puntures

[s7ephanie]

Being new to cycling and not a young fit thing, i am terrified of getting a punture whilst out, there is no way i could change it or mend it (havent even got repair kit yet) i havent even got a thingy to put pump on, nor do i have a mobile phone - i saw something on internet that you pump into tyre, is it worth getting?

 

[gavintc]

I have not used the stuff you put into the tyre. However, it is worth getting a pump, repair kit etc and doing a test run in the warmth and light of the kitchen. The last thing you want is for the 1st time to be dark, raining and miles from home.

 

[machew]

For a quick repair, I carry a spare inner tube and a C02 inflator. Change the inner tube and fix the puncture at home in the warm

 

[BSRU]

If you are really puncture averse buy some Marathon Plus tyres.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Nope.

 

[CopperCyclist]

there is no way i could change it or mend it (havent even got repair kit yet)?

If a blind man can do it, you can.
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm06/bm0602/bm060213.htm

This guy isn't alone either, there's a blind and deaf chap in the UK that featured in a cycle mag as a repair man.

There isn't no way you could do it - you just don't know how. A simple inner tube change is one of the easiest things you can learn how to do on your bike - just search for the many YouTube videos that provide you with a walk through, get a repair kit, and give it a go - change the perfectly good one inside the tyre at the moment as practice, then keep it as a spare!

 

[MrJamie]

It's definitely worth changing a tube at home to get some practice so if/when the worst does happen you'll know what you're doing. Get yourself a little bag with a minipump, repair kit, spare tube and multitool.

Tyre sealant works up to a point, with small holes although if the offending object is stuck in the tyre or the holes too big youll lose too much air anyway. It can also clog up the valves and cause problems.

As BSRU suggested, and being particularly puncture averse myself I use Marathon Plus or Plus Tour tyres on my bikes, they're very very puncture resistant. The slightly higher price is also offset by the fact they last a ridiculously long time

 

[cyberknight]

For a quick repair, I carry a spare inner tube and a C02 inflator. Change the inner tube and fix the puncture at home in the warm

+1
i carry 2 tubes , multi tool, tyre levers, repair kit , C02 inflator and a mini pump.
Practise changing a tube at home as well so you can do it easily at the road side, nowt worse than trying to fix a flat in the middle of nowhere at night in sub zero temperatures.
There are plenty of inflators on the market and many will recommend a genuine innovations model but i have a weldite inflator that is small and does the job perfectly .
http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/.Weldtite-Jet-Value-Tyre-Inflator-_121762.htm
I carry this pump...
http://www.highonbikes.com/topeak-p...ad-bike.html?gclid=COzlos6cgrcCFYjLtAodUlkAtA

 

[Supersuperleeds]

If your priority is to limit punctures,as BSRU said, get some marathon plus tyres.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

If your priority is to limit punctures,as BSRU said, get some marathon plus tyres.

Agreed, they're very puncture-resistant, although a bit on the heavy side compared to other tyres.

 

[s7ephanie]

Thank you for advise, i will get my son round to help me practice changing tyres xxx

 

[grumpyoldgit]

A lot of punctures that occur in worn tyres would not happen if they were replaced more often,very much depends on your budget.

 

[HLaB]

If a blind man can do it, you can.
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm06/bm0602/bm060213.htm

This guy isn't alone either, there's a blind and deaf chap in the UK that featured in a cycle mag as a repair man.

This guy is blind too.

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/...deafblind-graham-s-the-cycle-surgeon-1-622791

 

[SquareDaff]

Durano Plus's for me (Road bike). Plus I always carry a couple of spare tubes. It used to be just the one until I saw someone get a double puncture.

Don't think anyones mentioned to regularly do a tyre check for embedded debris/glass etc.. Remove these before they work their way through to the tube to reduce the likelihood of punctures.

Otherwise +1 for what others have said and do a "dry" practice. The 1st time will take ages - but you learn fast. After 2 or 3 changes you'll have a technique that works for you sorted!

 

[fossyant]

You need to practice as they are inevitable. You could face the long walk of shame.