Race day bike question

[jamesi]

Hey all, do any of you race with your spare tubes and associated tire changing gear? I've looked at other bikes at the 3 races I've done this year and it looks like more people go without. I can see the rationale in both choices, but I was wondering what the more experienced racers do. Currently I'm doing sprints, I'll take on Olympic distance next summer. Does your approach change as race distance changes? Thanks.

[philjolliff]

I am not sure what others do but this is a great question. I obviously raced with multiple spare tubes and tire changing stuff for Half Ironman and Ironman distance. For Olympic I raced with 1 spare, haven't done a sprint in a year or so, but I didn't race with any spares back then in sprints - figured I would just end the race.

[alison]

For sprints I race with nothing. I take the bike bag, the frame pump, and all water bottle cages off.

I do a pretty good job of changing a tire, but not fast enough to salvage a race that short, and I would probably end up getting so upset and frazzled that I would botch the job and get really mad at myself. Olympics are long enough that a good, quick tire change could leave me feeling like the day isn't ruined, so I carry the gear for that distance race. It's all mental for me.

Alison

[MarkD]

Sprint / Olympic - nothing.

Half - one spare w/ one CO2 & adapter & levers - in my bento box. Still room to add some nutrition after that.

Full - don't race 'em, but, it would make sense to take two tubes and two CO2s.

I probably should take one for an OLY just to get home, but, I'd still turn in my chip and not "officially" finish the race.

[rinibry]

slime makes a couple of products that work well, scabs are little patches that are pre glued so you just stick em on the hole, pump and go. I did it with a mountain bike tire and it was easy to get to the tube without taking the tire off the rim it may be a little tougher with a road tire but i'm sure its possible. the other is slime self healing inner tubes, they add a little weight but tiny punctures are sealed instantly. I have these on my tri and mountain bike now and haven't had a flat since. for me the added weight is nothing compared to the time and frustration of flatting during a race. I still bring my mini-pump and the scabs just in case someone else needs help. I know thats not exactly what you were asking but just wanted to share an alternative idea.

[jimdehner]

interesting responses - I have and x-frame rack that mounts to the seat post of my bike - it holds 2 waterbottles and a spare tube, one tire and tire wrenches - it also has a a place for 2-co2 cartridges and the small inflator fitting - i just leave it on my bike all the time racing or training

[Aussie Rob]

I typically carry spares for all races. Long ones because i packed for it. Short ones because i just ride my training setup and have a change with me in training.

[jamesi]

thanks for the great advice. seems like it all comes down to personal tastes. this board is great!