Avoiding and Fixing Flats

[PaloAltoCougar]

I dread flats because fixing them is a real pain. I'm a priss and I don't like getting my hands dirty, so I put on surgical gloves (free prostate exam while I'm at it). Plus, on the road I have trouble getting the repaired tire back up to proper pressure using a bike pump instead of the floor models.

This is a big reason why I've enjoyed the hybrid with the somewhat larger and thicker tires. While at least 20 roadies were fixing flats in the Wine Country Century, we sailed by on our Hummer-style vehicles with nary a concern.

But we find ourselves with an increasing need for speed, and may take the road bike plunge soon. So I seek counsel in two areas: tips on how to avoid flats, and how to repair them most efficiently. As to the latter, are the CO2 canister repair kits effective?

TIA

[Coach McGuirk]

I dread flats because fixing them is a real pain. I'm a priss and I don't like getting my hands dirty, so I put on surgical gloves (free prostate exam while I'm at it). Plus, on the road I have trouble getting the repaired tire back up to proper pressure using a bike pump instead of the floor models.

This is a big reason why I've enjoyed the hybrid with the somewhat larger and thicker tires. While at least 20 roadies were fixing flats in the Wine Country Century, we sailed by on our Hummer-style vehicles with nary a concern.

But we find ourselves with an increasing need for speed, and may take the road bike plunge soon. So I seek counsel in two areas: tips on how to avoid flats, and how to repair them most efficiently. As to the latter, are the CO2 canister repair kits effective?

TIA

1. For me, avoiding flats has been all about tires. I will sacrifice a little weight for this, so I end up with a kevlar laced tire. The one I use is the Bontrager Race Lite X Hardcases. Here is the marketing on it,

Hardcase tires provide the best in puncture protection. It offers triple puncture protection to guard against the most common causes of flats - punctures, cuts through the casing and pinch flats.

An anti-puncture Kevlar belt under the tread rubber keeps glass and stone from pushing through the tread rubber and puncturing the tube. An anti-cut layer is a low thread count layer incorporated into the tire casing and runs all the way around the tire right to the hook bead to provide sidewall protection from cuts. The anti-pinch flat material sits just above the hookbead to support the tire casing and prevent the tube from getting caught in the tire under compression and causing a pinch flat.

I would say find a tire like this, with triple protection. FWIW, I have never had a flat with these tires. Of course, I don't have RC's miles on them either.

The CO2 canisters are the answer. I have had luck with this type.



They are simple and less intrusive than the full case ones that have tools attached to them.

Anyway, hope it helps.

[creekster]

Tires are the key. Gator skins are ogod, or maybe a conti town and country. Depednign on what you are looking for. I very rarely have flats. WHen Ido, the ol CO2 canistre takes care of it.

[RC Vikings]

I've been riding on Hutchinson tires for a couple of years now and part of the reason is because they are easy to take off and put back on. The Michelin's I used for years were so tight on the rim I would pinch tubes and just hate the thought of having to change a tire. When you buy your co2 cartridge buy it with one of the nicer value ends. Those little ones are tough to screw on. Also make sure you carry two cartridges because you'll going to screw up the first time you use it (PAC I don't mean to lump you in with everybody else but I've never seen anyone get it right the first time they used one). Replace your tire when you start to see cracks or the thread begins to show and you should be okay. Also PAC I think you would love a true road bike.

[PaloAltoCougar]

These are very helpful responses; thanks for taking the time to provide them. And RC, no offense taken, as one of my concerns about CO2 is the fact you've got one shot at getting it right, and I'm fully capable of screwing that up. I make Tool Time Tim seem positively adroit in handyman matters. In the beginning, I'll take at least three canisters.

And the road bike thing appears to be a done deal. As I've mentioned before, I do some work for Look, and the presidents of both Look International and Look USA have said they can't have their counsel riding some crappy hybrid and they'd get me a decent deal from a local shop. My wife and I are going to buy the Look 566 I'd mentioned before, with all of the highest options available on that particular model (Look pedals, Ultegra components, etc.). The fully loaded model now retails for $3200, but we're getting them for $1,700 each, a whole lot more than we've paid for a bike before, but it seems like a nice deal. It's funny a bike that expensive is merely "entry level", but I'm sure some of you are riding far fancier steeds than this one. Still, this is a definite step up and we're excited. We'll get fitted later this week.

http://reviews.roadbikereview.com/bl...-bike-preview/

And would I be a total wuss if I asked about trading out the chainrings for a triple?

In other news, Look's president said he has signed up the missus and me for next year's La Look, metric and full centuries in the Nievre region of France that includes guest appearances by lots of French cycling celebs (Hinault, Fignon, Jalabert, etc.) and loads of good food. Rest stops include warm baguettes and butter (which I absolutely love). It's next May, and we'll try to go, Ute graduation permitting. Vive la France!

[Coach McGuirk]

And would I be a total wuss if I asked about trading out the chainrings for a triple?

Get a compact. All the benefit without the obvious third ring.

[PaloAltoCougar]

Get a compact. All the benefit without the obvious third ring.

I had to look up "compact" in this context, but where once I was blind, now I see. Thanks for the tip; sounds like the way to go.

[Coach McGuirk]

I had to look up "compact" in this context, but where once I was blind, now I see. Thanks for the tip; sounds like the way to go.

No problem. I love my compact; I can find a gear for anything. I am running a 12-27 gear set in the rear. Great for the mountains around here and still power for the flats.

[creekster]

In other news, Look's president said he has signed up the missus and me for next year's La Look, metric and full centuries in the Nievre region of France that includes guest appearances by lots of French cycling celebs (Hinault, Fignon, Jalabert, etc.) and loads of good food. Rest stops include warm baguettes and butter (which I absolutely love). It's next May, and we'll try to go, Ute graduation permitting. Vive la France!

Man I am JEALOUS. Just make sure you pull FIgnon's ponytail, if he still has one, and if he doesn't, just kick him in the crotch once, for Lemond, and for me. Actually, instead of kicking him, ask him to tell you the story of the 89 TdF and how he lost it by just that much. And maybe ask if he now wishes he had owprn a helmet. Wow, this whole fignon thing could be fun.

[bluegoose]

Get a compact. All the benefit without the obvious third ring.

I agree. With a 50/34 crank and a 12/27 cassette you will only really miss one gear on either end of a triple with an 11/23 cassette.

[beelzebabette]

I feel like I should add a disclaimer at the bottom of this thread re: Tahoe. I've never changed a flat in my life. Last time someone I was riding with got a flat, I rode home and got a car then bribed my brother to come over and change it even though she had a spare tire and CO2 cartridges with her on the ride. Are you ready to kick me out of your club yet?

[PaloAltoCougar]

I feel like I should add a disclaimer at the bottom of this thread re: Tahoe. I've never changed a flat in my life. Last time someone I was riding with got a flat, I rode home and got a car then bribed my brother to come over and change it even though she had a spare tire and CO2 cartridges with her on the ride. Are you ready to kick me out of your club yet?

Make sure you bring at least one spare tube and a cartridge or two and you'll be fine. Mrs. PAC has never changed a flat either, but always stands patiently by ready to offer advice and support as I do so for her. One of the advantages of a group ride is there'll be others happy to perform this service.

[creekster]

I agree. With a 50/34 crank and a 12/27 cassette you will only really miss one gear on either end of a triple with an 11/23 cassette.

While this is true, it sure doesnt fdeel that way to me. I prefer a triple (which I have on my trusty touring frame) as it gives me a much smother trasisiton, or at least it feels that way to me.

[creekster]

I feel like I should add a disclaimer at the bottom of this thread re: Tahoe. I've never changed a flat in my life. Last time someone I was riding with got a flat, I rode home and got a car then bribed my brother to come over and change it even though she had a spare tire and CO2 cartridges with her on the ride. Are you ready to kick me out of your club yet?

None of my kids or my wife have ever changed a tire on the road, AFAIK. I have made my kids do it in the cool of the garage on a lazy afternoon just to learn, but I am too impatient to wait on the road, so I always do it. I am sure PAC will be ahppy to change any of your flat tires.

[beelzebabette]

I am sure PAC will be ahppy to change any of your flat tires.

I better get my rear in gear on training if I'm going to stay out in front of his wife so he's available.