Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking

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For all the pedal pushers out there that love long distance cycling. There are no gear requirements and no 'minimum distances' here.

Have you ridden for a cheeky overnighter or a 3 year global trek? Doesn't matter, you're welcome here.

Have you got panniers, bikepacking bags or just a backpack with the essentials? Doesn't matter, you're welcome here.

Have you got the latest in carbon engineering or your dads old 10 speed from the 70's? Doesn't matter, you're welcome here.

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Roadside assistance services? (startrek.website)

submitted 1 week ago by charonn0@startrek.website to c/bicycle_touring@lemmy.world

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I don't like fixing my own flat tires. I can do it but not quickly or efficiently; it's not something I can do on the side of the road under duress. I should probably work on that, I know, but in the meantime I take my bike to a local shop and have them do it for me.

But my ebike is pretty heavy, which means a flat tire is basically immobilizing. I've had to call a friend or hire a truck when I get a flat. I'm wondering if there's anything like an auto club for cyclists. Maybe even a service that would fix my flat right there on the spot.

I googled, but don't trust the search results. Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions?

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[–] markstos@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

You didn’t mention which country you are in.

In the United States there is Better World Club.

https://www.betterworldclub.net/bicycle-roadside-assistance

I have never tested it. Logically, they don’t have a specially trained set of bike mechanics standing by 24/7 across the country. Their page is pretty clear they don’t fix flat tires. Rather, it’s probably a tow truck service willing to pick up you and your bike.

Since you have a heavy bike, I would first priority puncture-resistant tires, possibly also with the self-healing goo inside.

For wheels that are pain to fully remove, there is the patch-in-place method where you expose the tube, find and patch the hole and and reseat the tire, all without removing the wheel.

With practice and preparedness, you can get a flat repair time down to 15 minutes, while practically every other option will cost more time.