Got my first road-bike flat this morning on the way to work and had a b**** of a time with it - it seemed much harder than changing a mtb tire. I had a plastic speed lever with me but apparently didn't know the right way to use it because getting that tire back ON was such a pain! And trying to avoid snagging the tube... Anyone have some pointers?
And my other question - I only had a single CO2 (16 gram) cart with me and I either didn't get it all in or 16g isn't enough to get my 700x25 up to 100psi. Do any of you carry CO2 only and ditch the frame pump?
I was told by the local bike shop that CO2 will only pump up to 40psi - the only way to get 100+ is with a floor pump - I don't know how true that is though
Caden said:
Got my first road-bike flat this morning on the way to work and had a b**** of a time with it - it seemed much harder than changing a mtb tire. I had a plastic speed lever with me but apparently didn't know the right way to use it because getting that tire back ON was such a pain! And trying to avoid snagging the tube... Anyone have some pointers?
And my other question - I only had a single CO2 (16 gram) cart with me and I either didn't get it all in or 16g isn't enough to get my 700x25 up to 100psi. Do any of you carry CO2 only and ditch the frame pump?
Got my first road-bike flat this morning on the way to work and had a b**** of a time with it - it seemed much harder than changing a mtb tire. I had a plastic speed lever with me but apparently didn't know the right way to use it because getting that tire back ON was such a pain! And trying to avoid snagging the tube... Anyone have some pointers?
Practice makes perfect. Make sure you have the bead pinched into the deeper center portion of the wheel all way 'round. That'll create some slack and make the job easier.
Caden said:
And my other question - I only had a single CO2 (16 gram) cart with me and I either didn't get it all in or 16g isn't enough to get my 700x25 up to 100psi. Do any of you carry CO2 only and ditch the frame pump?
I carry both just to have a backup plan. Patch kit too. Having 2 flats on one ride taught me to do that. A single cartridge should get you plenty of pressure, enough to continue your ride.
I was told by the local bike shop that CO2 will only pump up to 40psi - the only way to get 100+ is with a floor pump - I don't know how true that is though
Not true. I carry 16 gram CO2s and I have to be careful not to overinflate my 23mm tire past 110 psi. Now, if you're talking about a MTB tire, that's a different story - more volume, and a 16 gram cylinder will only get it to 40 psi, which is fine for most riders. Check out Innovations's chart:
A 16g CO2 cartridge is plenty fine for inflating a 25mm, 700c tire. For clinchers, I carry a patch kit (vulcanizing, no glueless) and 2-3C CO2 cartridges. For tubulars, I carry the CO2 cartridges, a spare tubie and Vittoria Pit Stop.
One CO2 will do the trick. The problem is finding the hole if you are patching. It take just a bit of pressure to re-inflate to find the hole so itis not a bad idea to carry two. Of course you want to locate where the puncture occured on the tire and make sure there is nothing there that wil re-puncture it.So run your fingers around the inside of the tire before you replace the tube .
I went to a close-by shop over lunch and bought a carbon fiber frame pump (blackburn), so we'll see how that works out. I guess I just didn't feel comfortable only having co2 (and carrying multiples of those gets heavier than a pump).
Now, to practice changing the tube over the weekend!
I went to a close-by shop over lunch and bought a carbon fiber frame pump (blackburn), so we'll see how that works out. I guess I just didn't feel comfortable only having co2 (and carrying multiples of those gets heavier than a pump).
Now, to practice changing the tube over the weekend!
Goes without saying, but just the same... use an old tube for practice, right?
Straying off your topic a bit but while I'm thinking of it, put your spare tube in a small plastic bag along with some talc. Wrap it up in a small rag with your levers and stuff the whole thing in your jersey pocket or saddle bag. The talc makes installation and clean up much easier.
If you are going to carry 2-3 CO2 carts why not just get a bike pump? I cant imagin it being much heavier and then you are 100% sure to be able to inflate your tire and get home. Just seems silly to me to bring so many CO2 carts when 1 pump would do the trick fine.
12g pellet gun CO2 carts are plenty for a 700 x 23/25 tire and way cheaper. 16g is you have a tendency to be messy and spill some air. (note; we're talking unthreaded carts here only).
If you are going to carry 2-3 CO2 carts why not just get a bike pump? I cant imagin it being much heavier.
Actually, the pump I just bought today is LIGHTER than a couple CO2s and the nozzle. It's a carbon pump, though, so I'm guessing alum ones are at least a little heavier. I certainly felt safer on the way home today with the pump. By the way, does anyone know a good rule of thumb for when a visible puncture in the tire is big enough to warrant replacing the TIRE itself?
Its easy once you get the hang of it. Try putting a tiny amount of air in the tire, just enough to give it shape before putting the second bead back on the tyre.
I carry only one 12g CO2 cartridge (the threadless pellet gun variety - cheap as Capwater mentioned). Its sufficient to the task of getting a tire up to 100psi and getting me home, which is all I am looking for at that point. I much prefer it over the clutter of a frame pump, not to mention the pump action of my frame pump from years ago was a pain in the [censored]. The CO2 cart and pump happily fits in my saddle bag along with tube, level, tools, keys etc.
I just carry 1 or 2 16 gram cartridges co2 on my road bike and don't worry excessively. I have both co2 and a Zefal HPX on my tandem but it's been years since I used the HPX - I wonder if it still works. Co2 rocks! A couple of seconds and you're up to pressure.
Despite what the pump manufacturers say, getting over 100psi with a frame pump is a pretty good challenge. It's easy to tear out the base of your vavle stem in the process too. Carbon or aluminum doesn't matter because it's all a function of pressure, force and volume. I think the Topeak Morph pumps, that allow you to put your weight into it, will probably do it. They're kind of clunky looking though.
... Despite what the pump manufacturers say, getting over 100psi with a frame pump is a pretty good challenge...
Theoretically at least, it is possible.
It's also a good upper body workout and a decent way to keep your heart rate up during your down time. You only need to remember not to wear yourself down to the point you can't make it home.
As to when a tire needs replacement, there is no agreement. I got into a bit of a debate over this at another forum because I won't ride compromised tires while others will.
There are those who will ride with a huge gash in the tire using what's called a 'boot' or a liner made from, say, a water bottle or other piece of plastic.
My ***personal*** take is if the tire has anything visible you can see through, it's done for.
As to mtn bike tires and road bike tires (changing) see my thread in my struggle with my Eurus rims here. I can get my mtn bike tires on and off easily with my Crank bros tool. Ha ha on that with my road bike, but the VAR tool seems to have done the trick.
