Triumphrat

rmak

I had a kind of interesting discussion earlier. Apparently, people use centerstands to do on the road repair of tires. I don't carry tire irons, spare tubes, wrenches, other hand tools and some method of compressing air needed to fix a punctured tube and I don't know anyone personally who does. I guess you'd also need to carry a spare front and rear tire in case the tire itself was damaged. Some folks I talked with carry a can of fix-a-flat which you could use when the bike is on a side stand.

I figure it's a good opportunity for me to learn. For you guys who do these roadside repairs, how do you do it and what do you carry with you?

VodkaAndPickles

To date all my bikes have had tubeless tires. I've always carried plugs and a hand pump. Never had to use them.

I have yet to buy a Scrambler, but in the "flat tire in Alaska on the Dalton Highway" scenario I mentioned earlier, you can be damn sure I'll be carrying spare tubes, tube patches, tire levers, and whatever else I'd need to fix a flat in a tubed tire. That's not the kind of thing I'd be willing to leave to luck. I wouldn't trust the Fix-a-flat stuff either. In other words, on any kind of trip, I'd bring repair materials, and I'd most likely carry them in day-to-day riding too.

rmak

Oh, it's you again. I thought you'd be in Alaska by now.

VodkaAndPickles

I wish. Hopefully next summer things will fall into place and I'll be going.

rmak

The only time I was in Alaska was a 45 minute stopover in the Army. If anyone is crazy enough to take a bike into that forsaken country they deserve a flat. Riding somewhere where it's warmer with roadside assistance makes more sense to me.

Now quit stalking me!

VodkaAndPickles

Seems that plenty of people are crazy enough. If your idea of adventure is to ride to a bar 5 miles away, more power to you. Don't dent your Camry, whatever you do.

It's an open forum. You asked a question, I gave an on-topic answer. How immature are you, really?

rmak

As my wife says, "You have to grow old, but you can remain immature forever."

Now can we please get back on topic?!

leftarmlogan

I would carry the accoutrements of tire changing if I was on an Epic Journey.

If I'm going to meander around for a few hours, I'll leave that stuff at home.

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conchscooter

Getting a flat bothers me more than anything else as it's not something you can avoid by being conscientious. I don't worry about engine transmission or frame because I take care of those with regular planned maintenance, and thus feel I have done all that could be done to prevent problems on the road.
The flat is an issue, even though I change tires and tubes before trips if wear is apparent.
I do carry a couple of fix-a-flat bottles but I am rather dubious about their efficacy. I hope to inflate the tire enough to get to some kind of civilization. I do use preventative goop called ride on as a hopeful magic elixir. Anything rather than wield a tire iron. I do carry Triple A RV coverage. I do keep my fingers crossed.
My project for the winter is to get the spoked wheels made tubeless if I can. The only reason is to make flats less of a hassle.
PS at home I have a trailer and have parked the bike, taken the bus home and hauled the bike to the shop for repair. Hate tire irons.

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denbow

I must be paranoid about getting a flat or breaking down. Despite being an AA member, I feel uncomfortable and insecure about going anywhere without the following items packed in a stuffa bag lashed to the rack.

1/ Electric air compressor.

2/ 9 inch 2 way cycle pump (should the above fail). Useful for adding a lb or two when checking pressures.

3/ Pressure gauge.

4 / Puncture repair kit with a few extra large patches & some talcum powder.

5/ 2 x 10inch tyre irons.

6/ Sockets and wrenches suitable for wheel removal.

7/ Small bottle of soapy water - to find leaks and aid tyre removal/fitting.

8/ Hand cleaner...also useful for tyre fitting.

I also use "Ride On" puncture preventative and carry a mobile phone to call the AA if necessary.

Next job - Seal the spokes when new tyres are due.

Boy Scout's motto - "BE PREPARED"