PeteHski

Well that's the positive thing about all the internet data overload. You can at least learn what tyre and rim combos don't cause any such issues. I don't know of any special "tricks" other than following the standard instructions when installing tubeless tyres. Of course it's a bit different from dealing with tubed tyres but IMHO no more or less difficult.

rsbob 

If the OP wasn’t scared before, after reading all of the above, he should be now.

Flip Flop Rider

as everyone has said (you came to the right place), learn to change a flat and you're good

also read up on flat resistant tires

It looks like a complicated machine but it's really not..Bike Forum will teach you all you need to know and more

wolfchild

....or confuse and intimidate you even more.

wolfchild

It's not the bicycles themselves that are confusing and complicated, it's the stuff you read and watch that makes it look like it's complicated Remember that there are a lot of people in this world who have a backwards approach to everything and they will make something look way harder and complicated than what it really is.

prj71

Analysis Paralysis. Stop reading and watching all the crap and just go ride.

Road riding is when I will put on the most miles in a day and be the farthest from home. I carry a pump, one tube, one chain link, and about half dozen peel and stick patches. You shouldn't need any more than that.

Lombard

Pretty much this. To put things in perspective, I get less than one flat per year and I ride 3000-3500 miles per year. And if you do get into a problem you can't repair roadside, there is always Uber.

But it is indeed a good idea to practice dismounting and mounting a tire and tube so if you do get a flat, you don't need to call Uber.

livedarklions

OP got over the first stage of paralysis by actually choosing and buying the bike. I think you're right, the rest of it will be taken care of by actually doing some riding. Maybe just a few miles at first, then further and further as confidence is gained.


I've gotten pilloried in the past on BF for suggesting that a lot of people find the marketing upsell stuff intimidating, but I've gotten a lot of people to ride by just telling them to ignore the "you need these clothes" and "these shoes are a must" and telling them to try just riding in whatever they find comfortable. We all did it once upon a time, and our nards didn't fall off.

jadmt

https://www.rivbike.com/pages/pasade...-wheel-removal

rsbob 

Have used this technique ever since I had a paper bike (no, not made of paper, but I hear they make great cog spacers ). The only downside is one time I didn’t remove my bike computer and scratched the hell out of the face. Now with tubeless, I have only had one flat on the road which required inversion and a tube and tire boot due to a sidewall cut.

One time I rode home 7 miles with a good sized nail in my rear tire (lost only 5 psi thx to the sealant doing its job) and baconed the hole at home and rode the tire another 2000 miles. The end.

Frkl

Catastrophic failures, or even mild failures on bikes that use known tech and are minimally maintained are super rare.

One can get by with a minimum of tools and knowledge just fine. Overloading is easy but it's also a choice--at some point stop googling and just try it.

Quite interesting read, btw, now free:

https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoo...-your-bicycle/

LarrySellerz

You really don’t HAVE to be prepared to fix your bike, even changing a flat tire. I have a saddlebag but don’t bring tools, and walk my bike home if I get a flat. I’ve done it this way for years and ride all the time. I agree that bikes can be annoyingly complicated, and if you don’t want to service your bike that’s totally fine. In that case, walking home when you flat is just part of what you signed up for.

urbanknight

Those are candids and therefore exempt from any posing requirements... and they're beautiful.

MikePFlyFish

LOL

So many awesome replies and so much useful info. Thank you everyone for sharing all this! I think, as was suggested by a few, information overload may have gotten to me. I'll definitely create a lightweight carry kit with the essentials and I am a somewhat handy and mechanically inclined person so I should be able to figure things out. The idea to practice tube/tire changes is great advice . My wife and I will start out slowly, working our way into the swing of things and most of all just enjoy the time outdoors together.

I was able to pick up my new Diamondback Haanjo 1 from the bike shop it was shipped to. The people at the shop were awesome....one of the Techs spent 30 mins with me and explained everything about the bike, he was really very helpful.

On the way down to the shop we stopped at REI and purchased a COOP bike for the Mrs. It will be 2-3 weeks before her bike is in and ready for pickup but at least they had one in her size that was waiting to be picked up...she got to sit on it and make sure the sizing was right, reach was comfortable, etc.

Once again, thank you all so very much for the replies and info!

livedarklions

You're definitely going to be fine, that's not a high maintenance bike. Have fun!

veganbikes

Yeah but I want to see the money shot. A celeste beauty from the wrong side is just wrong.

frogman

Very impressive ! What is your favorite most reliable group set for all these miles ?

urbanknight

Eh, it’s Celeste on both sides from my view, but to each their own.

Jax Rhapsody

I'll ride all over the city, and Idon't carry a damn thing.

Frkl

To each his or her own. I sometimes forget my minimal tool kit too when commuting, and it is fine 99.99% of the time. And the .01% of the time when something happens is usually just annoying, nothing more. In the city, it isn't a far walk to a bike shop, usually, if you need a hand.

But having a tube, patch kit, and minipump, plus a simple multitool, can be the difference between being late to a meeting or appointment and being on time, being late to pick up the kids or being on time. It's also a nice feeling to help someone who is stranded, if they want it. From my perspective, that is worth it.

livedarklions

That definitely works better in a city than it does riding in the country.

10 Wheels

I had 1 Touring Bike and Four Road Bikes.

PeteHski

That's the other extreme. Fine if you don't mind occasionally calling a taxi or walking home. Carrying a few simple tools to at least be able to repair a puncture is a better idea for most. BF always seems to bring out the outliers at both ends of the spectrum. You carry nothing, the other dude carries 5 spare tubes and what looks like an entire set of workshop tools. There is a middle ground.

Frkl

I would say the usual is not so much in the middle ground but way closer to the nothing end

BUt that just goes to show that a few small, light weight items is considered sufficient and worth it by most riders. At some point, the weight of the tools will cause pinch flats, and all the sudden you will actually need those 5 tubes...

But i have gone through phases where I have carried more, often when I am getting to know a new build. If it makes you feel confident, whatever you need.

CAT7RDR

If I am going to be out where a rescue is not possible due to major mechanical failure, I use SPD pedals/cleats so I can hike a bike home or to cell phone reception.
If you are not sure on how to service your bikes, do not have the time, or would feel better, hook up with your LBS for annual servicing.