wheelreason

I just threw a new tube in it and blew it up, the trick is to unscrew the screw out, the hole is minimal. I do bring some duct tape wrapped on a pen when I go on long rides.

jaxgtr

This was from today's ride. I could not fix on the road as I could not get the screw out. Once I made the call of shame and got home, I took the screw out, realized it went through my 5 month old wheel. Tire is shot, rim strip is shot, wheel is luckily warranted under the no questions asked 1 yr warranty, ... so I will only be out $100 unless I can boot the tire, but I might just feel better with a new tire, not sure yet. It just happens and you move on. It would have been far worse if I had to buy a new wheel, but I still would have bought a new wheel. I know the risk, and just move forward.

Alex Reed

Thank you, Sir, for your Information. I'm sure that your information will be helpful to me.

cyclomath

Hey, I have a funny picture too! It's from the last summer, on my way home from work. I actually patched this tube on the spot, because the day before I had a flat too, used the spare tube and then forgot to replace it or patch the punctured one at home before going to work the next day. Because it can't possibly happen two days in a row, right?
The tire was shot, as were the mudguard holders (wire). But I got pictures to show (off)!

Kai Winters

my best advise is to realize flats can happen for a variety of reasons, be prepared by having the necessary stuff on your bike to deal with a flat and the knowledge of how to fix a flat

pdlamb

Partly because I'm cheap, and partly because it's worked for me in the past:

Get some Tyvek from old FedEx or USPS envelopes, or new home construction in your area. Cut a small square, 1-1.5" square. Glue it to the inside of the tire over the screw hole with your favorite tire-fixing glue, let it dry. Install it on your new wheel with new rim strip (although I've never done that part!) and patched tube, then ride off into the sunset. I'm riding a tire now that's had that on for 500-1,000 miles, and I'd forgotten about it until I had another flat yesterday.

rsbob 

When riding on city streets, if possible, I try to stay away from curb where all the debris typically collects. This goes for bike lanes as well. Using Varia radar, I can ride more in the car lane where the vehicle tires tend to clean or sweep the debris. Without Varia, or a helmet mirror, this would be a PITA.

I also have been riding tubeless with good quality tires for three years and only been stopped once with a sidewall cut requiring a tube and tire boot. (Average annual mileage is 5,000) I did ride 3 miles home with a roofing nail in my rear tire which the sealant managed to take care of, only losing 5 psi. When home, I pulled the nail, plugged the tire and road it another 1,500 miles.

Also learn to sweep your tires (correctly!) with your hand - preferably gloved- if you have to ride through glass. But there is no substitute for riding away from the curb, proper tire inflation, being vigilant, having good puncture resistant tires (Like GP 5000s) and tire sweeping. All of the above have served me well.

jaxgtr

If I was running tubed, I would be ok based on the what the tire looks like inside, but I wont run it tubeless even with plug. It is a pretty good size hole and I just don't trust it holding. But I am going to put some sort of patch in it so I could use it tubed on another bike. A buddy of mine has some larger plugs and going to try those first.

jaxgtr

I have a small piece of old panty hose my wife was throwing away that I use to sweep the tire, as it will definitely catch any thing in the tire.