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2005-03-16 11:10 PM

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Elite
2999
2000500100100100100252525
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Subject: replacement tubes
I'm doing my first tri next month and was wondering if i need to worry about carrying a spare tube with me on the bike. Its only a 15 mile bike segment. Just looking for some advice.

Edited by parrj 2005-03-16 11:10 PM


2005-03-16 11:28 PM
in reply to: #130858

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Master
2288
2000100100252525
Katy, TX (West of Houston)
Subject: RE: replacement tubes
Yes, Have 2 tubes, tire levers and a co2 inflator in a small seatbag. Better to have and not need than to need and not have!
2005-03-16 11:32 PM
in reply to: #130858

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Expert
1836
100050010010010025
Lafayette, CO
Subject: RE: replacement tubes

Definitely.  The extra weight won't be THAT much to slow you down, but if you have to wait on the lag-wagon for a repair, you might be waiting a long time. 

More importantly, make sure you know HOW to change a tube.  Sounds silly, I know, but if you haven't practiced it beforehand, race day is the wrong day to try to learn...

2005-03-17 1:57 PM
in reply to: #130858

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Veteran
317
100100100
Atlanta
Subject: RE: replacement tubes
Better a few minutes spent fixing a flat than a DNF.
2005-03-17 4:36 PM
in reply to: #130858

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Expert
1213
1000100100
Los Gatos, CA
Subject: RE: replacement tubes
I went out for a 15 mile lunch ride yesterday and 5 miles into it......poof....flat.....I carry 1 spare, patch kit, co2, pump etc. I find patching almost as easy as swapping the whole tube...if I can find the hole easily...
2005-03-17 4:46 PM
in reply to: #130870

Master
1315
1000100100100
Shreveport, LA
Subject: RE: replacement tubes
joeinco - 2005-03-16 10:32 PM
More importantly, make sure you know HOW to change a tube. Sounds silly, I know, but if you haven't practiced it beforehand, race day is the wrong day to try to learn...



I agree with us. I bought a bike off of Ebay and when I got it in I aired up the tires and a few hours later after letting it sit there the rear tire was flat. I changed it when I got home. It was my first flat of any kind to change and it took me an hour to change it. For some reason, I thought you took off the entire tire off of the rim, but after 50 minutes I finally got out my road bike maintenance book and read over the instructions and changed it ~10 minutes or less.

I was lucky to be at home changing it because if I had been on the road, I would have been out of luck.


2005-03-17 6:18 PM
in reply to: #130858

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Regular
130
10025
Colorado
Subject: RE: replacement tubes
Good thread. I have been thinking about this, as I definately have a problem changing tubes on the fly, from breaking the bead on the tire to getting the tire back on the rim without pinching the tube and ruining the replacement tube, and that is only if it is the front tire, God forbid I get a flat on my back tire. Is there a definative book or manual or website that takes it step by step?
2005-03-17 6:21 PM
in reply to: #131196

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Expert
1213
1000100100
Los Gatos, CA
Subject: RE: replacement tubes
It depends on the size tire, some are extremely tight, other aren't. Mine come off with a tire iron but I am able to put it back on just with my bare hands.....you should do it in your garage a few times at your leisure, it's really not that hard....
2005-03-17 6:37 PM
in reply to: #130858

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Elite
2999
2000500100100100100252525
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Subject: RE: replacement tubes
I guess this means i should go out a get a couple spares and a CO2 cartirige. I'm not worried about practicing changing the tire. I us to build bikes for a few years and on a bike rack i could do a tire in under 2 minutes. It's probably a little different having to do it on the side of the road, but oh well. Thanks for all the good advice.
2005-03-17 8:54 PM
in reply to: #131205

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Expert
1213
1000100100
Los Gatos, CA
Subject: RE: replacement tubes
I would recommend a small pump, you can get those that go underneath your bottle cages. They even make carbon fiber ones now if you want to splurge...With CO2, when you're out, you're out but the pump is always there, I don't feel comfortable 30 miles away from home without one.
2005-03-17 9:55 PM
in reply to: #131246

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Expert
1836
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Lafayette, CO
Subject: RE: replacement tubes

us50090 - 2005-03-17 6:54 PM I would recommend a small pump, you can get those that go underneath your bottle cages. They even make carbon fiber ones now if you want to splurge...With CO2, when you're out, you're out but the pump is always there, I don't feel comfortable 30 miles away from home without one.

Good point - I've actually got one that can do both, although pumping by hand takes forever.  Think it was about $20...



2005-03-17 10:57 PM
in reply to: #130858

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Extreme Veteran
341
10010010025
Niagara Falls, Ont
Subject: RE: replacement tubes
the best trick that i've learned when it comes to changing tires (other than practice) is to have the right tools. or tool. crank brothers makes a unit called a speedlever. it is the best tool out there for the quick change artist. with its help, i can un-seat a tire, pull the tube, stuff a new one, re-seat the tire, and inflate it in under 1:45. goto this site, and click on "tools". it rocks.
http://www.crankbrothers.com/
2005-03-18 8:41 AM
in reply to: #131268

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Master
2447
200010010010010025
Marietta, Ga
Subject: RE: replacement tubes

I did a sprint last year with a 12 mile bike leg and flatted on my way out.  I changed the tube fairly quickly, shaking with adrenalin and dripping in sweat.  Here's my 2 cents:

  1. Get a C02 cartridge-it inflates the tire instantly - pumping wastes valuable time.
  2. Carry a single tire tool (the light, plastic kind). 
  3. Carry at least one spare tube.  Make sure the stem length is appropriate for your wheelset.
  4. Become proficient changing a tube, practice it if you don't already have it down.

Once you've removed the old tube, run your fingers around the inside of the tire to be sure there are no foreign objects that came through the tire wall.  Otherwise, you'll simply ruin another tube.

2005-03-18 10:25 PM
in reply to: #130858

Regular
80
252525
Subject: RE: replacement tubes
Okay, this thread has me wondering...are there any sites that show how to appropriately change a tube? I've not done it in YEARS and I remember it being a total PITA at the time.

Thanks!

Diana
2005-03-18 11:08 PM
in reply to: #131625

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Expert
1213
1000100100
Los Gatos, CA
Subject: RE: replacement tubes
2005-03-19 3:21 PM
in reply to: #130858

Regular
80
252525
Subject: RE: replacement tubes
Thanks...

No wonder I had so much trouble last time... I took the wheel off the bike (wrenches required, type work). *doh* There's an easier way.

I'll pick up tire levers and extras when I pick up my bike. I need to get water bottle holders too.

Expensive hobby aint it?

Diana


2005-03-19 4:37 PM
in reply to: #131736

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Elite
2999
2000500100100100100252525
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Subject: RE: replacement tubes
LadyKeetes - 2005-03-19 3:21 PM

Thanks...

No wonder I had so much trouble last time... I took the wheel off the bike (wrenches required, type work). *doh* There's an easier way.

I'll pick up tire levers and extras when I pick up my bike. I need to get water bottle holders too.

Expensive hobby aint it?

Diana


I may not be understanding what you're saying. But you have to take the wheel off the fork to put the new tube on. It defies the laws of physics to do it any other way. I just wish I had a quick release tire, instead of needing wrenches.
2005-03-20 1:36 AM
in reply to: #131750

Regular
259
1001002525
Hamilton
Subject: RE: replacement tubes
not replying to the above post in particular but this thread got me wondering..would it be a good idea for a bike store..or a mechanic type person to run a mini clinic on this sort of thing post race? I've been to more than one race where a person has outright freaked because they figured their first race was completely over since their tire blew while they were out swimming. With some practice it can take a minute (literally) and a bit longer with adrenaline charged fingers during a race. But like a surgeon under pressure to get a job done in time and correctly if you work on it enough it becomes second nature. I hate like heck seeing people bail from a race because of something so simple. Not sure if bike shops would go for it or not but I'd like to start something like this. And maybe a few other easy maintenance tips in subsequent races.
What say you newbies?
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