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I wouldn't have guessed about the intentional flat tire. Other articles have been more helpful, tho.

intentional flat tire

That could work as theft deterent, too. If you have to park some sketchy place, empty the air out and pump it up when you come back.

Yeah, right.

Use a u-lock tougher than the next guy's, check what you're locking to, don't leave it out overnight.

Brad, that is what I always tell people, just make sure it is locked up better than the bike next to yours.

I just thought it was interesting - and I would have left a flat there until I'd come back with tools probably the next day or two (I don't yet carry tools/spares with me, though that is changing as I assemble a kit). Now I'll just consider myself lucky that I won't have to call for a tow, I can at worst carry it home, and will.

To the right of the article are some links to other British bicycle articles - Pgh doesn't seem to be in the same league, makes the East End attacks look like friendly chats.

I've been carrying my tools for changing a flat...only problem is I cannot for the life of me get my tire off the rim by myself. I am going to try a different style of levers, but as of now my flats are requiring help. I haven't had to ditch my bike yet though. One time I walked it, one time I got a ride (with the bike).

Tabby, my favorite lever are Pedro's levers. Most shops stock them (I got mine at THICK), and they are all neon coloed (easy to find).

If you would like, I will show you how to get a tire off easily at FOC.

Not carrying tools to fix a flat or tighten a loose bolt is playing with fire. You're going to get burned when you're trying to beat a horrible downpour home or something.

On getting the tire off of the rim. Some are more difficult than others, but here is a tip from an old issue that may help.

http://www.urbanvelo.org/issue3/urbanvelo3_p68-69.html

@Nick- thanks I will look for those levers next. The ones I have seem very bulky. I will probably take you up on that at the next flock (& hopefully just for practice and not a real Flock Flat again)

@Brad- that's a nice writeup and similar to other descriptions that I read online. I also watched a couple videos on utube. I think I get it in theory...so it comes down to the tires, the levers or technique.

I'm starting to think about new tires too because these ones seems to like to grab road debris and result in more flats than I've ever had before.

Brad is right that some tires are harder than others. I have had some cheap steel bead 700x25 tires that were a nightmare to get one.

Once you change enough tires you get it. (I've mounted a 205/60R15 car tire with only a pry bar).

Some rims are decidely harder too. I have certain Velocity Deep-Vs that are way harder to get tires on and off of than others of the same make and model. I'm sure it has to do with the extrusion die wearing as they make them, but just saying.

For tires I'd recommend the Panaracer Ribmos. I don't think I've ever had a flat caused by any sort of penetrating object with them. They're heavy, not the easiest to get on rims, and can be pricey, but they are nice. Also check out the Freedom Thickslicks with the flat protection in them, same with Vittoria Randoneurs. I've had similar results with each of those tires as well. Flat free and loving it.

Yeah, the repair kit just requires me finding time and money at the same time when my local shop is open and I'm not at work. One of those future unrealized doom is poor motivation when the sun is shining kinds of things. I always was more of a grasshopper than an ant.