[JohnNGeiser]

Ok I know this is something i should have known about already and ill tell you right now , this was something i overlooked and was not prepared for. I got a flat tire today.

I have a few questions though.

I was prepared for something stuck in my tire. But there is nothing. Instead , its leaking from the hole the valve stem comes though. Why is my tire leaking?

I spent a couple years in high school working in a auto shop, and i have a general idea how to change tires with intertubes. Is there anything special i need to know about changing this tube?

Is there certian types of tubes i need to buy for my tires? I have - Kenda- Small Block Eight tires. Other than size is there anything i need to be worried about when i buy the tube?

Now that i have read about things on these forums and online , I plan on buying a whole kit for on road tire changes. What kind of stuff do i need for it. From what i gather , i need the spare tube, a pump and some kind of tool. What kind of tool do i need , and also what else do i need?

You all are great, I really appreciate your help.

The guy at my local bike store seems to busy to help me with things , so this site is a great wealth of knowledge and i really do appreciate all of you taking the time to answer my silly questions. You all are the ones really making my new venture enjoyable.

[Nigal]

It may be a cut stem. Here are some great links.

Sheldon Brown's What Every Cyclist Should Know About About Flat Tires.

Lyzyne pump for your bike. When it comes to pumps, if it doesn't have a hose don't use it. These are the best. Or if that is too much you can get a cheaper http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Mountain-Morph-Bike-Pump/dp/accessories/B000FI6XJE which is bigger but I hear great things about.

You should be able to pick up a patch kit at the local bike shop that has everything ya need to patch. http://www.amazon.com/Zefal-112-Patch-Hanging-Levers/dp/B0048HG3G6/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1306057487&sr=1-1 only $6.

REI has a good video one how it's done. The local bike shop may offer a flat tire clinic too which is best.

[JohnNGeiser]

May i ask your opinion on the CO2 inflators?

[JohnNGeiser]

I got the tire fixed. Got a patch kit at Dunhams sporting goods. Nothing special , but it was only $4.

Still looking for pumps though

Nigal, Why do you say not to use one that does not have a hose on it?

What are some other things I should look for in a pump.

p.s. If i can buy locally , I usually will before I purchase online.

[Industry_Hack]

Get a frame pump that converts to a mini floor pump. The hose will help prevent broken stems.

[Nigal]

The non hose pumps are a pain in the butt because I can never get them to seal and, as Hack points out, rough on stems. The lyzyne's hose actually screws onto the stem to seal completely.

[SG78]

Originally Posted by Nigal

When it comes to pumps, if it doesn't have a hose don't use it.

This! I, too, don't use anything that doesn't have a hose. The non-hose pumps can never get a reliable seal to the stem. More trouble than they're worth.

[JohnNGeiser]

can i ask your opinion on the co2 inflators?

[JohnNGeiser]

can i ask your opinion on the co2 inflators?

[Industry_Hack]

Only if you hate the environment.