Stroke of luck on the road today.

[Banjo]

On the homeward leg of a hilly ride this morning I stopped at a junction and luckilly noticed a bulge on the front tyre. Thought it would hold out a couple of miles so limped home at slow speed avoiding any bumps. Tyre finally let go and tube deflated about 200 yards from home.

I have heard of people carrying small bits of plastic to use as a bridge inside the tyre if this happens.Have made some now from a margarine tub lid any tips on their use?

Feeling top of the world just now, first time since having flu that i felt good after a strenuous ride.And I had it about a month ago now.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I carry a section cut from an old folding tyre for such eventualities. In an emergency a piece of handlebar tape will do the job too.

 

[lowerstill]

I'm with Smoking Joe on that one, I carry a section of old racing tubular as they're more plyable and wider than a cut down foldable tyre, but either will do.

 

[Banjo]

Thanks for the replies.Re cut down bits of tyre do you have to chamfer the edges or isnt it important as a get you home measure?

My once white bartape is so minging now I think the tyre would spit it out if i tried a bit of that

 

[Smokin Joe]

Thanks for the replies.Re cut down bits of tyre do you have to chamfer the edges or isnt it important as a get you home measure?

My once white bartape is so minging now I think the tyre would spit it out if i tried a bit of that

No need to bother, an old folder will be worn fairly thin anyway.

 

[andrew_s]

Re cut down bits of tyre do you have to chamfer the edges

It isn't necessary as a get you home, but if you leave it in place and it's from a reasonably unworn tyre the edges will cut through the tube in due course (500-1000 miles?)