Riding with a flat

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bigjim

Legendary Member
Location
Manchester. UK
I agree with the hitching thing. I'd imagine a van or truck would be more likely to stop for you though. I'd also knock on a door and ask if I can leave my bike around the back or in their shed etc while I get home and return with transport. Always carry a lock.
Most people are pretty kind and helpful.
Saying that a couple of weeks ago I had a puncture on a busy cycling route on a sunny Sunday afternoon. There must have been close to a dozen lone cyclists passed on my side of the road while I was working on the bike. Only one shouted to see if I was ok.
 
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BrynCP

Über Member
Location
Hull
Well I did the 23 mile ride today with no problems, thankfully!

I carried two tubes, a repair kit and a pump; I am going to just take one tube in future as well as the kit, if I venture further I'll consider putting one in my pocket to make two. (The saddle bag was bursting with both tubes)
 

IncoherentJeff

Well-Known Member
Location
Gtr. Manchester
I've been caught out before.
Cycled 4miles with a completely flat rear, walking would've made me an hour late for work. The bus refused to let me on as it wasn't a folder and I didn't have enough cash on me for a taxi.

110kg rider with 700x23c tyres. The tyre was split and unusable afterwards but the rim was absolutely fine.

It was abit of a bone shaking ride and watch out for the rim skidding on the tarmac under acceleration/turning (take it easy), but in an emergency it's ok. Unless you've premium rims then I wouldn't risk it!
 

andrew_s

Legendary Member
Location
Gloucester
I've ridden several miles (8 & 5 iirc) on a flat tyre a couple of times. You can ride at about 8-10mph, which is quicker than walking.
The rim didn't get damaged as it was rolling on the flat tyre, provided you don't try any sharp corners (stop & walk a little bit). A flat front tyre is easier than a flat back tyre as the inner tube doesn't get dragged round to the valve. On one occasion the tyre was scrap anyway, I don't remember tyre damage on the other.
 
Had to get a taxi once cost me £40 when i broke a spoke on a new set of 20 spoke wheels and had no spare. I claimed it back from the company i bought the wheels from and got it, all credit to them. In addition to chain links, tubes etc I carry spare spokes and nipples along with a cassette removal tool. As others have said you can never have enough spares.
 

Accy cyclist

Legendary Member
I've cycled on a front flat tyre for about 4 miles but a rear is too difficult. The front being flat is bad enough but if done slowly and carefully with one foot just covering the peddle ready to steady yourself then it's quicker than walking and cheaper than a taxi. Providing that is you're not many miles from home,if you are you have a problem!
 
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