Well...that was a fairly horrid day out...........!

[Widge]

I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to today. A day off...reasonable weather forecast...all my 'Aldi' Kit...shiny new road-bike and a plan to do my first 20miler for quite a while (?).

So I get 10 miles out (lots of hills so feeling pretty pleased given my n00biness with r/bikes).

Turn the bike round intending to stop at the next pub to celebrate.

Instant Puncture-Heavens Open!!!!!

OK.....so it's been a few years since I fixed a rear wheel puncture by the roadside-but I have the tube and I have the pump so job done you'd think?

Wheel came off ok...as did the tyre-so I slippped the new tube in and attempted to refit the wheel.
After some head scratching tryng to remember which way the chain ran through the jockey wheels I could not work out WHY the the wheel wouldn't slip back into the dropouts as easily as it came out (top-tip...remember to release the brake spread doobry when fitting wheels!)

Then

The 'Crank Brothers' super mini pump I've carried around every time I've taken a bike out (just in case) didn't pump.

At all.

Not even slightly.

I had the bike upside down and when I finally flipped it back I discovered the road surface had chewed great lumps out of my saddle and brifters​

I threw it over a hedge and walked home.
(The Pump-not the bike)

So, not the best day-0ut? But hey ho....brown stuff happens?

I know this subject has been done to death.........but would REALLY appreciate your recommendations for a) Serious puncture resistant tyres
b) Small portable pumps that pump?
c) a healthy new attitude to walking home.

I REALLY thought another cyclist would pass me with a fully functioning pump eager to give me air...didn't see a single one!!!!!

best

w

 

[Norm]

Topeak Road Morph.

 

[snorri]

You were lucky it wasn't dark

 

[Cyclist33]

I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to today. A day off...reasonable weather forecast...all my 'Aldi' Kit...shiny new road-bike and a plan to do my first 20miler for quite a while (?).

So I get 10 miles out (lots of hills so feeling pretty pleased given my n00biness with r/bikes).

Turn the bike round intending to stop at the next pub to celebrate.

Instant Puncture-Heavens Open!!!!!

OK.....so it's been a few years since I fixed a rear wheel puncture by the roadside-but I have the tube and I have the pump so job done you'd think?

Wheel came off ok...as did the tyre-so I slippped the new tube in and attempted to refit the wheel.
After some head scratching tryng to remember which way the chain ran through the jockey wheels I could not work out WHY the the wheel wouldn't slip back into the dropouts as easily as it came out (top-tip...remember to release the brake spread doobry when fitting wheels!)

Then

The 'Crank Brothers' super mini pump I've carried around every time I've taken a bike out (just in case) didn't pump.

At all.

Not even slightly.

I had the bike upside down and when I finally flipped it back I discovered the road surface had chewed great lumps out of my saddle and brifters​

I threw it over a hedge and walked home.
(The Pump-not the bike)

So, not the best day-0ut? But hey ho....stuff happens?

I know this subject has been done to death.........but would REALLY appreciate your recommendations for a) Serious puncture resistant tyres
b) Small portable pumps that pump?
c) a healthy new attitude to walking home.

I REALLY thought another cyclist would pass me with a fully functioning pump eager to give me air...didn't see a single one!!!!!

best

w

Flytipper!

 

[annedonnelly]

Tyres - Marathon Plus - though I don't know if they come in skinny sizes for road bikes.

Might be worth testing the pump at home from time to time.

Amazed you didn't see another cyclist to help

 

[Sittingduck]

Numpty question but you did unscrew the end of the Presta innertube valve, before trying to inflate, didn't you? Anyway - bad luck on the ride. Tomorrow is another day!

 

[ChrisMc]

Carry your phone then just phone the wife and get her to pick you. It's lighter than a pump and puncture repair kit and easier.

 

[Widge]

Thanks people...........yup-I HAD undone the presta valve screw. (It inflated fine with the monster track-pump when I got home).

I had also tested the presta nozzle of the pump (it has some crazy flip system) when I first got the bike-I'd only ever used the Schraeder setiing until then-and it seemed fine at the time.

@Cyclist33....yes-sorry about that-but clearly my pump is biodegradable?

w

 

[Cyclist33]

Ooh look at that rare albino badger in completely the other direction!

 

[RiflemanSmith]

+1 for the Topeak road morph, get the one with the gauge.

 

[cyberknight]

+1 for the Topeak road morph, get the one with the gauge.

+2
They are a brilliant pump although bigger than what you carry.
Use one for commuting and carry a pocket rocket for the weekender where i wanted a get me home pump that works and is smaller.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=2904

 

[ColinJ]

Thanks people...........yup-I HAD undone the presta valve screw. (It inflated fine with the monster track-pump when I got home).

And had you also pressed the end of the valve in to unstick it?

(A puny hand pump might not be able to force enough air in to do it, but your monster track pump did?)

 

[mattobrien]

I am a fan of CO2 inflators. No messing about pumping. On your way again in seconds.

 

[cyberknight]

I am a fan of CO2 inflators. No messing about pumping. On your way again in seconds.

Assuming you do not have mulitples and use them all up , it happens .

 

[mattobrien]

Assuming you do not have mulitples and use them all up , it happens .

Fair comment. I do carry a couple of canister for the roadie and about four for the MTB. Have been fortunate and not had punctures in multiples. I am sure it will happen, but I have been luck thus far.

I am sure it will happen, at which point plan b kicks in. Call all local contacts on the phone and see who can pick me up and drive me home.