Overview and Specifications of WheelTop's Affordable Electronic Groupset "EDS"
This article summarizes the features and specifications of the budget-friendly electronic groupset "EDS" newly released by the Chinese manufacturer WheelTop.
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Emergency Solutions When You're Out of Spare Tubes
Posted at: Jan 17, 2024
What to do when you’ve run out of spare tubes or don't have one on the road—this guide outlines emergency fixes by tire type.
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Emergency Measures by Tire Type
For Clincher Tires
If you’re using a clincher tire and don’t have a spare tube—or if your spare is also punctured—your only option is to somehow reuse the punctured tube.
The method involves finding the puncture in the tube and then placing a piece of paper (or a leaf if paper isn’t available) between the hole and the inside of the tire. This setup helps reduce air leakage slightly when air is pumped in.
Important: Do not inflate the tire to full pressure, as the hole might widen. Instead, inflate it to a lower pressure—around 3 to 4 bar (43–58 psi).
Even with this trick, air may still leak out quickly. But if you’re lucky, you might be able to ride a few kilometers.
If you’re just a few kilometers from home, you can ride back slowly. If you’re far away, find the nearest bike shop first and head there.
For Tubular Tires
For tubular tires, you can’t replace the tube on the road—so the usual solution for a puncture is to replace the entire tire.
However, since tubular punctures are often slow leaks, if you don’t have a replacement tire, your only real option is to pump air in, ride until it leaks out, and repeat the process.
If you’ve added sealant inside your tubular tire, it might plug the hole for you. So, if you’re concerned, it’s wise to pre-load sealant or carry some with you.
For Tubeless Tires
If you get a puncture with a tubeless tire, typical emergency options include:
- Use a repair kit to plug the hole
- Insert a tube and treat it like a clincher tire
If you don’t have a repair kit, look for something to plug the hole manually. However, if the air leak isn’t from a hole—such as from the valve, rim tape, or a sidewall cut—or if the hole can’t be plugged, your only option is to insert a tube.
If you don’t have a spare tube or if it’s also punctured, try the method mentioned earlier for clincher tires: insert something between the punctured tube and the tire.
If you want to avoid the hassle of punctures in tubeless tires altogether, consider using tire inserts as a preventative measure.