My first puncture

[Sandra6]

I was doing so well.
No idea when it happened, got to work no probs, half way through my shift somebody points out my tyre is flat. We pumped it up, half hour later it was flat as a pancake again.
Now you'd think being in Halfords I'd be in the right place for a repair but it was not to be, so with as much air in it as could be mustered I rode home.
Made it half way.
Now if somebody could just remind me where I put the scabs.....

 

[Beebo]

why couldnt you fix the puncture in Halfords?
If you are going to adopt the "pump and dash" technique you need to have the pump with you so you can top the air up

 

[SquareDaff]

A quick Halfords trick - take your tyre off - remove inner tube - get a new one from display - fit it to your wheel and inflate to taste - fold your old tube and put it back in the box - sell to customer.

 

[Sandra6]

A quick Halfords trick - take your tyre off - remove inner tube - get a new one from display - fit it to your wheel and inflate to taste - fold your old tube and put it back in the box - sell to customer.

Erm, no.I've never known that to happen.
As to why it couldn't be fixed in store - "we" don't fix punctures, we replace the inner tubes, but I didn't have any cash on me and I've had more than my share of freebies lately so I didn't want to push my luck.
If we could've rustled up a patch I'd have been ok, but there were none to be had.
Having a pump with me wouldve been a sensible thing.

 

[fossyant]

Do you not carry spares. God if the might of the Halfords Bike team can't fix a puncture. God help folk in the street.

You must carry spare tubes and a puncture kit.

 

[SquareDaff]

Erm, no.I've never known that to happen.

Having a pump with me wouldve been a sensible thing.

Just kidding. I'd be surprised if it ever had.

Seriously, you need to start carrying a pump and a spare tube.

 

[Sandra6]

I am the most unprepared cyclist ever. I need to start carrying more than my mobile phone and a few quid that's for sure.

 

[BlackPanther]

I also had a (front) puncture this morning. I carry a spare tube and was back on the road within 8 minutes. Would've been quicker but the valve 'nut' was a b***er to remove with wet hands (raining). I now have 2 tubes in the garage on the 'awaiting repair' hook.

Spare tube/basic tool kit/chain spiltter&power link.....and a pump. Essentials.

 

[marshmella]

Should've popped into the LBS on the way home to get it sorted

 

[cyberknight]

I had a metal spike in the back tyre on Tuesday, changed the tube but the hole the spike had made meant the tyre needed trashing and i was lucky enough to have a tyre boot .
I always carry 2 tubes, repair kit,multi tool, chain tool, quick link , cable tie and a pump for commuting as well as the obigatory phone .
had a bad year so far as thats the 3rd tyre i have trashed so far even though i have been taking the usual precautions.

 

[Sandra6]

I bought a tool kit, in a little clip on bag.
Wonder what I did with it??!

 

[Edwards80]

Carrying a tube and a pump is the difference between "Oh pants I'm stranded" and "Oh pants, this will add 5 mins to my journey"

 

[Davidc]

One or two places I don't bother (all <30 mins walk) otherwise a small tool kit. Not much but I rarely get stranded.

Spare tube (2 for longer rides)
Tyre levers (2)
Park Tools Glueless Patches kit (the 20mm x 20mm x 3mm one)
CO2 inflator
Mini pump
Multi tool
Chain breaker tool
Quick link
Small pliers (mainly for getting sharp objects out of tyres)
Small knife
Insulating tape.

All of that fits in the smallest under seat bag Halfords sell (OK sold last year) It either goes under seat or in a pannier or saddle bag. There's still room for a little holder with 4 AAA batteries in it, and another with 4 AA batteries in it.

The only thing not there is a spare tyre. The only times I've needed one have been with big bits or metal or bits of wood going through the tyre. As the tubes are also written off I've used part of the old tube as a tyre boot and limped home with the old tyre and spare tube

 

[SquareDaff]

Have been caught out today. Back wheel has locked up with (I suspect) a bearing failure. Unfortunately I don't carry a spare wheel

 

[Sandra6]

Carrying a tube and a pump is the difference between "Oh pants I'm stranded" and "Oh pants, this will add 5 mins to my journey"

I think my worst scenario is "Oh pants, I'll have to walk the mile" or "Oh pants, I hope dh comes get me"