My first flat.

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2008-08-27 8:02 PM

Regular
83
252525
Livonia, MI
Subject: My first flat.

Well I had the unlucky event of a flat while riding today. While fixing the flat I stepped backward right on to my Oakley's, expensive flat.

I must commend the other cyclists out there, I would say nine out of ten folks asked if I was ok, and one guy stopped to offer me his hand pump.

 

I was able to fix my flat and finish my ride, but only after trial and error with a C02 cartridge, those should have instructions imo. Who would of thought they release their air on the way out of the attachment.. duh.

 

P.S. WTB new sunglasses =)



2008-08-27 8:17 PM
in reply to: #1633394

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Master
1678
1000500100252525
Olney, MD
Subject: RE: My first flat.

Nice job on fixing the flat and continuing with your ride.  Sorry about your glasses though... what a bummer.

I have no idea how those CO2 cartridges work!  I have changed a few flats using a hand pump, but never a cartridge even though I carry those in my saddle bag.  I'll have to remember your tip!

2008-08-27 9:36 PM
in reply to: #1633394

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Expert
773
5001001002525
Subject: RE: My first flat.

Now that you have your first flat out of the way, what other "first"s are you still looking forward too?

(I have done all of these)

a) Falling over at a stop sign in front of a line of cars while clipped in
b) Not paying attention and hitting a pot hole and going over the handlebars
c) Not tying your drawstring on your swimsuit tight enough and giving the seniors master swim class a free show
d) Having two flats on the same ride, and only one spare

Congrats on fixing the flat yourself, and to other cyclists who stopped to offer assistance.

 

 

2008-08-27 10:42 PM
in reply to: #1633394

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2008-08-28 6:56 PM
in reply to: #1633394

Champion
5312
5000100100100
Calgary
Subject: RE: My first flat.
I have now fixed a number of flats, yeah me, and I have learned that one must be very careful where one puts stuff or one may lose stuff. Very difficult for me as I am so pissed about the flat I just start throwing gear to the ground to get started, then I have to search around later for it. Thanks for this post to remind me to be careful in that regard.
2008-08-28 7:16 PM
in reply to: #1633394

Subject: RE: My first flat.

Last time I was at Sam's Club I got these: 

 http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=329904&pCatg=9976

SafetyVu Smoke Safety Glasses - 12 pk.

$24.86 

 

I'm a pilot and I really like my Ray Bans, I have some Revos that I'm partial to as well but I also know when to use cheap, protective glasses.  Times like cycling are times to use cheesy but good glasses.  $2.00/ea hurts a whole lot less than $200 Smile

 

Glad to hear you're doing okay, I hate flats! 

2008-08-28 8:18 PM
in reply to: #1633394

New user
33
25
North of Boston
Subject: RE: My first flat.
I carry the C02 thing too... And I haven't actually tried one out on the road yet.  But I did try one in my garage. I wanted to learn how to use it when mucking it up wouldn't strand me. It's not completely obvious. I definitely recommend that, if you're gonna carry the things (and they are wicked convenient), you practice using them!
2008-08-29 12:08 PM
in reply to: #1633394

Expert
1049
100025
Burnaby, BC
Subject: RE: My first flat.
I definitely recommend everybody practice changing a flat in the comfort of their own home/garage with the kit they carry on the bike.  Beg/borrow/steal a bike guru if you feel intimidated by it.  It's much better to make those first mistakes at home than to be stranded 30 miles from your hotel at sunset on a deserted road in a foreign city. 
2008-08-29 12:39 PM
in reply to: #1633654

Regular
83
252525
Livonia, MI
Subject: RE: My first flat.
crazylegs - 2008-08-27 10:36 PM

Now that you have your first flat out of the way, what other "first"s are you still looking forward too?

(I have done all of these)

a) Falling over at a stop sign in front of a line of cars while clipped in
b) Not paying attention and hitting a pot hole and going over the handlebars
c) Not tying your drawstring on your swimsuit tight enough and giving the seniors master swim class a free show
d) Having two flats on the same ride, and only one spare

Congrats on fixing the flat yourself, and to other cyclists who stopped to offer assistance.

 

It seems I have to accomplish some other firsts still. I have however, fallen over while clipped in in front of a line of cars, twice!

I have also stood up while riding, and when gong to sit back down got the seat of my pants caught on the bike seat, and crashed because of it.

2008-08-29 5:58 PM
in reply to: #1633394

Extreme Veteran
1030
100025
West Windsor, NJ
Subject: RE: My first flat.
Be careful ...flats like to travel in 3s.

Congrats though. The first few suck. After that you can change them in minutes and you feel like a true biker
2008-08-29 6:17 PM
in reply to: #1637860

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: My first flat.

daijoubu - 2008-08-29 1:08 PM I definitely recommend everybody practice changing a flat in the comfort of their own home/garage with the kit they carry on the bike. Beg/borrow/steal a bike guru if you feel intimidated by it. It's much better to make those first mistakes at home than to be stranded 30 miles from your hotel at sunset on a deserted road in a foreign city.

 

For sure practice until you get the hang of it. I do a weekend each year and practice like 10x then by the end have my kids time me how long it takes...great pressure practice.  

If you have trouble ask your LBS or your friendly triathlete. It was BTer Max who taught me how to do it quickly...can do sub 3' if things go well. He gave me some tips that made sense for me. I remember when I struggled for 40' and could never seem to get the tire back on. 

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