Well I've had my bike for a few months now and last month I decided it would be a good idea to carry an extra tube in my bag so i bought one and put it in my saddle bag. Thank god I did because today well training on a long hill around my place I noticed on my 3rd time up that my back tire was flat. I've never changed a flat tire before but it wasn't that bad, the hardest part was figuring how the chain went back on. When you guys change a tire do your hands get COVERED in grease? cause mine sure did, and I couldn't see changing a rear flat in the middle of a ride then riding with grease all over your hands and all over your bar tape. Is there a less messy way??

Well I've had my bike for a few months now and last month I decided it would be a good idea to carry an extra tube in my bag so i bought one and put it in my saddle bag. Thank god I did because today well training on a long hill around my place I noticed on my 3rd time up that my back tire was flat. I've never changed a flat tire before but it wasn't that bad, the hardest part was figuring how the chain went back on. When you guys change a tire do your hands get COVERED in grease? cause mine sure did, and I couldn't see changing a rear flat in the middle of a ride then riding with grease all over your hands and all over your bar tape. Is there a less messy way??


Don't grab the chain...grab the RD and move it....I have changed several flats, and have not gotten any grease on my hands...got some dirt/brake dust from the tire and rim, but not any grease. You'll get better at it, just takes some getting used to.:thumbsup:

Stuff a few tissues or paper towels in your saddle bag. You shouldn't have to touch the chain that much, you'll get better. Maybe carry a latex glove.

Maybe you should get your chain cleaned, my old chain was BLACK, and anything it touched was covered in nasty black grease. Don't use WD-40 on the chain, that's what I did. Use dry lube, and only use it once every two weeks or so. Put a little on after a ride, so it can dry.

I can touch my new chain without any significant residue.

Well I've had my bike for a few months now and last month I decided it would be a good idea to carry an extra tube in my bag so i bought one and put it in my saddle bag. Thank god I did because today well training on a long hill around my place I noticed on my 3rd time up that my back tire was flat. I've never changed a flat tire before but it wasn't that bad, the hardest part was figuring how the chain went back on. When you guys change a tire do your hands get COVERED in grease? cause mine sure did, and I couldn't see changing a rear flat in the middle of a ride then riding with grease all over your hands and all over your bar tape. Is there a less messy way??
If you're changing the rear tire shift into your big/small combo before taking the tire off...it'll go on a lot quicker. After fixing the flat just place the chain on the small cog and then grab the derailleur and the wheel should pop right back into the dropouts. If you have to grab the chain because it came off try and find a stick to use rather than using hands.

well I was trying to figure how the chain routed around everything so my hands were ALL over the chain, and ya maybe I had too much lube on my chain casue it was covered in black grease.

If you're changing the rear tire shift into your big/small combo before taking the tire off...it'll go on a lot quicker. After fixing the flat just place the chain on the small cog and then grab the derailleur and the wheel should pop right back into the dropouts. If you have to grab the chain because it came off try and find a stick to use rather than using hands.

Beat me to it..

The suggestion to use a dry lube was a good one. I use white lightning and I love it. It will keep your chain very clean.

Brian
TheRoadBike.com (http://www.theroadbike.com)

If you're changing the rear tire shift into your big/small combo before taking the tire off...it'll go on a lot quicker. After fixing the flat just place the chain on the small cog and then grab the derailleur and the wheel should pop right back into the dropouts. If you have to grab the chain because it came off try and find a stick to use rather than using hands.

We might be saying the same thing but, if you shift onto the smallest gear on both the chain ring and the cassette, the rear wheel will come right off. When putting the wheel back on, line the chain up on the small ring of the cassette and it will slip right into the drop outs. No need to touch the chain at all.

BTW, if you're changing a front tire and get all greasy from the chain, you're probably doing something really really wrong.

The suggestion to use a dry lube was a good one. I use white lightning and I love it. It will keep your chain very clean.

Brian
TheRoadBike.com (http://www.theroadbike.com)

YMMV, but I hate White Lightning. Gives you little bits of wax all over the place. Much prefer Pro Link. It looks dirtier, but seems to work better on my chains. Just wipe with a cloth after riding and it keeps things nice and clean.

I have my caravan follow me and they just pop on a new tire for me...;)

I wrap everything in my seat bag in a rag. That way it all stays in the same place, doesn't rattle or jingle, and I can use that rag to clean up if needed.

Try spraying a few papertowels with Lysol 3-in-1 Cleaner, and pack in a baggie. Takes the grease off fingers, and makes them smell real nice. (if you like that sort of thing)