube would mean you had a spare (if you fix the current one) which is handy if you need to fix a flat on a ride.

 

[screenman]

Slime would have fixed that without you knowing it was there.

 

[palinurus]

Is there anything I can do to avoid this, or is it just something we need to deal with on a regular basis when riding off-road?

Some tyres are tougher than others, but even so you'll get the odd puncture.

You can obtain tubes filled with a liquid latex sealant (slime tubes), I use these on my riding-to-work bike- problem is I don't have enough data to know whether they work (I haven't had any punctures but I might've hit a lucky patch!)

 

[Bobby Mhor]

After the trials and tribulations with Evans..
keep smiling as the P*******e Fairy visits us all..
it happens..
I have a basic kit with the usual tyre levers but I carry a couple of inner tubes..( pump as well)
like previously said, easier to throw on a new tube if out and about..
Look for deals on inner tubes on bike sites..

 

[palinurus]

do I need a new tyre too?

Not unless you want to change brands. All tyres get little holes in them.

 

[marshmella]

If you're riding on canal towpaths regularly it might be worth looking at tyres which offer a bit more p*******e resistance.

 

[mjr]

You can fix the tube with a patch, although buying a new tube would mean you had a spare (if you fix the current one) which is handy if you need to fix a flat on a ride.

Except patches stick better inside a tyre than on a tube in a bag and it's easier not to remove the wheel
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz33ozlTvdo

 

[dst87]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'm going to go to Halfords tomorrow and get some new tubes. I've seen a few videos on changing them! Later in the week plan to go to LBS to get a rack/mudguards fitted, and some new tyres too. Marathon Originals been recommended, so will see if they have them

I'll pick up some of the other tools and essentials at Halfords too tomorrow!

 

[mjr]

If not, any Schwalbe Active Line protected tyres should be fairly good. Brain dump: Depending where/what you're riding, Vittoria Zaffiro, Voyager Hypers or Continental Gatorskins might be good. I'm not current with Kenda or Michelin but they used to make good protected tyres too

 

[Pat "5mph"]

@dst87
The Marathon original are on special here, same price at Wiggle, where you get Quidco cash back.
@User, I think Duncan's tyres are 700x38 or 700x35.
They are just the stock tyres - I went to Evans with him, it was decided to wait a bit before upgrading, bit pricey in there

 

[dst87]

Yeah they're 700x38. I've no idea what those numbers mean, but they are printed on the tyre wall!

Also... Hi @Pat "5mph" !!

 

[mjr]

700x38 usually means an ISO size of 622-38 or 622mm bead diameter and 38mm width.

 

[screenman]

Why Halfords, it may be better to strike up a relationship with an LBS as soon as possible.

 

[Pale Rider]

What pressure are you running?

Generally, the higher the pressure, the less chance of a puncture, although the trade off is a harsher ride.

Among your essentials should be a track pump which will inflate the tyre faster than a hand one and have a gauge.

Lots of choice, but if you fancy buying from Halfords, their basic one does the job.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/too...air/halfords-metal-track-bike-pump-with-gauge