Newbie puncture / tyre / tube / tools question

danowat

I've had my road bike for 3 weeks now, and 3 miles into my 17 mile commute, I was struck down with a puncture, had to happen sooner or later :roll:

As I wasn't carrying anything to fix it (newbie error), I had to drag the missus out of bed at 6am to come and pick me up!!!!.

Obviously, when this happens again, I want to be more prepared, so if I may, I'll ask some questions.

Firstly, which tyre / tube combination would give the best (better than the mondo tyres) puncture protection.

When a puncture does strike, do people fix them at the roadside?, or do they carry a spare tube?.

Re-inflation, hand pump or compressed gas?.

And how do people carry all the above?, can anyone recommend a decent "all in one" toolkit / set that would suffice in the event of a puncture?.

Cheers

CarlosD

hi,

Firstly i would recommend a tyre with more kevlar lining to help prevent puntures, such as the speclized all condition which as a this kevlar belt, you can pick them up for about £22-£25. Or the continental gatorskin which has a kevlar belt but not quite as this as the armadillo, but its a lot lighter.

When out on bike rides its easier to carry 1 or 2 inner tubes and a puncture kit if your really unlucky and get three punctures on the same ride.

Hope this help.

Thanks

skyd0g

Getting a p*7^£$$3 in your first 3 weeks of riding is probably just bad luck - but scan the road to avoid pot-holes, glass and any other potential hazards and avoid if possible. Also keep your tyres well inflated (between 80 to 120psi) - get a track pump with a gauge for home use, if you don't have one already.

As for more robust 'commuter/trainer' tyres, the Conti Gatorskins or Michelin Krylion Carbons in 25mm width would be my first choice.

Carry a spare tube (or two) - leave repairs until you get hoome.

I carry a mini-pump rather than CO2 canister - at least then you can re-inflate if you find you have a slow puncture.

danowat

Many thanks for the replies.

Would Conti GP4000's be a better bet than my Mondos?, obviously I want something with fairly good puncture resistance, but I don't want to comprimise too much with weight (if there is much in it)

skyd0g

danowat wrote:

Many thanks for the replies.

Would Conti GP4000's be a better bet than my Mondos?, obviously I want something with fairly good puncture resistance, but I don't want to comprimise too much with weight (if there is much in it)

The GP4000s are better tyres than the Mondo's, but not ideal for your use. The Conti Gatorskins or Michelin Krylion Carbons are more robust and won't comprimise your performance.

danowat

Thanks, have order some Krylions

mcflyss

Hello mate, getting a puncture sucks but they get easier the more your used to them!!! and you will get used to them lol

To carry all the stuff get a good little saddle bag like this ---
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Fizik_PAK_ICS_Medium_Saddle_Bag_with_Clip/5360017499/

I use this tyre lever, makes the job of putting the tyre back on and taking it off a breeeeze!!

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Crank_Brothers_Speed_Lever/5360019204/

I will always have a spare inner tube on me and just change the tube on the side of the road... BUT as happened to me just the other day, my brand new tube was faulty!!! So i use these to repair the puntured tube on the side of the road --- http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Park_Tools_Puncture_Repair_Kit_Super_Patch/1620887595/

Have no idea on tyres... im rubbish with all that lol

Good luck mate and get used to chanign then :0)

mcflyss

Oh and a min pump like this one would suit fine

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/LifeLine_Aluminium_Mini_Pump/5360045035/

danowat

Cheers for that, very helpfull.

Have ordered a box of 10 inner tubes!!!, will carry a (or two) spares with me, also got a little under seat pack to keep it all in.

Will be more prepared next time

mcflyss

That tyre lever, serious i swear by it! I used to hate getting the tyre on and off before i got that little thing.. i now have two, one for my road bike and one for my MTB. If you get one (which you should) have a practise with it a few times foirst, there is a slight knack to it, but is a breese once you get the hang of it..... best to practise in your own time rather than at the side of the road when running late for work!!!
And the patches are really good... have used them so many times with out fail.

StanwaySteve62

er, what lever? link is to a bag

skyd0g

I'd guess he's referring to this lever: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Crank_Brothers_Speed_Lever/5360019204/

mcflyss

StanwaySteve62 wrote:

er, what lever? link is to a bag

Not in my first post with about 4 links.



EDIT --- SORRY SORRY SORRY IM A PLEB LOL, HAVE CHANGED THE LINK DOH!!