So, over the years I learnt what I needed to be ready to solve a flat on the go.
Back then I wasn’t aware of the pre-made kits (or maybe they weren’t even around), so I made mine.
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One glove for the really dirty patrts. I use it also when the chain falls
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one tube because I don’t want to deal with patches and glue while in a hurry
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flat wrench since I don’t have quick realase on my wheels
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a small pump
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the (usual) 3 plastic tools to remove the tire
This is how I wrap it up to keep i compact:
What do you use? Do you carry a kit at all?
I carry nothing, I have cycle commuted on this bike 4 - 5 days a week for the last 7 years or more as well as doing rides for myself. When i first got the bike I had a couple of flats on the rear, I changed the tyre and since then I’ve had 1 flat in around 6 and a half years so I just don’t see the point.
The flat I did have was a pinch in the front from a huge pothole I didn’t see on a route I didn’t know so it was what I would consider exceptional circumstances too.
How often do you actually use that stuff?
Funny enough, even though I ride with a first aid kit and tools/patch kit, I’ve never needed to use them for myself, but have helped quite a few strangers who’ve been injured or stuck.
That makes it worthwhile, IMO.
I don’t really see the point either, considering there are small bike repair stands all over my daily commute. If I get a flat, I can just walk my bike to one of them and they’ll fix me up in 15 minutes for a couple bucks.
But I also realise that’s more a perk of living in my city, which is very bike heavy to begin with, and might not work for everybody.
I’ve seen one of them once in my city, so I think it was more of a one off ran by an LBS, so I definitely think that is a perk of where ever you are located.
Armourer tyres more than do the job for me and I am already carrying my lunch and clothes and other shit in my backpack, I don’t need innertubes and tools adding to that weight :D
The answer is: it depends!
When I was at university I had a mountain bike, I used mostly everyday, 10 km each trip or so. Since I used it in the city on asphalt, I changed my tires to be smoother, and it worked, but I also had a number of flats. I guess the tires were not so good, but I also kept the pressure very high, to be faster. In that period I put together the first version of the kit, and I became really fast at changing the tube on the side of the road (like 5 or 10 minutes, and a lot of sweat actually). Maybe it happened once a month on average.
Actually once I hit a dislodged cobblestone and had a front flat. I changed the tube and then discovered that I had a flat also on the rear wheel I didn’t see. I was so angry… I didn’t (and still don’t) carry 2 tubes.
Since then I changed my bike and had a couple of citybikes. It didn’t happen so often. But since I now carry my laptop and other stuff, I don’t bother bringing the kit with me, just in case.
Tyres definitely make a lot of difference in my experience. Changing out the cheap schwalbe for a specialised crossroads that is armoured made all the difference. I haven’t had one puncture with that tyre, can’t recommend an armoured tyre enough if you are using your bike all the time and want reliability!
A good alternative to carrying 2 tubes is to have some patches with you. I can understand that they may be too much work for fixing the first flat but they could save you from the next X flats for almost no extra weight/room.
That’s a good point, actually
I think a better question is how big a difference it makes to have one when you need it.
I don’t carry one, but I don’t bike in areas where I can’t walk my bike home ore take a bus if need be. I’ve had flats. Normally, I discovered them at the end of the day, when I was preparing to ride home.
I guess so, whilst it can be annoying in the moment for the most part I am happy to walk home and take that risk.
That one pinch flat I mentioned was during an acid trip and turned what would have been a slightly better than average 60km road ride into a 3 plus hour trek through some beautiful countryside with a great hour long chat with my mum on the phone. I still fondly remember that day and needless to say I wouldn’t have had such a great day if I’d had a repair kit on me.
However everyone will have different experiences with punctures xD
You can repair the flat and still walk home.
Why would I do that? I think you missed the point that the puncture forced me to do something I hadn’t planned to do which was ultimately very enjoyable.
Yes. And I’m just pointing out that you can derive the same benefit from a purposeful change in behavior.
You can do it with a flat tire, but you can also do it with a patched one. You don’t need to wait for street trash and a deliberate pack of preparation to stop and smell the flowers.