Puncture fix strategy on long rides ?

[mikeyw]

Guys,

About to embark on my first long ride tomorrow and was wondering what people strategy is for punctures ? - assuming you don't have a backup vehicle with spare wheels do people take out spare innertubes or do on the fly repairs ?...patches or gels / glues ?

I've heard it's hard to get road bike tyres off their rims - is this true ?....will standard plastic tyre removers used on an MTB still do the trick on a road bike ?

Any advice on this area much appreciated.

Mike.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I carry two spare tubes and one (plastic) tyre lever. Some tyres can be a struggle when new, but once on the rim a while they loosen up.

 

[Tynan]

one tube and a kit, very very few flats can't be patched in fifteen minutes if you're up to speed

train hard fight easy though yeah?

 

[mikeyw]

So what's the easiest way to locate the puncture without the old bucket of water

 

[RedBike]

I just stick the tube in my pocket and mend it when I get home.

To locate the hole without a bucket of water I try and inflate the tube and then listen carefully for the hiss.

 

[jimboalee]

Tips:-

1/ Position the tyre so the label or coloured marking is on the right hand side of the bike and right next to the valve. This makes it easier to locate the sharp object.

2/a When you've got the wheel out, clean it with a rag. Cleanliness is everything.

2/b Without a water bath. Get the tube out, but leave the tyre on in its 'indexed' position as said above. Inflate the tube to expand it. If the puncture is not evident, pass the tube close to your eyes ( they are VERY sensitive ) and you may feel a puff of air as the leak passes.
When you have located the hole, mark round it - about 1 1/2" away with a biro - always carry a pen. Now, you can estimate where the sharp object went through the cover with reference to the valve position.

3/ Two spare tubes.

4/ Keep your hands very clean. Carry latex gloves in your PRK. Any dirt or water on the tube and the rubber solution won't work, if you have already used your spare tubes.

5/ Don't panic!

 

[Euan Uzami]

Be kind to nature and make sure you always rip the old tube so it's one long length rather than a loop, that way a sheep can't strangle itself on it.

 

[Dave5N]

No, take the old one home with you.

Never yet failed to find a puncture by putting some air in the tube and bassing it around close to my face. You can feel the air escaping.

 

[Euan Uzami]

No, take the old one home with you.

oh yeah, never thought of that!
cheers...

 

[Dave5N]

Well that's what we're here for, to help each other out!

I still always cut up the plastic things that keep cans of beer together - have done for twenty-odd years since a then GF told me the seagulls at the tip get their little necks caught in them.

Same thing with sheep and innertubes I s'pose...

 

[BentMikey]

Two tubes (well actually four since I have two different wheel sizes), a repair kit, and a tyre boot is my strategy.

 

[clutterydrawer]

I don't know what's classed as a long ride....but I always just patch mine up by the road

I had FOUR last week and managed them all in the dark with no water so you'll b amazed what you can manage when you have to.

 

[Mortiroloboy]

I carry three tubes, tyre levers and a pump, I used to carry a patch set, but as I usually ride in a group between us there are enough spare tubes going around if things do get really silly p*nct*re wise. That said I did recently have to call for the broom waggon in the form of the rather annoyed Mrs M, when I used up my three tubes and got a fourth visit from the fairy, having lef the group,but that is a pretty unusual scenario IME.

I certainly wouldn't want to call SWMBO up again mid Sunday Roast preperation

 

[Mortiroloboy]

Be kind to nature and make sure you always rip the old tube so it's one long length rather than a loop, that way a sheep can't strangle itself on it.

Do you have sheep in your wheelie bin?!!!!!

Or are you one of those irresponsble types who leave their old tubes hanging on the stock wire for the sheep to get strangled in?!

 

[BentMikey]

Or are you one of those irresponsble types who leave their old tubes hanging on the stock wire for the sheep to get strangled in?!

After having tied up the sheep over the fence? Euan must be one of those that doesn't like kissing.