Puncture fix strategy on long rides ?

[dodgy]

I carry one spare tube per 50 miles of planned ride (2 tubes for a 55 mile ride, 3 for a 102 etc). I usually try and patch before resorting to the spare. A good tip is try to repair the tube well away from the main road, you'll never hear the hiss when trying to locate the puncture otherwise.

 

[Paulus]

Short or long rides, I always carry two inner tubes as well as a kit. Only in dire emergencies do I try to repair punctures at the side of the road. Ever tried to get patches to stick on a wet day?

 

[rnscotch]

1 tube, 1 tyre lever, some self sticking patches and and a CO2 pump along with a mini pump..

I prefer to repair the tube at home as it is a right pain trying to do it road side.

 

[Mortiroloboy]

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

That is the one problem with sheep... You do have to go round the front to kiss them!

 

[MacB]

I find the prospect of my first puncture scary, only done 200 miles so far. Carrying 2 tubes, a kit, self sticking patches and have the tubes filled with Slime(though from some posts I may regret that). I haven't done a fix/replace since I was a kid and my memory was of no better than 20% success on repairs, hopefully technology, and my technique, may have improved. Reckon I'd aim to go with replace and then repair at home.

I am tempted to move to the Marathon + tyres but am concerned by posts that indicate that, when they do puncture, tyres are really hard to get on and off. Not concerned with weight speed as I personally carry so many extra pounds it's immaterial

 

[Ivan Ardon]

Try changing a tube in the comfort of your garage / kitchen before you get a real puncture. I'd remove and refit the hardest one - the the back wheel.

That way you'll know you have adequate tools to get the wheel out, take the tyre off, fix a puncture and put it all back together again. More importantly, you'll know that you CAN do it.

That'll save you a lot of worry.

 

[soulful dog]

Me too MacBludgeon! I did get a p*ncture of sorts when I first started cycling but that was down to the tyre on the second hand bike I'd just bought a few weeks earlier splitting as they were well past it. Had to take the bike in to a LBS for them to fit two new tyres - but that only happened 10 minutes walk from home.

Since then I've done 30 miles a couple of times and although I have a spare tube etc with me, I haven't a clue what I'll do if I ever get a p*ncture (apart from get my hands dirty). And if it's the rear wheel, god help me! I'm tempted to do as Ivan has just said, try it at home, but I'm too feart in case I can't get the wheel back on or something!

I hope to solve this by going on a basic bike maintenance course at some point, but really would like to find one local to me as travelling through to Edinburgh for a day isn't ideal.

 

[MacB]

Try changing a tube in the comfort of your garage / kitchen before you get a real puncture. I'd remove and refit the hardest one - the the back wheel.

That way you'll know you have adequate tools to get the wheel out, take the tyre off, fix a puncture and put it all back together again. More importantly, you'll know that you CAN do it.

That'll save you a lot of worry.

I think that's good advice, I've actually spoken to a local guy that does mobile bike repairs etc. My new bike arrives next week and he's going to do the basic set up and roadworthiness checks with me. Also paying him to run through basic bike maintenance including punctures. Figure this could be one of the best 'accessories' I purchase.

I have watched various tutorial videos but figured hands on was the best way to go....cheers.....Al

 

[jimboalee]

A long ride???

Try this reverse logic....

A short ride is one where if you get a puncture at the furthest point from home, it would be quicker to walk home.

 

[BentMikey]

Don't forget a pair of latex gloves in your toolkit, then you can keep your hands clean.

 

[jimboalee]

I've already said that.

 

[byegad]

I used to have no problem patching a tube but recently have had no end of bother with patches refusing to seal the leak.
So I now carry:-
1) A Seal and Flate canister to blow up the flat tyre and seal the leak. I only use this if I'm less than 10 miles from home and it usually gets me home possibly with a top up from #2.
2) A CO2 inflator with several spare cylinders.
3) A small pump for minor leaks, inflating a tube before refitting and as insurance should #2 run out.
4) Spare tubes, usually two but more for longer runs ( say over 40 miles) I ride recumbent trikes and for a bike I used to carry one spare tube plus extras when needed.
5) A puncture repair kit for if I ever get really desperate. I avoid using it like the plague. As I said at the start I have real problems with parches these days!

My first choice is reinflate and get home if I can. My second is to put a new tube in after finding the cause. This is what I do whenever I repair at home anyway and if I patch to get home I replace with a new tube anyway.

Given my rate of one puncture every 1000+ miles repalcing the tube costs me around £20 a year and is easier and, for me, it's more reliable than patching. This year 2008 I've had three punctures in 5000 miles so the cost was around £12.

 

[HLaB]

For road rides I carry 1 tube + a repair kit and multi tool (with tyre levers) and touch wood this has been OK for me as my p'tures are limited.

 

[Randochap]

Don't forget a pair of latex gloves in your toolkit, then you can keep your hands clean.

Latex gloves are too slippery. Traditional sheep-handling gloves are velcro. And don't forget your wellies.

Incedentally, never patch by roadside. Just carry spares. I have a box full of punctured tubes, which I hope to get round to patching in 2009.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

+1

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.