How do you handle a flat tire while travelling?

[Galapagos]

I get far less punctures now than I did years ago - I haven't had one go flat (apart from slow leaks around the rim or valve through sitting) for years, whereas at one stage I was carrying the tools to fix a flat and did one every couple of months.

 

To damage the carcase of the tyre, it needs to be a BIG hole - or cut 10mm/1/2" long. You wouldn't easily be able to plug one that size and any repair would only be able to get you home. If it's just a nail punching straight through then there's no need to worry about the integrity of the cords.

 

If anything has damaged the cords, then the type of plug/string/sealant/tube you have used makes no difference whatsoever, there is no way to repair a damaged carcase.

 

Bear in mind that tyres can also be damaged by running them flat - either at low pressure for a long time or a short time flat. Years ago the concern was about the insides becoming rough and wearing holes in inner tubes, but with tubeless tyres the concern is whether the carcase is damaged and if the tread might delaminate or otherwise just not run true.

 

I would have to disagree with you Greg. Lets me give my credentials first.

5 years with Goodyear tires

7 years as a Mack Truck service manager

I have seen nails pulled from tires and just plugged. I have also seen those tires have a major blowout. I experienced one at 70 mph that left a two inch hole in my tire.

That was in a pickup turck. On a bike I would have been dead. Just my 2 cents my British freind.

 

Do as you wish. Plugged tires are dangerous.