Can you change a flat? (Page 3)

This is great advice. If you are practicing inside on good tires you can learn the mechanics of changing a tire. However, when you get a real flat you need to check for the source of the flat. Running your bare hand along the inside of the tire is a bad idea. If it is a piece of  glass of something sharp you can hurt yourself. The cotton balls or something similar are good ideas to help locate the source of the flat.

Yes, I can change a flat. I was a mechanic once upon a time and our manager made us learn to change a clincher flat in 60 seconds or less. I probably would need 2-3 minutes now as I am out of practice. What I am leading to is the fact that anyone can learn to do this fairly easily. Tubular are another matter. Getting a well glued tie off can be a challange. Also the spare should have been preinflated and stretched over the wheel. That way after deflating it and stowing it on your bike it will be easier to install on the road.

Doug

I have my first race in August and in the last week I've been obsessing about getting a flat during the race. I've NEVER had a flat while riding and don't know how to change a tire but part of me figures, chances are it won't happen during the race. But I started watching videos on-line (and taking notes) to learn how to change a flat and a couple days ago I spoke with someone at my local bike shop about giving me a lesson. I also bought the basic kit while i was there. Well, while riding today, here it comes...I got a flat. Turns out I ran over a staple. I didn't have my pump because I hadn't had the chance to install it. So I walked the bike a mile back home and sat in the driveway trying to change the tire. I got 95% done using my notes but I just couldn't get the tire all the way back on the rim. I didn't want to use the tool because I had read that it can pinch the tube between the tire and rim. So now I'm thinking, what the hell am I going to do during a race? I took the wheel to the shop and the guy told me that with Continental tires you need to use a tool at the very end because of how the bead is constructed and that other tires stretch a bit more. He popped it on, filled it up and sent me on my way at no charge. So it was obviously a good learning experience and good karma for my race!

I know that I can change my tire and I have actually practiced with my co2 inflator, this isone trick that I was told by a guy at a bike shop.  To help reduce the chance of a pinch when installing the tire back on the rim was to blow it up a little. With the presta valves you can blow in it with your mouth and then after the tire is all the way back on then break out the co2 and inflate. I don't know if this is actually doing anything to prevent a pinch or if its a waste of time. Maybe someone here knows.

Got my first flat in about 400 miles, of course doing stupid things and almost bit it hard.  Theres a stretch of road on one of my rides thats pretty down hill and has speed bumps.  I was going about 30-35 and didnt feel like slowing down and decided to bunny hop them, not that hard, actually super easy with clipless pedals.  Land the first 2, the third one the rear tire pinch flats and guess what you have no control of your bike on a flat tire.  Slid a little and got to a stop, first time trying the co2 pump, works pretty good, alot easier than pumping it up to 100 psi by hand.  I think ill slow down next time.  Im blaming the flat on reading these posts today at work.

Yes it will. Just put a little bit of air in to give it shape. It will help fit the tube into the tire. Only one side of the tire should be off the rim with the other side still on the tire. Stick the valve through the rim and start pushng the side of the tire that is off the rim back on, BY adding air it not only fits better, is easier to handle, but makes it less likely that the tube will catch between the rim and the tire.

You should be ablt to get at least 90% of the tire back on using just your thumbs. If your hands are strong enough you can get it all the way on. Otherwise you may need to use your irons (carefully) to get the tire all the way on.