Got a flat tyre today...

[hellokitty]

That's the only thing I worry about with my bike, the spoked rims and tubes. So far so good, but I do wonder whether a set of alloys of the C50C might be a better bet. Trouble is the spoked wheels look so good...

Spoked wheels are harder to keep clean!

[Edbear]

Spoked wheels are harder to keep clean!

True, but there are washes that work well on grime these days. I found the S100 spray-on-hose-off to be pretty good.

[Corse1]

Yeah good to hear you got sorted Kitty. I would be the first to admit that I am not, nor never have been prepared for a flat.

I Always slow down when approaching a bike stopped that is not an obvious breather or break stop.. If no thumbs up I will always stop. Like the earlier posters, you gotta make it a little obvious for some people.

Recent ride to Te Kaha though the last rider got a flatty 50k's out. She was there for a while before we returned

Although we arrived just in time to see the tow truck.........not a proud day.....

[hellokitty]

Hey Kitty - sorry to hear no one came to your aid. I had exactly the same thig happen to me this afternoon. Rolled into Greytown with a rapidly deflating tyre. I had two gorgeous knights in shining armor come to my aid. One now has Great Yella on the back of his ute and is going to drop her off at my mechanic in Masterton tomorrow. The other wonderful knight pillioned me home to Martinborough on the back of his 1098. A machine nearly as sexy as Great Yella (okay, perhaps just a tad more sexy) but bloody hell - not made for two up at all

Thanks Kelly and Pete for rescuing me. and like you - off to the tyre shop this week to get tyre panda, and co2 bottles and stuff. Plus learn how to us it

That was lucky that you were rescued! I would have been too nervous to jump on the back of someone's bike - I don't make a good pillion!
Normally I would have had plenty of people to call on for help but today everyone was away racing.

[hellokitty]

Yeah good to hear you got sorted Kitty. I would be the first to admit that I am not, nor never have been prepared for a flat.

I Always slow down when approaching a bike stopped that is not an obvious breather or break stop.. If no thumbs up I will always stop. Like the earlier posters, you gotta make it a little obvious for some people.

Recent ride to Te Kaha though the last rider got a flatty 50k's out. She was there for a while before we returned

Although we arrived just in time to see the tow truck.........not a proud day.....

How can you be prepared? How do you fix a tube? I have seen tyres changed plenty of times at racing but I wouldn't know what to do at the side of the road. I would assume taking a back wheel off is not that simple. Someone also said that a shaft driven bike is more difficult?

(runs away screaming)

[Maha]

Surely it was only flat on the bottom?

[Corse1]

I would never get the rear wheel off with tools I carry. The old gas charger puncture repair method is the best insurance. Or maybe cheaper to get a tow to the closest mate. Or maybe pay the minimum add on to your insurance

Yeah I know what you mean.....see ya later tyre and they are not cheap.

Some people just keep riding with the repair

I would always suck it and pay for new tyre when home. Some people don't mind having to pay close to $200 for a speeding fine so hey as long as you don't get both in the same ride.

[Edbear]

Surely it was only flat on the bottom?

Yeah, but unfortunately that's the important bit. Doesn't matter if it's flat on the top...

[FJRider]

I would assume taking a back wheel off is not that simple. Someone also said that a shaft driven bike is more difficult?

(runs away screaming)

It is simple ... if you have the knowledge ... and the tools ...

You were told WRONG ...

[hellokitty]

It is simple ... if you have the knowledge ... and the tools ...

You were told WRONG ...

I have neither!

[Oakie]

I got the AA to pick me up as I didn't know what to do = I was offered that stuff you fill the flat tyre with but I know once you do that the tyre is stuffed (right?) .

Good old AA. They've saved my bike-bacon a couple of times.
I don't think that flat tyre stuff ruins your tyre. I used it a few times years ago. You do need to tell the bike shop it's in there though when you take the tyre in to get fixed.

[FJRider]

I have neither!

Do as I do ... carry a cell phone ...

[hellokitty]

Do as I do ... carry a cell phone ...

Yes the cell phone..... after I called the AA and text friends to pass the time, I went on facebook and kiwibiker while I had my "picnic". Gotta love technology.
Gotta love the AA too

[Maha]

I wouldn't stop for a biker who is stopped on the side of the road (a flat tyre is different and yes, then I would) but otherwise no. I dont do it while in the car, why is it different when on the bike may I ask?
If the bike was lying down or had an obvious problem then yeah sure.
I stop for a break every hour an half or so when riding.

Hers a thought, be proactive when in a spot of bother, if you are need of some help, make a gesture to someone. Dont wait for those who pass to stop and ask.
How is hitch-hicker ment to get a ride if he dont stick his thumb out?

[Genie]

I'll invariably stop for a biker on the side of the road, (topless or not..), as it is rare that a biker will stop on the side of the road unless something is wrong.

Cars are a different matter, and I usually try to ascertain by looking whether they need immediate help or not.

How gentlemanly of you....I'd stopped to take a pic the other day and a lovely biker stopped to see if I was ok. Middle of nowhere, I found his gesture rather comforting. I'd hope never to have a breakdown anywhere, but should it happen I have many plans in my head and a cellphone. If worst came to worst I'd lock my bike up, hitch home, crab the car and a trailer (with some planks of wood and rope) and go get me my bike. Buggar paying some person to get my bike home when I can do it myself.