Flat tire on long ride - need advice

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gti123

2011-10-18 9:38 AM

Veteran

290

Subject: Flat tire on long ride - need advice

Last Sunday was about 8 miles into a 50 mile run and had a flat (middle of nowhere). Luckily I had a spare tube. I was able to change it without issue but had inflating it was another issue. I have one of those frame pumps that is maybe 8-10 inches long and doubles in length when you are pumping it. It would barely inflate the tire no matter how much I pumped it, making sure the seal was good - very frustrating. I had to turn around and ride back with it inflated only about 25%. I have tried to use the CO2 cartigages but that was not a good experience. Is there anything else out there I can carry on the bike that will inflate a tire to the proper pressure?

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DanielG

2011-10-18 9:41 AM

in reply to: #3728163

Subject: RE: Flat tire on long ride - need advice

You, your frame pump and your CO2 cartridges go to the LBS.
Pay 'em $10 for their time to show you how to properly change a flat and inflate the new tube.

It'll be well worth your time and money.

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TriJayhawkRyan

2011-10-18 9:47 AM

in reply to: #3728163

Extreme Veteran

695

Olathe

Subject: RE: Flat tire on long ride - need advice

There's also fix-a-flat for bike tires. I have one, but never have had to use it, yet. Probably similar to the CO2 refill setup.

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Khyron

2011-10-18 10:10 AM

in reply to: #3728163

Master

1433

Calgary, AB

Silver member

Subject: RE: Flat tire on long ride - need advice

Get a CO2 inflator with a trigger. You CAN'T screw it up.

http://www.glorycycles.com/geinulc02in.html

You can get them for about 10 bucks - and they can use threaded or non-threaded 12 or 16s. You can also buy 16oz co2 in bulk from REI or MEC or whatever.

For a race you can leave the bottom plastic "case" and just take the top (provided your co2s are the threaded kind). Then for mountain biking or training you can bring the whole thing and use cheaper co2s.

For long training rides I carry 2 tubes, some instant patches and 3-4 co2s.

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Jambone1

2011-10-18 10:22 AM

in reply to: #3728236

Member

Subject: RE: Flat tire on long ride - need advice

Khyron - 2011-10-18 10:10 AM

Get a CO2 inflator with a trigger. You CAN'T screw it up.

Umm, yes you can trust me. I'm not sure how, but I have stopped to help more people that have drained thier CO2 cartridges than any other bike issue.

mktoson

2011-10-18 10:26 AM

in reply to: #3728163

Expert

1322

Savannah

Subject: RE: Flat tire on long ride - need advice

If you're going to use CO2 I would buy a few extra cartridges and practice inflating the tire. It's well worth the investment, especially if you flat in a race. Go through it a few times and it gets easier. If you don't know the steps, look them up online or go to you LBS for instruction.

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Oldteen

2011-10-18 10:32 AM

in reply to: #3728163

Master

2426

Central Indiana

Subject: RE: Flat tire on long ride - need advice

+1 on Ultraflate. A little larger than some other CO2 inflators but uses any small CO2 (12 or 16/threaded or not) & is totally reliable WHEN OPERATED CORRECTLY.

As with device or skill you intend to use OTR, practice at home until you feel comfortable.

Edited by Oldteen 2011-10-18 10:34 AM

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japarker24

2011-10-18 10:33 AM

in reply to: #3728163

Elite

3060

N Carolina

Subject: RE: Flat tire on long ride - need advice

gti123 - 2011-10-18 10:38 AM

Last Sunday was about 8 miles into a 50 mile run and had a flat (middle of nowhere). Luckily I had a spare tube. I was able to change it without issue but had inflating it was another issue. I have one of those frame pumps that is maybe 8-10 inches long and doubles in length when you are pumping it. It would barely inflate the tire no matter how much I pumped it, making sure the seal was good - very frustrating. I had to turn around and ride back with it inflated only about 25%. I have tried to use the CO2 cartigages but that was not a good experience. Is there anything else out there I can carry on the bike that will inflate a tire to the proper pressure?

I assume you mean "50 mile ride".

mlanahan

2011-10-18 1:10 PM

in reply to: #3728163

Veteran

530

Subject: RE: Flat tire on long ride - need advice

Make sure you open the valve on your tire (assuming you have presta). That's the main way I see people messing up both CO2 and pump inflations.

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Tyrell

2011-10-18 1:20 PM

in reply to: #3728170

Extreme Veteran

569

Austin, TX

Subject: RE: Flat tire on long ride - need advice

DanielG - 2011-10-18 9:41 AM You, your frame pump and your CO2 cartridges go to the LBS. Pay 'em $10 for their time to show you how to properly change a flat and inflate the new tube. It'll be well worth your time and money.

Being able to use a pump and/or CO2 properly is important. Also, from your description, it sounds like you've got a mountain bike pump, not a road bike pump. A MTB pump will not get you up to the right PSI for a road tire.

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zed707

2011-10-18 1:20 PM

in reply to: #3728163

Elite

3090

Spokane, WA

Subject: RE: Flat tire on long ride - need advice

Check out the Red Zeppelin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXe62Gqpkyc

The key features to me are that it screws onto the valve instead of just pressing on. I think that's where many problems occur--pressing the CO2 onto the valve. The second key feature is the control valve. Third is it's compact size compared with other "trigger" models--like the one shown above.

Check out the video to see how foolproof it is. And no, I'm not a Planet Bike shill