Flat Tires - Yikes!
No matter what you ride, tires are subject to failure. Conventional tire setups use an inner tube to hold the air and the tire to contact the road. It's been around for quite a while. It's also the most frustrating when you get a puncture. For some, changing the tube is no big deal, even on the road or trail. For others, it may mean the bike is set aside in the garage to collect dust. In either extreme, no one looks forward to repairing a flat tire.
Your choices in avoiding a flat tire include: a repair kit - sealant - heavy duty tubes - tire liners - inserts - solid tires. Fortunately, we carry all that and can help you either get back on the road or set up your bike to stay on the road.
Flat Repair Kit
Flat tires are a part of cycling. Every cyclist, from professionals to the complete beginner gets them, but don't fret - a flat tire doesn't have to be the end of your ride. With practice you can change a flat in about 5 minutes and get back on the road. Even if you don't know how to change a flat yet, bring these items anyway. Someone else might be able to help you.
- Fix tire tears with a Tire Boot to get home
- Basic Kit: Tire levers, Pump or CO2, patch kit, spare tube, wrench
- A full kit to put in a seat bag starts at about $35
- Check out the Emergency Roadside Repair Bundle
Emergency Repair Spray
Repair spray for flat tires: repairs and reinflates instantly.
Zefal Repair Spray repairs and instantly reinflates flat tyres without having to change the inner tube. This type of rapid and simple fix allows you to continue your ride without having to do a repair.
- $13 for most applications
Self-Sealing Tube
We're not afraid to say it—the Airlock Schrader Valve Tubes are the best performing, self-sealing bicycle tubes available. That's because they feature our powerful Airlock sealant that coats the tube for permanent protection against punctures. Not only this, but the sealant is designed to work continuously in order to prevent slow leaks from occurring, so erring complete catastrophe, you won't have to worry about flatting when you're riding over debris. We even addressed the common issue of sealant pooling with a completely homogenous design, so the tire/tube combo will always roll smooth and even.
- $15 for most tires. (Installation extra)
Desert Proof
If you want to avoid most flats, Desert-Proofing your tires is a good investment. It provides three layers of protection, tire sealant, a heavy duty tube, and a lightweight plastic liner. The liquid sealant will plug any small punctures, the heavy duty tube works with the sealant to make a good barrier (and better sealing), and the liner guards against sharp objects. Our desert-proof option includes the tire sealant, tube, liner and installation. It's a great choice for a new bike or when you bring your bike in for a flat repair. Best of all, we can desert-proof any tire, from road bike to MTB to e-bike.
- $40ea for a complete setup on most tires. (Installation extra)
- Slime sealant
- HD thorn resistant tube
- Tire liners
Install Tannus Armour
Tannus Armour is the ultimate in tire protection and performance for all levels and styles of riding. Sitting between your tire and inner tube, the Tannus Armour provides 15mm of puncture protection on the top, as well as 2mm of sidewall protection from sharp objects and rocks. Whether you are a city biker, adventure tourer or prefer the off-road, downhill or gravel trails, Tannus Armour gives you increased grip and vibration dampening for a smoother, more comfortable and enjoyable ride. Tannus has been developing tire technology since 2003 and they are the number 1 brand of airless tire technology in the world. At the heart of Tannus is their patented Aither Technology. Aither is a multi-cell foam compound that forms the structure of the Armour - weighing in at as little as 260 grams
- $70ea for most tires. (installation extra)
Install a Solid Tire
Bikes & E-bikes: We carry the patented Tannus Aither technology solid tire. This material is resistant to wear and tear and still provides comfort, minimizes rolling resistance, and provides a safer experience. Tannus Airless Tires are made from a cutting-edge patented material called Aither 1.1, allowing them to be completely solid but ride like normal bike tires. Tannus tires aren't affected by thorns, nails, glass, or pinch flats. Never use a pump again with Tannus tires.
Electric Scooters: We carry explosion-proof solid tires for most e-Scooters. Most scooter tire repairs can be done on the same day.
- $35 to $90 for most applications. (installation extra)
Go Tubeless
If you've heard the expression "to Stan's a tire," it's referring to Stan's Tire Sealant. Put the recommended amount in your road, mountain and cyclocross tires and it will stop slow leaks and seal small punctures. Rim strips and valves not included. (Other brands are available at the shop, including: Slime, Orange Seal, Serfas, Monkey Goo, and more.)
- Get a small bottle to carry with you
- Keep a large bottle at home for refreshing your sealant
- You will need tubeless valve stems
- Hole too big? No problem. Install a plug with the Stans Dart
Also: See Tannus Interts (cushcore)