Tyre Punctures

I seem to be prone to these - I have had 4 punctures in 8 months on my road bike.
I am not for one to carry repair kits, pumps etc as I usually ride before/after work and its dark - so for me to repair in the dark? Too hard!
Is there any brand/type that is more 'resistant' to punctures - I know there isn't a puncture proof tyre, but I'm looking for the closest to!
Any response would be great!

Most people ride with a spare tube, a pump and tyre levers. This will save you when you are 50km from home, or do you depend on the grace of others to bail you out?

When you ride at night, you can use your bike light as a light source to do the tube change.

Surely this cannot be harder that having to walk home with a flat?

Like you said, no such thing as puncture proof tyres. Doesnt matter what tyre you ride, nothing is going stop a nail.

I'd get Conti Ultra Gatorskins, Specialized Armadillo, or another brand's heavy-duty tire in 25 or 28mm. Wider tires will let you run lower pressures, ~ 80-90 psi (depending on your weight), making the tires even more cut and puncture-resistant.

Yeah - I s'pose it was more wishful thinking!

I should juz suck it up and juz carry around a repair kit - I'm juz not great at tube repairs. Last time I did it my rims were damaged from the levers and I got glue everywhere and in the end the patch wasn't on properly and it was flat again in minutes!
I'll take a course on puncture repairs 101!

We all learn.

Don't bother patching the tube on the roadside. Take the old one out and get a new one in. Much faster and tidier. Keep the puntured tube and repair at home. The whole sequence should be well learnt once you've done it a few times at home. Don't use excessively great forces, typically it's more about finess than brut. But do carry a few patches, whether glueless or glued variety. That's just insurance against a second puncture.

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Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac

Anyone have any ideas on good carry pumps. I have used several and cannot get enough pressure in the tyre.

This is another reason why I gave up on "repairs on the go". I found that once I finally got it all together the pump would fail me (either break, or would not push enough pressure in to continue on my ride).

I know you get what you pay for so its more of any particular brands, or experiences with brands etc.

Topeak have a number of capable little pumps in their range. No problem getting them up to 100psi.

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Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac

Thanks.
Can I run my psi too high that would add to my dilema?
I know the tyres specify a psi, but what is the norm for a std road tyre?

For standard 23mm road tyres, most people ride on 100-115psi. 100-105psi pressure if you are relatively lightweight.

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Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac

Co2 is easy, inflates to 120psi in a second, also lighter to carry than a pump, I just carry two cannisters and a regulator with me. It doesn't have to be connected as in the picture.

CO2 cannisters are indeed convenient. But they are bad for the environment and can run out of puff. Until I am old and weak or racing for $1000, a hand pump remain to be a good arm exercise.

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Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac

I think the role of the mini pump that you will carry is as an emergency pump. Together with the spare tube you carry, their purpose is to get you home. My pump does not have a pressure guage, so when I get a punture I do the most unscientific thing of pumping it up till it feels like the unpunctured tyre on your bike.

When you get home, you can then patch the hole in your tube and pump your tyres up to the right pressure.

Good luck with your riding. Luck also plays a major factor in punctures. I went 1.5 years without a single puncture, and then had 3 punctures in 1 week on 3 different bikes.

Sometimes I also find the large pieces of glass lodged in my tyres ... still no puncture.

I also say that Topeak have some good mini pumps that get your tyres up to decent pressure without needing enormous big arms. I carry around the mini road morph pump. I get my tyres up to 100psi easy ... 120 psi with a bit more effort. More than enuf pressure to get your home.

OK - I decided not be lazy and carry around some supplies!

I have a spare tube, levers, a couple of useful sized hex keys and a mini pump.
With the pump I decided on the Top Peak Micro Rocket - Masterblaster.

After fighting with the rim to get the tube off and replacing it (a major sweat was raised - so obviously I need the practice!) I tried out the new pump.
In around 20 secs it was around 100 psi without any effort. Very please with the pump!
So once I can master taking off the old tube and putting in a new one I'll be one happy rider!
Thanks for everyones advice etc

Good for you! Just having that insurance there, will give you a peace of mind, and confidence going out for your rides. Far outweighs any inconvinience or weight issues, in my opinion.

Thanks also for the feedback on the Micro Rocket. I have been thinking about getting this pump, and attaching it to my bike.

I keep a Topeak road morph pump attached to my frame (integrated pressure gauge) that can easily pump up my 2 spare tubes & patch kit kept in my seatpack to 130lbs.

I have a 100oz. camelback so the use of one of the two available cage holders wasn't an issue.
I've had one flat coming home from work this year & was off again in under 10 minutes & I took my time... Though I also had daylight. You have my sympathy if you've had a flat in the dark! Maybe get a cheap 'lil led flashlight to hold in your mouth? Some of these lil LED's run on watch batteries. 'Bout the thickness of a pen....still has to suck at night!