Punctures

[ACP]

I was just wondering what you guys all do regarding punctures whilst out off-roading.

I rode Old Shaftesbury Drove last weekend and it occurred to me that if I got a flat way out there in the middle of nowhere I'd be pretty stuffed!!
Not such a dilemma on the road (apart from maybe causing a crash! ) as I could call out the AA man.

I've seen some of these quick fix bung type kits with air cylinders and some gooey stuff to put inside your tube. Anyone have any experience with these things or can recommend an alternative to carrying a spare tube and tyre irons around?

Cheers, Andy

[sprocket]

I was just wondering what you guys all do regarding punctures whilst out off-roading.

I've seen some of these quick fix bung type kits with air cylinders and some gooey stuff to put inside your tube. Anyone have any experience with these things or can recommend an alternative to carrying a spare tube and tyre irons around?

Cheers, Andy

Carrying tyre levers, a puncture kit and a spare tube is the best thing to do, if you have a 21" front wheel, then it's best to carry a 21" tube as that will do for the back too - if needed.

[barftone]

Over a lot of years trail riding I've found that tyre weld works about 30% of the time. Make sure the can is very well shaken first. Sometimes it may be just enough just to get you to a tarmac road (call breakdown?) before it deflates again. You need to practice changing tubes as breaking beads and using levers is not easy if you have not done it before.

[phil w]

I was under the impression the bung type things! are for tubeless?

[j]

I was under the impression the bung type things! are for tubeless?

yeh phil bungs for tubless patches for tubey tyres

[ACP]

I was under the impression the bung type things! are for tubeless?

Yes, I thought that too, but I'm sure I've seen some for tubed tyres (can't remember where) that are like a plastic key where you twist it in and then snap off the end!?

Also, if carrying tubes + levers + repair kit you would also need to have some sort of pump to re-inflate the tyre. So, whilst trying to keep weight/bulk down on the trail and pumps being inherently bulky, where would one find space to stow all of these items?

[sprocket]

Also, if carrying tubes + levers + repair kit you would also need to have some sort of pump to re-inflate the tyre. So, whilst trying to keep weight/bulk down on the trail and pumps being inherently bulky, where would one find space to stow all of these items?

The pump is no problem to carry, I used to carry one from an air cooled BMW, much like a bicycle type, shoved down a bit old inner tube of the right size allong with tyre levers and zip tied to the cross bar of the h/bars. We also carried a link punch and split links, a syphoning tube (inside the h/bars) and a flat strap for towing, better to carry things than to push a bike throuh deep crap. Several times I have been on 2 & 3 day runs an carried a bivvy bag, sleeping bag food water and cooking gear, it can be done with a bit of thinking. If you are into serious laning you might also carry a spare clutch and brake lever, I have needed these. Zip ties are worth having too, you can use those to hold the kitchen sink on - -