Raerfani

Firstly, I don't, well from the two times that I have road, carry an extra tube or two in case of a flat. Secondly, I don't even know how to change a flat! I am scared to solo. Would it be wise for me to mess around with my tires and tubes and get used to changing them before my next ride? I really like to go out far but am too afraid of being stranded .

cooker

Learn to change tires, carry a cell phone in case you need someone to pick you up, and/or ride in a loop that doesn't take you too far from civilization, so you can walk back if you have to.

shoerhino

I would definately learn how to fix flats. A flat is a common problem that you'll encounter on the road and it's wise to carry some sort of inflation device, and extra tube and some patches. As far a pumps go, a great pump is the topeak road morph. Very easy to use and there is very little chance in destroy the valve while inflating.

https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=100

MAK

There are lots of sites that explain in detail how to fix flats
(check https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=100)

The best way to learn is to go to your local LBS and ask them to show you how. Most will do it.

You say that you carry extra tubes...Do you carry a pump? Tubes are useless unless you can get air into them.

Good luck.

Surferbruce

you need to learn how to fix a flat if you're going to ride in any serious fashion. it's not hard to do and it's kinda irresponsible to rely on a cell phone. "honey can you drive 20 miles to pick me up, i don't have the ability to fix my flat tire even though it only takes minutes and a 6 year old could do it, so take an hour and waste some gas and bail me out"....

see what i'm sayin?

dekindy

You answered your own question. Practice at home using your frame pump and/or CO2. Make sure you know how to get the back wheel off and back on and aligned. Front wheel is a breeze if you can do the back.

There are lots of guidelines and you can probably find a video on-line. My last flat was on the back. I had to rest the bike on the seat and handlebars to get the back wheel in. Sometimes you have to set it upright and loosed the quick release and use the weight of the bike to hold the wheel in place while you secure the quick release.

Carry a cell phone. I have two extra tubes, tire tools, tire boots, glueless patches, frame pump, and CO2. Maybe overkill but I twisted the stem off the replacement tube airing it up with the frame pump and did not have patches to fix the flatted tube. Luckily I was only a few miles from my car and two nice looking young ladies offered me a ride, which of course I could not refuse! I was talking to my wife on the cell phone when they drove up.

Flats are not the only mechanical that can strand you. Derailleur and chains break, spokes break, etc. My wife's rear axle broke once. You should have plenty of numbers stored in memory so you can get someone to pick you up if necessary.

Machka 

If you don't solo, who do you ride with? If the person you ride with is not your SO or someone extremely close to you, you should bring your own supplies and know how to change your own tires anyway ......... otherwise don't be surprised if the person you are riding with becomes very annoyed if you find yourself in the position where you have to beg supplies and assistance.

So yes ... get tire changing supplies and a bag to carry them ... then sit in your living room and practice till you know what you are doing.

MONGO!

I've been fixing flats since I was a kid, it's a breeze, especially if you have a spare tube and a co2 inflator.

Check on youtube, there are some good tutorial vids on bike maintenance, including one of fixing a flat.

Eddie Loves You

If you flat, just tune up you instrument. Then play your heart out. I'm sure you'll have a good solo.

djgonzo007

Like everyone else has said you should definatley practice changing flats at home so you'll feel comfortable when you flat on the road. I'm sure your LBS would give you some pointers if you asked.

MAK

A few people have suggested using CO2. The only problem is that until you are experienced, it's too easy to misuse CO2 and once you're out, you're out. (Consider, it's quite possible to have multiple flats on one ride.) CO2 is great for racers and those who need fast changes. For the majority of us, an extra two minutes pumping is no problem. Also, a pump taps the infinite supply of air so you can't run out.

v1k1ng1001

being able to change a tube is a mandatory skill

get it down before you take your next ride

PhatRoadie

here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAa0iN4wrhU

Camilo

You shouldn't ride a bike if you don't know how to fix a flat ... or at least carry a cell phone.

sfrider 

Get a saddle bag and populate it with a multitool, a steel core tire lever, a spare tube, a patch kit, a CO2 inflator with cart, a couple of $20 bills, and a photocopy of your medical insurance card. Attach a pump to your frame somewhere. The spare tube and CO2 inflator is typically all you'll ever need, but the more tedious patch kit and pump is useful if you get multiple flats.

socalrider

Here is a great website for how to fix a flat..

https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=100

specq

The vultures will eat you.

ridethecliche

Practice by taking your wheels off an taking the tires and tubes off and putting everything back on.

Lucky07

Such a simple fix. If you DO flat remember to check the tire for whatever punctured your tube. Otherwise you'll flat again.

Zinn-X

+1 for learning to fix a flat. if you're a serious cyclist, you need to be able to do this end of story.

almost all my rides are solo. all of my friends either can't keep up with me or drop me like a rock. there's no in between so there's no group fun.

ViperZ

Practice changing tires & tubes at home, soon you'll be self sufficient

cccorlew

Yoou gotta learn. Really.
Here's what works for me, and why:
1. Pedro levers. They're light, have a fine "hook" and work well. Don't break
2. Topeak Road Morph pump. Works like a floor pump so you don't need to hold the darn thing akwardly and it can generate real pressure, not just "get you home" pressure.
3. Don't go CO2. Your pump will never run out, and if you make an error, you just pump more.
4. Carry a tube, and also Rema patch kit for that 2nd flat. TRead the directions. Most new users put the patch on too soon after the glue.
5. A little pack of hand wipes can make you feel less grungy when you're finished.

David in PA

Hello,

All of the above. I 'd also recommend getting the Topeak Alien (or similar) set of repair tools. Several tools are hinged together, and foldable to a tiny space.

David in FL

DocRay

two times?

so you currently expect others to stop to and change your flats for you?

Garfield Cat

Its good that you want to be self sufficient on rides. I use the Topeak Road Morph because it works similar to the floor pump in my garage. I assume you're new to riding and you have a floor pump at home.

That floor pump is efficient because on the down stroke you're using body weight to pump the cylinder. The Topeak Morph uses the same principle.