Flat tire fix away from home with Fix-a-flat

[jcbikes]

Has anyone had any experience using fix-a-flat in a can? I want something to have with me just in case a flat should happen out on the trail. I purchased the 16oz. regular size for car tires because it had the hose on it. It says not for use on motorcycle tires but I was wondering if you could just regulate the amount going into the tire with the push button. I Just want it for emergency use to get home. Most concerned that once you start filling the tire, that you cannot stop it before the can is emptied. Thanks!

[mikewrf18]

This issue was brought up in a previous thread, I figured I'd send you the link.

https://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-787647.html

I wouldn't use it in my tires, and I'd sure hate to be the one removing that tire and tube with that stuff in it when you got it back home. I carry C02, tire irons, and a front spare tube. You can use a front tube in the rear to get back home if needed.

[jcbikes]

Thanks for the link. Did a search and could not find much. Anyone else with experience with fix a flat in a tubed tire.

[byggd]

If you're going that route you're better off with slime and CO2 IMO.

[paul19513]

I have seen plenty as I am a tire guy for 15 yrs. I would have to say in my opinion , go with slime and the c02,or carry a tube.the fix a flat in a can doesn't have much fiber and is mostly liquid so it can go through the valve of little old lady's cars, 9 out of 10 times i see it ,it don't work anyway( the fiber is what plugs the hole) . my first choice would be carry tire irons and a front tube myself , cause I hate messing with either slime or fix a flat. what if you have a puncture bigger than a nail hole ?

edit:

even the slime I don't believe would work for anything larger than a small nail hole and hopefully you won't be finding any nails on trails , I would reccomend to any of my friends to carry a tube and maybe a small patch kit to trail repair your tire . for large breaks in the tire I have seen people use regular needle and thread to stich up large breaks and put cloth between the makeshift repair and the tube to get you home (use care when airing up it may go boom read up for yourself on hazards of tire explosions and only then try for yourself ,>>>>>I am in no way liable in anyway for any reason if you decide to try this cause I wouldn't do this myself <<<<<)

Edited November 17, 2010 by paul19513

[Dube2]

I have seen plenty as I am a tire guy for 15 yrs. I would have to say in my opinion , go with slime and the c02,or carry a tube.the fix a flat in a can doesn't have much fiber and is mostly liquid so it can go through the valve of little old lady's cars, 9 out of 10 times i see it ,it don't work anyway( the fiber is what plugs the hole) . my first choice would be carry tire irons and a front tube myself , cause I hate messing with either slime or fix a flat. what if you have a puncture bigger than a nail hole ?

edit:

even the slime I don't believe would work for anything larger than a small nail hole and hopefully you won't be finding any nails on trails , I would reccomend to any of my friends to carry a tube and maybe a small patch kit to trail repair your tire . for large breaks in the tire I have seen people use regular needle and thread to stich up large breaks and put cloth between the makeshift repair and the tube to get you home (use care when airing up it may go boom read up for yourself on hazards of tire explosions and only then try for yourself ,>>>>>I am in no way liable in anyway for any reason if you decide to try this cause I wouldn't do this myself <<<<<)

same here. not a professional tire repairman, but neither the slime nor the sealant in a can will work for a puncture from a un-suspecting rock. I just had another puncture last ride, luckily it was near camp. but i always carry a front tube(can be used in the rear too), tire irons and some C02 bottles. I also carry a patch kit. i've replaced and patched tubes many times in the desert. I buy the ones from Wallyworld and once or twice a year you may need to purchase a new tube of sealant glue due to the other drying out in your backpack. my last puncture had 2-holes, i patched it and filled it with air. I'll install a new tube, but will keep that for a spare. I buy the box of C02 bottles from wallyworld for like $13. been working fine.

[Lcpl0331]

I've used it before and the tire stayed inflated for a few days. Had a buddie try it with a ripped out stem(didn't know it until it was too late) and it turned into the biggest mess ever. Probably wouldn't use it again. Tube,spoons and air are the way to go.

[Baja trail Rider]

After doing tours in Baja over 20 years.The fix a flat only works a few hours.We use ultra HD tubes with slime.We only use 6psi front and because the trails we ride.Are too tuff to get up with more psi.We have slime in our tires,if it goes flat,we use the co2 to pump it up to 15 or more psi,then ride the bike a mile.Then let it back to 6psi.If that does not work,another shot of 8oz slime.That has worked 99 per cent.still faster then to put another tube in.If you have a nail that ripped the tube open, then a new tube.

[jcbikes]

Baja rider,

Do you put slime in before the flat occurs then add more slime when you have a leak then add air to get the tire inflated?

[paul19513]

Do you put slime in before the flat occurs then add more slime when you have a leak then add air to get the tire inflated?

most of the time you would add it before the leak and just add air as needed, if you could get it to stop by adding more , that is better then taking it apart trailside getting goo all over yourself

don't forget the hd tube I think that is gonna be key

[Baja trail Rider]

Yes we have slime in the tubes already.Problem is since we only have 6psi front and back .It needs 15psi or more to seal.Just carry the extra 8oz in your pack,and add it if the first try does not work.It has been a life saver for me,since Im the dummy that has to fix the flat tires.

[Just_a_trail_rider]

Assuming that stuff works, which I doubt considing the size of the punctures I typically get in my tires, it wouldn't be good enough to help you continue your ride.

Carry a spare 21 inch tube which will work front and rear. Thats the only way to fix the tire well enough to not have to go back. If you just want to get home, then ride the flat all the way back. Make sure you have good rim locks front and rear and you'll ride for quite a ways. I recently rode 30 miles on a front flat. and made it back with no problems.

Never pay anyone to mount your tires for you. Get the right irons and do it yourself. You need the practice for when you do actually get that flat 30 miles from your truck (which has happened to me)

[Baja trail Rider]

There is no assuming that stuff works(Slime).Running tours in Baja(Flats A plenty)It is a life saver.Also the idea to carry only a 21 tube,that does work for people that go on short rides.Maybe 20-30 miles,but we go 100-150-200+ in a day.The 21 tube in the back has always blown out on long rides.Also when your on a 4 day ride or more.You will be taking that 21 out blown than have to change it again.Also we have some bikes that got flats over a year ago.Still with slime,and not had to change tube.

[craig652]

I always carry a small can of fix-a-flat (like the kind they make for bicycles) and a CO2 cartridge in my fannypack. I ride with my whole family and most of them ride quads. The small can and cartridge will fill a bike tire and the small can of fix-a-flat by itself will fill a quad tire. I keep a normal car size can of fix-a-flat in the trailer along with a tubless tire repair kit for the quads.

If one of us gets a flat it would put the whole group out of commision until it's fixed. The fix-a-flat might not be the best solution, but most of the time it works until at least the end if the day.

I'd like to say that I immediately replace the problem tubes, but I have left it on a bike for a whole season with no problems.