Flat-proofing a bike

[2wheelstenacity]

It shouldn't take more than ten minutes to replace the tube

I had a flat kit and did exactly that. I replaced the tube and inserted the CO2 cartridge, and the tyre inflated like new -- then two seconds later, hisssssss it went flat again. I'm having the full, heavier Gatorskins put on now.

 

[Dogtrousers]

My dad used tell me the story (myth), from when he was riding before the war, when a puncture had happened and no spare tubes left, they packed the tyre with grass to get home.

Years ago, a friend of mine and I tried this. We happened to have a huge pile of freshly cut grass and a whole afternoon with nothing better to do..

We failed to make it work despite devoting a great deal of time to it.

 

[Sharky]

Just come across another bodge to get you home.

Locate the puncture in the tube and at that point, cut the tube completely. Tie both open ends with a tight knot and replace and inflate. The tube will expand and get you home.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Just come across another bodge to get you home.

Locate the puncture in the tube and at that point, cut the tube completely. Tie both open ends with a tight knot and replace and inflate. The tube will expand and get you home.

Hmm

one of those things to remember and hope you are never THAT desperate

 

[VinSumRox]

I'm know getting a tannus advert at the top of cyclechat.

I fitted Tannus solid tyres to OH's bike and they were OK but very slow and harsh to ride. They would be fine for short commutes. I did choose the firmer ones and they were 23mm, I suspect they would be a lot better in larger sizes.
Her new bike is on tubeless as it came with that.

 

[VinSumRox]

I use reasonably good tyres with tubes, always carry a couple of spare inner tubes (TPU) and some instant patches, get occasional punctures but not that many and it doesn't take long to replace the tube. As it's leisure riding I'm not under any time pressure. Also carry one of the wee electric pumps, they're brilliant!

 

[fossyant]

Why do I keep seeing the thread title as 'Fire Proofing a bike' ?

 

[Ian H]

I had a flat kit and did exactly that. I replaced the tube and inserted the CO2 cartridge, and the tyre inflated like new -- then two seconds later, hisssssss it went flat again. I'm having the full, heavier Gatorskins put on now.

You do need to check that whatever caused the puncture isn't still embedded in the tyre.

 

[Sharky]

I had a flat kit and did exactly that. I replaced the tube and inserted the CO2 cartridge, and the tyre inflated like new -- then two seconds later, hisssssss it went flat again. I'm having the full, heavier Gatorskins put on now.

This is the very reason why I always try and repair and refit the old tube first. You can never be sure you've eliminated the cause and would be a shame to ruin a brand new tube.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

You do need to check that whatever caused the puncture isn't still embedded in the tyre.

WHich is why you need to keep the tyre label ina known position
so when you find the hole
you can identify the place on the tyre where it happened


I had never realised that - thought the idea of the label being in a specific place was just cycling pedantry"
then I realised

actually saved me a problem a few days after I found the reason!!

 

[Sharky]

WHich is why you need to keep the tyre label ina known position
so when you find the hole
you can identify the place on the tyre where it happened


I had never realised that - thought the idea of the label being in a specific place was just cycling pedantry"
then I realised

actually saved me a problem a few days after I found the reason!!

Good advice

Or mark the tyre at the valve point, with the yellow crayon of chalk that usually comes with a repair kit.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Good advice

Or mark the tyre at the valve point, with the yellow crayon of chalk that usually comes with a repair kit.

Good point