cycling without puncture repair facilities

EmcD123

Hey guys.I've been cycling further these days now on my hybrid
I did 45km the last day out I'm the middle of nowhere and the thought of a flat and JTS consequences didnt even enter my head till I got home. I was planning on attempting 55 maybe 60 tomorrow but I still haven't managed to get any tubes or repair kits from the shop. Would it be stupid to go for that long of a cycle again or is it unlikely I'll get a flat?

Cee-Jay-Cee

Yes.

crosstownk

CJC999 wrote: »

Yes.

It's nuts to go out for a spin of the lengths you mention without some means of repairing a puncture. It's a long walk home and will make sh1t of your cleats (if that's what you use).

I take a spare tube and a puncture repair kit. I'm confident at patching tubes hence a single replacement tube. If you're not good at tube patching then maybe consider taking two tubes.

EmcD123

crosstownk wrote: »

It's nuts to go out for a spin of the lengths you mention without some means of repairing a puncture. It's a long walk home and will make sh1t of your cleats (if that's what you use).

I take a spare tube and a puncture repair kit. I'm confident at patching tubes hence a single replacement tube. If you're not good at tube patching then maybe consider taking two tubes.

I think there might be a repair kit in the press but it won't have the tubes. Is it possible to patch them on the road if it happens?

crosstownk

EmcD123 wrote: »

I think there might be a repair kit in the press but it won't have the tubes. Is it possible to patch them on the road if it happens?

Yes it is possible but you have to allow for a punctured tube that is beyond repair - a split where the valve meets the tube is one that comes to mind.

Plus, replacing a tube is much quicker than repairing.

codrulz

I went on several 50+ k cycles on my hybrid without any means to fix a puncture, then I got a road bike and made sure I got spare tubes co2 canisters/ pump and puncture repair kit.
Looking back it was stupid and you'll regret it if you get a flat.
Just try get into your lbs ASAP

BGT

If a repair kit & spare tube is too big a load, suggest you wrap some duct tape around the pump, which ought to seal a puncture long enough to get home.

Wishbone Ash

EmcD123 wrote: »

... but I still haven't managed to get any tubes or repair kits...

You'll need tyre levers and a pump also!

Unless you have someone constantly at the end of a phone and available to rescue, it is foolish.

What tyres are you using? There's a huge difference in puncture resistance between tyres.

EmcD123

BGT wrote: »

If a repair kit & spare tube is too big a load, suggest you wrap some duct tape around the pump, which ought to seal a puncture long enough to get home.

Its mainly that I've never cycled long distances and never had a punctured before. But I've always been within maybe 9km of home so even if it did happen its an easy walk.
I'm only learning about these things now

helimachoptor

I never bring any on my commute 20km per day total, however I did have a period of about 6 weeks where I got about 20 punctures, for the most part they seemed to happened not long after I left or just as I got to the office but about 3 were halfway between so needed new cleats.


When I go on longer cycles I bring a tube, someone else has a pump that I'm with, failing that I'll ring wife/mate

Wishbone Ash

It would be no harm practising removing a wheel/tyre/tube and replacing again as it's no fun learning how to do it on a dark wet night on an unlit road.

The rear wheel is more awkward than the front because of the chain/cassette etc.

crosstownk

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

You'll need tyre levers

I don't need tyre levers. I use Michelin Pro 4's that can be removed by hand. Not one puncture in over 2,500kms........ *touches wood*

Unknown Soldier

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

It would be no harm practising removing a wheel/tyre/tube and replacing again as it's no fun learning how to do it on a dark wet night on an unlit road.

The rear wheel is more awkward than the front because of the chain/cassette etc.

As well as the above, if you have a mini pump, it's also worth letting a wheel down at home and counting how many "pumps" it takes to get it to a certain PSI (more or less) by cross referencing with a track pump or pressure gauge.

I know, I need to get a life or have "kids", as has been suggested by work colleagues.

I think it's a good tip.

EmcD123

I'm going to get some stuff tomorrow I think. Tubes and a repair kit to start off with. And get the basics of how to repair them down. My tires have never had a puncture but they're starting to wear so they could eventaully

Wishbone Ash

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

As well as the above, if you have a mini pump, it's also worth letting a wheel down at home and counting how many "pumps" it takes to get it to a certain PSI (more or less) by cross referencing with a track pump or pressure gauge...

It's also worth noting that it is very difficult to get a tube back up to 120psi with a mini-pump which means that one is more at risk of getting another puncture.

I rarely puncture but still bring 3 tubes and a repair kit. I used to bring a spare folded tyre also but have given that up!

_Brian

We carry one of the mini tins or tyre weld stuff.. Seems great stuff as we've never had a puncture over the last couple of years we've carried it..

But seriously, I wouldn't be confident to repair a puncture nor change a tube roadside, I figure this stuff will get me home or back to the car and I can deal with the puncture or stick in a new tube at home..

€2/3 in Mr Price stores!!

Unknown Soldier

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

It's also worth noting that it is very difficult to get a tube back up to 120psi with a mini-pump which means that one is more at risk of getting another puncture.

I rarely puncture but still bring 3 tubes and a repair kit. I used to bring a spare folded tyre also but have given that up!

I saw this one mentioned on boards.ie a fair few months ago. Great pump. I accidently got a repaired flat to 125 psi.

It's like a mini track pump. Quite long (10 inches?) for a "mini" pump but I have found that handy as I can put it in a back side pocket and see it at my side (can't fall out etc) I have it clipped onto my commuter.

Nothing worse than getting a puncture and deciding to "limp" home on a spare tube when you can confidently continue on with your cycle. IMO.

Can possibly be used as a weapon, if needed. I have yet to test that theory yet, thankfully.

Wishbone Ash

_Brian wrote: »

We carry one of the mini tins or tyre weld stuff.. Seems great stuff...

Unsuitable for large holes/rips.

cdaly_

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I used to bring a spare folded tyre also but have given that up!

One of the lads on the Red Lane Red Line 600 audax event mentioned using his spare tyre because it was just too hard to find the embedded bit of glass that had caused the puncture. I'd understand that at 3 in the morning!...

roadster5

I recently got a puncture on my MTB on the Royal Canal - had no tube or pump with me but did have a tin of sealant bought previously from Lidl for 3.99 - i have to admit that i was'nt confident that it would do the job - but it did - sealing the tyre and also inflating it back to a pressure that i could confidentaly continue my journey albeit by road - i went straight to Lidl and bought a few more tins of the sealant - I have puncture resistant tyres on my hybrid - never had a puncture on it but also carry a tin of that sealant. If all else fails make sure you have your mobile phone - you can ring someone and also use the satnav (assuming you have it) to get you to a bike shop or a shorter route home

Koobcam

EmcD123 wrote: »

I'm going to get some stuff tomorrow I think. Tubes and a repair kit to start off with. And get the basics of how to repair them down. My tires have never had a puncture but they're starting to wear so they could eventaully

Get the following and carry with you every ride
-2 spare tubes
-Puncture repair kit which includes several patches and some glue
-2 and (preferably 3) tyre levers
-Multi-tool
-Spare quick link for your chain
-a saddle bag to stick all of this in
If you think you're tyres are worn, get a new pair, and spend lots of money on them, it will save you a lot of hassle with punctures. Something like Continental Gatorskins, gp 4 seasons would be good choices.

fixie fox

EmcD123 wrote: »

Hey guys.I've been cycling further these days now on my hybrid
I did 45km the last day out I'm the middle of nowhere and the thought of a flat and JTS consequences didnt even enter my head till I got home. I was planning on attempting 55 maybe 60 tomorrow but I still haven't managed to get any tubes or repair kits from the shop. Would it be stupid to go for that long of a cycle again or is it unlikely I'll get a flat?

What plan have you to get home not 'if', but 'when', you get a puncture. Whether you are stupid or not probably depends on the answer :-)

bazermc

fixie fox wrote: »

What plan have you to get home not 'if', but 'when', you get a puncture. Whether you are stupid or not probably depends on the answer :-)

Bit harsh there fixie fox

wendell borton

The park self adhesive patches are handy to have, easy to use with a negligible size.

fixie fox

bazermc wrote: »

Bit harsh there fixie fox

I don't mean to be - he did ask the question and I'm leaving the answer to himself.

DanDublin1982

Everywhere is within walking distance, if you have the time.

I mostly do cycles like yourself where I do long enough distances but usually within a reasonable walk from home. Caught out once about 6k from home and carried a pump and repair kit since. Not had a puncture since thankfully.

EmcD123

fixie fox wrote: »

What plan have you to get home not 'if', but 'when', you get a puncture. Whether you are stupid or not probably depends on the answer :-)

Well I'm within 10km of my house nearly all the time and at most 15km. I'm in shoes. So a brisk jog home if it happens.be good aerobic training .plus its all downhill home by the quickest route from just about anywhere

fixie fox

EmcD123 wrote: »

Well I'm within 10km of my house nearly all the time and at most 15km. I'm in shoes. So a brisk jog home if it happens.be good aerobic training .plus its all downhill home by the quickest route from just about anywhere

This jury says not stupid so!

smacl

EmcD123 wrote: »

Well I'm within 10km of my house nearly all the time and at most 15km. I'm in shoes. So a brisk jog home if it happens.be good aerobic training .plus its all downhill home by the quickest route from just about anywhere

Maybe, but you're talking about longer spins, and sure as hell the puncture will happen when that jog ends up being a marathon. As has already been said, 2 tubes, repair kit, mini-pump, multi-tool, and practice replacing a flat in the comfort of your own home so you know you can. The puncture will happen. Then second one possibly fifteen minutes later. The third one maybe another 18 months on...

NeedMoreGears

Just bring a small saddle bag with two tubes,three levers,some very basic tools and a puncture repair kit. The idea is not to fix punctures by the side of the road but just in case bring the repair kit. And don't forget a mini pump - it will get enough air in the tyre to get you home.

EmcD123

Im going to get them as soon as possible. I have the list of essentials written down. Will hopefully get them sometime this week if not then next week at the latest. If Ind it very hard to get into town to buy stuff. Until then ill stay inside my 10km limit from the house. I'm very comfortable at that distance.
I think my tyres are beginning to wear though especially my front one. Still I'm going to upgrade soon anyway.

Ole Rodrigo

My worst puncture happened 110k from home, and a 10km walk to the nearest town. When I got there, the county GAA team were playing so there was no taxis to be had. Eventually, after an hour and a half, I got a mini van to drive me back to Dublin with the bike costing me 90 quid.

I wouldn't mind, I had a spare tube, but my hands were cold from the rain and I didnt open the tube valve properly. The pump extension snapped it as I tried to pump it up, rendering it useless.

At least I wasn't hit by a car as well

My puncture routine is now fairly bullet proof.

EmcD123

ror_74 wrote: »

My worst puncture happened 110k from home, and a 10km walk to the nearest town. When I got there, the county GAA team were playing so there was no taxis to be had. Eventually, after an hour and a half, I got a mini van to drive me back to Dublin with the bike costing me 90 quid.

I wouldn't mind, I had a spare tube, but my hands were cold from the rain and I didnt open the tube valve properly. The pump extension snapped it as I tried to pump it up, rendering it useless.

At least I wasn't hit by a car as well

My puncture routine is now fairly bullet proof.

That sounds awful...I've planned my longer routes so as they do loops of my house inside a certain radius. I can do up to 70-80km spins and constantly remain inside 10km of the house. Tbh I'm too nervous yet to go much farther for fear of dying and not having the energy to get back as dad wouldn't be able to pick me up.
Usually I run a lot anyway so that 10km is easy. I'd definitely prepare for punctures though if I was going outside of my 10km radius

murphyebass

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

It would be no harm practising removing a wheel/tyre/tube and replacing again as it's no fun learning how to do it on a dark wet night on an unlit road.

The rear wheel is more awkward than the front because of the chain/cassette etc.

I really need to do this. I'm gonna jinx myself by saying this but I've had gatorskins on now for a couple of years now (fair weather cyclist here) with no punctures. I do max probably 50km in one go. I do have tubes and a pump but I'd be that looser in a storm tryin to change a tyre and making an ass out of it.

I'm changing to clipless soon though as I'm doin longer distances more regularly.

Also really need to learn regular maintainence stuff.

crosstownk

EmcD123 wrote: »

Well I'm within 10km of my house nearly all the time and at most 15km. I'm in shoes. So a brisk jog home if it happens.be good aerobic training .plus its all downhill home by the quickest route from just about anywhere

15km would take maybe 40mins on the bike but could take over two hours walking. 10/15 mins to replace or repair a tube makes all the difference when Mrs. crosstownk is waiting at the door with a rolling pin

Wishbone Ash

God be with the days when we had no mobile phones and no money for taxis and had to stuff the tyre with grass to limp home.

dissed doc

EmcD123 wrote: »

Hey guys.I've been cycling further these days now on my hybrid
I did 45km the last day out I'm the middle of nowhere and the thought of a flat and JTS consequences didnt even enter my head till I got home. I was planning on attempting 55 maybe 60 tomorrow but I still haven't managed to get any tubes or repair kits from the shop. Would it be stupid to go for that long of a cycle again or is it unlikely I'll get a flat?

bring two spare tubes (you never know), 3 tyre levers (in case one breaks) and a hand pump. then, don't stress about it again!

Muahahaha

Just a question on tyres, what sort of distances are common to get out of them? I've done about 1,000km on my current set without much problems till lately, four punctures within 2 weeks. The threads in the centre of the tyre aren't very deep anymore so I guess this isn't helping. Neither too is the amount of glass out there, especially after the sunny weather.

dissed doc

Muahahaha wrote: »

Just a question on tyres, what sort of distances are common to get out of them? I've done about 1,000km on my current set without much problems till lately, four punctures within 2 weeks. The threads in the centre of the tyre aren't very deep anymore so I guess this isn't helping. Neither too is the amount of glass out there, especially after the sunny weather.

1000km is very little I think. By comparison, I have 900km done on a set of the regularly mentioned Conti 4 Season, and they don't show any real wear. Schwalbe Big Apple on my Idworx tourer after just over 3000km and also nothing really showing wear. Schwalbe Marathon on commuter have I think over 4000km now and the rear is baldish.

4 punctures in 2 weeks means IMO they are not pumped properly or there is something in the wheel or spoke or something causing it.

If a tyre is pumped to proper psi, rolling over glass should not be a big concern *unless the chunks of glass are so big as to rip the tyre.

Muahahaha

dissed doc wrote: »

1000km is very little I think. By comparison, I have 900km done on a set of the regularly mentioned Conti 4 Season, and they don't show any real wear. Schwalbe Big Apple on my Idworx tourer after just over 3000km and also nothing really showing wear. Schwalbe Marathon on commuter have I think over 4000km now and the rear is baldish.

4 punctures in 2 weeks means IMO they are not pumped properly or there is something in the wheel or spoke or something causing it.

If a tyre is pumped to proper psi, rolling over glass should not be a big concern *unless the chunks of glass are so big as to rip the tyre.

Thanks for that. I think the psi may indeed be my problem. I was just pumping it to 'hard' with a petrol stations pump. Reason being is all I have at home is one of those crap hand pumps that can't get any decent level of pressure in them. Anyway I realise now what I need is a track pump with psi gauge. Just wondering though is there best practice to calculate the psi you should be running the tyres on? They're 26x1.5 tyres I use and I'm 85kg, is there a range I should be aiming for to help prevent punctures.

Otherwise I bought the bike second hand so there was already a fair bit of use on the tyres, I don't really know how much though as I'm not familiar with how deep bike tyre thread should be. They look bald enough to me so probably due a change, I think I've got upgrade-itis:D