Flat flat

[Octobiker]

HI, new member, might be clumsy.

I ride a heavy EMTB, panniers etc. A rear flat caused by a thorn (Schwalbe Marathon Plus!) recently left me struggling. 83, poor health, unable to support and lift my bike and unwilling to turn it over 'cos of the paraphernalia on the handlebars I was left needing to remove and replace the rear wheel wheel with my bike on it's side. I carry a 10mm wooden dowel to centre and steady the sprocket side into the frame and that helped but I was left attempting to insert the axle from underneath or vice versa. V concerned not to distort the disc. Managed eventually but limped home stressed and exhausted and wanting a better method next time (There's always another isn't there).

I'm an experienced rider and technically competent. After 38years with various bikes I bought a Raleigh Randonneur tourer in 1986, and gave it up about five years ago when I could no longer manage dropped bars. My EMTB was an 80th birthday present and has been genuinely life-changing but I'm nervous now of becoming stranded. Any suggestions please bearing in mind this is off-road?

 

[Ratchet Cat]

Hello. What about fitting inner tubes with sealant in? They might help plug the holes until you can get somewhere to fix it properly.
I’ve used some on my mountain bike, which is prone to punctures.
That was a big thorn if it got through a Marathon Plus!

 

[Big John]

Where's the motor? I've assumed it's in the back wheel but I might be wrong. If it is in the back wheel then I feel your pain. I've sorted punctures out on numerous ebike rear wheels as a volunteer at a bike charity where the motor's at the back. Hate doing them and have been known to magically disappear when one enters the shop. All I could suggest is fill the tube with goo so the bike will at least get you home. Having the motor in the middle is the way to go but would still be awkward to fix out on the trails I would imagine. Some of the bikes I've worked on I can't even lift into the stand. It takes two of us.

On a completely different tack though.....I'm the proud owner of a Raleigh Randonneur 8 speed and absolutely love it. I bet you had many happy years with yours. I've got a 10 speed ultegra equipped carbon super light bike in my shed that I used to race on and the Randonneur knocks spots off it for comfort.

Sorry I can't really help with your problem but I'm sure someone will have a solution on here. I wish you luck 👍

 

[Ajax Bay]

Having had this (sister's bike with a rear hub motor and reluctant to take wheel off) I achieved a repair (of tube):

• by leaving the wheel in situ,
• removing one bead and the tube (I left the valve in place but might have been able to remove),
• pumped and ID'd puncture location/hole,#
• checked tyre (also an M+!) and removed sharpie,
• (proper) patched, paused,
• reinserted tube,
• refitted tyre (with M+ difficulty), inflated and
• she rode on.

n=1 suggestion - see if you can 'do this at home' - bike can stay upright (assume on stand) or leant.
I thought this would work as I had replaced a spoke in that wheel by the same method (not removing wheel).

 

[a.twiddler]

Is there some way of fitting a two legged stand, as seems common on the continent? At least then the bike could stand up while you worked on the rear wheel, and might even make it easier to fix a puncture without taking the wheel off. It's a motorcycle type solution for something heavier than a conventional unladen bike.

 

[presta]

I used to repair all my punctures without removing the wheel, but had to stop when my failing eyesight and hearing meant that I couldn't find them any more without removing the tube.

 

[Mike Ayling]

Having had this (sister's bike with a rear hub motor and reluctant to take wheel off) I achieved a repair (of tube):

• by leaving the wheel in situ,
• removing one bead and the tube (I left the valve in place but might have been able to remove),
• pumped and ID'd puncture location/hole,#
• checked tyre (also an M+!) and removed sharpie,
• (proper) patched, paused,
• reinserted tube,
• refitted tyre (with M+ difficulty), inflated and
• she rode on.

n=1 suggestion - see if you can 'do this at home' - bike can stay upright (assume on stand) or leant.
I thought this would work as I had replaced a spoke in that wheel by the same method (not removing wheel).

We used to do that when we were ten year olds with coaster braked bikes.

 

[HMS_Dave]

+1 For tube sealant given your circumstances and bike. It will most likely get you home in order to repair in a more comfortable environment.

 

[Punkawallah]

There was a recent thread on CC about insurance that would get you to your destination in case of a puncture/breakdown?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Maybe consider these double ended tubes. Then you can get the tube out by laying bike on side and removing tube.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385684642492

Otherwise you may have to consider your options in the event you cannot fix a puncture or mechanical. Another option is to find a local CTC group who do off road, so you will have others with you to help.

 

[steveindenmark]

Even though taking the stuff off the handlebar is a pain. That is the answer. Once the bike is upside down on its seat and handlebars. The job is relatively easy. Far easier than wrestling it on its side. Line your handlebar bag with a plastic carrier bag. That way you just take the carrier bag out and you do not have to detach the bar bag.

 

[cyberknight]

Another option is solid tyres , I know they are heavy but if you are running and e bike would it be a consideration?

 

[Octobiker]

These are good suggestions, thank you all, I think I've accepted the real-world nature of my problem finally. I'd discounted slime-based solutions after seeing friends experience messy problems; the fix it in situ idea is a blast from the past for me but interestingly this particular tube repair didn't hold despite shaving the seam before repair once back home (I carry a spare tube and a gas inflator - you'll be old one day).
Here's a tip though, I carry a tiny eye dropper bottle with KY jelly in my kit, beats soap hands down. If we're passing, I'm the bloke with the rubber bulb hooter - best accessory I ever bought - it brings smiles from walkers when I approach from behind, Calling or bell-ringing was often met with hostility.
Much appreciated folks, thanks again

 

[Big John]

Another option is solid tyres , I know they are heavy but if you are running and e bike would it be a consideration?

I used to get punctures on my daily commute so I eventually opted for solid tyres. Christ, they were awful. As I'd paid good money for them I persevered for a while but really couldn't take any more. Unless modern solids tyres have changed since I used them about 35 years ago I'd give them a very wide berth. Shockers. Ride quality plummets off the scale.

 

[steveindenmark]

Another option is solid tyres , I know they are heavy but if you are running and e bike would it be a consideration?

Awful things. Especially in the wet and snow.