Bike part essentials

[Janet]

O.k,
 As Ironman is getting closer and closer I am trying to start getting myself organised. So what all does everyone carry for tools etc for the bike. My friend was telling me I should have an extra tire in my special needs bag ,I thought he meant tubes, but nope a tire (I don't have a spare tire). So is this a common occurance of needing a new tire, help, I might need a sherpa to be my race support (unless Peter is available ). I know there's being prepared, but........

[Newt]

G'day Janet,

As much as I'd love to be your sherpa I'm thinking you are going have to do this on your own.

I typically would only take a tire if I was running tubular wheels, in that case I would take a spare tire and a small razor knife and omit the tubes and levers below.

Things I take when Ironmaning on Clinchers, 2 tubes, 2 co2 cartridges, and microinflator, two levers (some people only take one but I prefer two), a small piece of duct tape which can work to fix a small tire tear.
a multitool, valve extender (depending on rim depth), maybe a small patch kit.

I would cut the top off an old water bottle, (just as it curves in towards the top) and fit everything in that and fix it solid in a rear bottle holder. This way I can omit a behind the seat bag, I would use one fluid bottle on the seat tube and one bottle at the rear. I take the bottle holder off of the Downtube. The aid stations are plenty close enough to be able to get by with two bottles. One is super concentrate electrolyte mixture that I start off with and pickup at the special needs station, the other is alternating water and gatorade at aid stations. Salt tabs in container on the stem.

Depending on what you are allowed with and what you are willing to never get back I have put tires, Co2, Salt tabs, etc.. out at the special needs station.

I might have forgotten something it's been a while since I've done Ironman.

Peace

Peter

[Sandy]

A used gel pack also makes a great patch for a tire in a pinch.

[Jon]

Hey Janet,

Smarty pants answer - same stuff you should be carrying on your long training rides 

I wouldn't bother with a spare tire in your special needs bag (unless as Pete says you were running tubulars, but your not).  You likely will not get back whatever you put in there, so no point in spending/loosing money unnecessarily. 

Anyways, I don't have anything really new to add.  Pete's list was pretty solid - I concur    Hope you are feeling good and strong, I know you guys are gonna have a great time!

Jon

[The Moose1]

Just put down this month's Road Bike Action.  They suggest cutting an inch or so from an old tire for the tear issue...Might be easier to put in place than a piece of duct tape.  Don't know, never tried myself.

[Sandy]

Problem is when racing an Ironman finding an old tire.  Have actually used the gel pack in an Ironman to patch a blown sidewall. 

[Janet]

O.k,
  I think I can manage that (although all of that stuff in one water bottle Peter, I can't even pack a suitcase, but I will give it a try ).
  Thanks for the advice Jon  , you're funny.
  Guess I don't need to worry about buying new tires, one item to scratch off my list.

[Allan]

I have a repair kit "waterbottle" like Pete suggested with almost the exact same contents. Instead of duct tape, I put a strip of black electrical tape along the outside of the bottle since this can go inside a torn tire and is reasonably thin and strong.

I have done six IM races and have never used a special needs bag. Unless you absolutely must have some type of fluid that they don't supply on the course there is always a lot of congestion near the pick up and it can delay you. You get water and gatorade at every aid station along with gels, bananas, power bars, etc. so getting fuel to race is easy. I always find it interesting that triathletes spend thousands of dollars on ultra aero and light bikes and then add 5 waterbottles and a ton of other crap so that they end up weighing more than their mountain bikes! If you must have something exotic, just mix it super concentrated in one water bottle and use a jetstream up front so you can dump some in there with water to dilute it at regular aid stations. The only time I would recommend a special needs bag is for the marathon when you might need a dry or warmer top if you're out there a long time.

One other thing I recommend is to leave your fuel belt behind. They are great for training but after sitting outside all day the gel/drinks in the flasks can be pretty awful so why bother carrying it. Again, it is better to rely on the amazing aid stations that they have at IM races.

[Wendy]

In response to all this talk about flat tire, I am wondering if Colleen will be conducting a session on changing a flat, etc.  My experience is very limited and really that is one more thing to worry about!!

[Rhonda]

On your long training rides, how common is it to get a flat tire? What are these other solid tires you talk about? Is there a time or place when one is used over the other?

[Craig]

Flats are fairly uncommon on the rides I've been on. I've had 3 flats in the last 6000 km's, 2 of which were do to the fact my rear tire was wearing thin.
Generally speaking, narrower roadbike tires are more susceptible to flats than hybrid or mtb tires due to their thinner construction. Some tires have puncture resistant belts that should reduce but not eliminate the chance of flats, though I can't recall any studies that prove conclusively. Inflation, load and riding conditions all play a part. Wet roads can increase the likelyhood of flats as glass and other sharp objects can stick to the tire and thus be run over more than once. Additionally the wet also lubricates the glass etc. creating greater chance of puncture.
I've never used airfree tires other than on a wheelbarrow(which was crap) so I can't comment on them.

[Rhonda]

Hmm that's interesting. My husband had intentions of riding his bike (with road tires) to work more often in the summer (west end near Centennial SS to Black Diamond) but only did it a half dozen times or so because he got two flats in that time. He was discouraged and a little frustrated and gave it up.

[Allan]

"Hmm that's interesting. My husband had intentions of riding his bike (with road tires) to work more often in the summer (west end near Centennial SS to Black Diamond) but only did it a half dozen times or so because he got two flats in that time. He was discouraged and a little frustrated and gave it up."

Sometimes it can just be bad luck. Two years ago I had 3 flats in a two-week period (one of them unfortunately in the Muskoka 70.3) and those were the first that I had gotten in about 5 years. Make sure to check the tires for sharp objects or any cuts and if they look fine then give it another try.

[Craig]

I agree with Allan, it's often random bad luck. I generally find in town rds. have a greater amount of debris(glass etc.) than country rds.

Rhonda : If your husbands bike can accomodate wider tires he would probably have better luck with a heavier "city" or "touring" type tire. Tire liners are also very effective at reducing/preventing flats, these are installed inside the tire. Mr Tuffy is one of the common brands.
I hope your husband gives commuting by bike another shot.