Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Riding Technique Flat tire help

My girlfriend and I were out on a ride tonight and she caught a nail on her back tire. I was behind her and able to notice the tire going flat in time to get her to pull over before fully flat. A couple of questions for you. What would typically happen should she have tried a 45 degree turn on the flat rear tire. Is there any gear you carry with you to make an emergency repair to get you home or to the shop? Luck would have that a police officer came upon us quickly to block the lane - high curbs on both sides and no place to get off the road.

The effects of a rear flat are pretty much the same as in a car, but not as exaggerated. There is also a lot of wobble riding straight ahead. Stopping should be done with a minimum of braking only on the wheel with the good tire.
The many tinned sealant/inflator products available in autoparts stores are somewhat effective, depending on the damage to the tube. If the tube is torn, they don't help. Note also, that the tube will have to be replaced as the sealant will float a patch off in short order.