► Tyre choices and emergency repairs

I use an aerosol type of sealant that inflates the tyre as well. Just remove the offending nail or whatever, let the remainder on the air out (if any remaining) and then just squirt the stuff in. Used it a couple of times and worked a treat :thumb

If the above fails then the 'phone/recovery card second option :eek:

Fortunately punctures are a reasonably rare occurrence these days ... famous last saying :blast

On a longish trip I always carry spare innertubes. Sue and misen did 20,000 miles each on the two F650's ... crap roads of Russian, deserts of Mongolia and then through all the Stans without a puncture in either 'bike :)


:beerjug:
 
If you're riding within Europe, don't worry about it just use a recovery service.

If going further afield then I carry a clamp for breaking the bead, two tyre levers (15" just because that what I bought when I didn't know how to do it properly), a puncture repair kit, electric pump and backup hand pump (very small mountain bike thing).

Finally, and most importantly... lube! I prefer silicon grease in a tube, though washing up liquid will do, as will hand soap if you're struggling.
 
I live in a close and to get out onto the main road is up hill and around a sharp bend so not great in the snow - even for cars (most of my neighbours park out of the close whilst we have snow). So I wimped out one day this week and caught the train into work, but one day of train cancellations was enough to convince me that the bike and snow combo could not be any worse.

The first time I tried with my feet down (I know not a good idea but I have no off road experience - yet). I have to say that there is no need to worry with these tyres. I have tried (carefully and very little, if any, front brake) loose fresh snow, compacted snow, slush, frozen slush, etc and the tryes have not felt like letting go once. The rear obviously spins a little sometimes but the front stays planted.

Very pleased so far. :thumb

Rich
 
We're planning a longer trip at the end of May and we're in a bit of a pondering of how to prepare for a potential puncture.
I was thinking of packing a repair kit, some new inner tubes and changing kit, and probably buy a small compressor. I was going to get those tyre levers that have a spanner at one end - one for the front nut and one for the rear nut.
Which compressor are you using Dave?
 
rat tail plugs and a small 12 volt pump. Recovery is all well and good but when it's 11pm on a freezing cold night, waiting for recovery can take hours, fixing the puncture takes less than 10 mins. I know which I prefer, and have used. I carry the repair kit.
 
rat tail plugs and a small 12 volt pump. Recovery is all well and good but when it's 11pm on a freezing cold night, waiting for recovery can take hours, fixing the puncture takes less than 10 mins. I know which I prefer, and have used. I carry the repair kit.

None of which will help on an 800 with tubes ;)
 
in that case neither will an aerosol tyre sealant and I'm guessing you only have two options: Recovery or new tube that you fit at the side of the road. Didn't realise the 800 wasn't tubeless.

Aerosol tyre sealant worked for me twice on the F800's tubes :thumb

:beerjug:
 
I have a slime pump, which has worked every time so far. Only pain is you have to hard wire it (the flylead anyway) as that stupid tank socket won't supply the current.

I can change both tyres in under an hour now, though the first time I tried it took me four just to do the rear! Practice and technique are the only secrets.
 
Ahh .. I remember a day when there were a few of us watching a puncture being repaired.....

SLime in the tyre - but being able to do a roadside fix is really an essential skill that (let's face it) few of us possess. Relying on recovery is all well and good if you have a couple of hours to spare, but waiting is a real PITA.

Invest in 2x12inch tyre irons, a repair kit and a small 12v compressor which is a godsend and saves gallons of sweat and achy arms. Don't forget the spanners needed to get the wheel off either, and you could always practice using the side-stand to break the bead...

G
 
rat tail plugs and a small 12 volt pump. Recovery is all well and good but when it's 11pm on a freezing cold night, waiting for recovery can take hours, fixing the puncture takes less than 10 mins. I know which I prefer, and have used. I carry the repair kit.

Whilst I agree that my original comment was a little flippant a lot depends on where and under what circumstances, on a day out road trip it is easier, in my opinion, to get recovery and do it at home in the garage, but on long trips or off road where recovery can be a PITA I always carry a tube and a tube repair kit with gas bottles I have the lightweight tyre levers/axle nut combo and this allows me to do the job there and then:clap
 
K.I.S.S.

repair in a can is just a gadget and temporary.

The most used and most reliable and the simplest is your basic patch kit.
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and this never runs out of air.
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I've seen tubes with multiple patches last over 20k.
 
Inner Tubes

How often do you change them?

Every tyre change? Every other tyre change? Only if they looking a bit ropey? :nenau

Always had 'Tubeless' before, so am a bit dim when it comes to 'tubeness' wisdom and know how. Excepting pushbikes of course! or is it just the same as bicycles?!! :blast
 
I've been on the same tube for 30K with multiple patches.

I'll replace it when I get a tear or the valve stem goes bad.

I once saw a tube that had a slice in it. The rider had to sew it and then patch it. Got him home.
 
51,500 miles now and still on the same tubes :thumb

Always check 'em each tyre change, especially round the valve for any sign of strain etc.

:beerjug:
 


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