In a couple of weeks I will be competing in my first Ironman and I am mulling over how many spare tubulars to carry.
I am trying decide on whether to carry two spare tubulars or one. I will have an extra spare in my special needs bag but I am worried about what might happen during the first 120km. Maybe I am just being paranoid but it would be sad to have my race end in the first 120km with two flats and only one spare.
Any thoughts or experience?
Thanks,
Adrian
One on the bike.
One in the special needs bag.
Also, see some of the posts about best (quickest) way to change a tubular.
I usually carry one to start and have one extra in special needs bag with another CO2. In my mind carrying more than 1 takes up a lot of space and weight. Plus if your getting 3 or more flats in a race it just isn’t your day.
If your name is not Normann, 1 on the bike 1 in the special needs. Any shorter race I’d say 1 and if I flatted, DNF, but given the cost of an mDot, might as well have the one in the special needs to save you a long-assed walk.
Since this is your first Ironman why not err on the cautious side and take two. The space issue should not be a big problem with the right method of carrying the spares. Look at an XWing bottle carrier and get the straps for the spares and carry two. As far as weight goes it should be a non-issue. I think that a few years ago at IMC there was a problem with some debris on a section and the were numerous flats. This can always happen without the RD knowing and being able to get it cleaned up in time. Knowing you have a spare in your special needs bag will not help if you are unfortunate enough to get two flats before special needs.
ditto on the “1 on the bike” 1 in special needs.
Personally, I don’t carry a spare tubular. I carry a syringe with 15ml of tire sealant and a CO2 cartridge strapped to my bike. If I do flat, I’m back on the course within 60 seconds without even taking the wheel off the bike.
Good luck with your upcoming IM.
Bernie
what type of tire is it
if tufo i carry the repair sealant crap and a spare when training or going to work
dirt
ps it was a great day in N NY today.
Nine IM’s finished more than twice that number of 1/2 IM’s finished and always carried one spare and one C02 and never had a flat. I am retired now so I can say that without jinx’ing myself the next time 
I usually don’t carry any spares at all. If I do, it is only 1 spare tubular and a CO2 inflator. As I mentioned though, I usually do not carry a spare. Instead I use TUFO tire sealant and fresh tires with good flat resistance such as Continental Sprinter Gatorskins or the dreaded TUFO’s Paulo gives me so much crap about.
I am using Continental Competition tubulars with the vectran strip. I have only used them in two HIM so they are basically new. I picked the Continental Competitions because they are supposed to have good flat resistance. My spares are my old Tufo Jet Pro’s, which I had mounted before the Conti’s.
I am interested to learn more about tire sealant. However, I will need to see if any of my LBS sell it.
Adrian
I’d be happy to send you info on the tire sealant solution. You can PM me back with your email address, or email me at bconway6650@comcast.net
If you choose to use tire sealant in a syringe, you need to insure that the plunger won’t vibrate out while you’re riding. You also want to make sure that the plunger can’t depress. In addition to that, you need to make sure that this set up will be compatible with whatever wheelset your riding.
I’ve somehow managed to make this solution much more complicated than it actually is - It’s actually very simple.
Bernie
I’d like to hear about this maybe you can make a thread on it. I ordered some Vittoria Pit Stop, but not sure if it will arrive in time for IMC.
Tufo Sealant Medium (50ml) with Valve Tool
TUFO sealant can be used after getting a flat, repairing up to a 2mm diameter puncture. When used as a preventative, the sealant can repair punctures often with minimal or no air loss. Medium size good for approximately 3 road repairs (2 MTB).Your Price:
$7.95
Qty: 
Add to Cart
I once used it before a flat (preloaded tire before race)
did it work ?
well I havn’t had a flat but I don’t know if it worked
I had a flat added the sealant and it worked
it was very cool my buddy was impressed.
the hole was very small in the side wall of the tire from a thorn
I would not do a big expensive race with just the sealant
I bring a old tubbie cause my cell phone doesn’t always work 
or is it my wife won’t come get me if I call ha ha
dirt
I’d be happy to supply details on this for you. PM me your email address if you’d like photos, or if you want me to supply you with a complete set up of modified syringe, valve core tool, disc wheel adapter, and tire sealant.
I set up a business to market these in January of this year but I’ve decided not to promote the product because I’m seeing companies like Stan’s and Tufo developing products for this market. Currently the products that these guys offer aren’t really appropriate for race day flat repair, but I think they will get there pretty soon.
I’ll be happy to hook you up with a kit before IM Canada if you’d like though.
Bernie
Adrian,
I always carry 2 tubular spares … IMC will be IM #12 for me. Frankly, its just not a big deal and I hate the gooey stuff. I have rarely had a flat, but I can’t talk about it … we all know why! I just don’t want to deal with the issue on the bike and I never use special needs bags anyway. Just take 2 and then you won’t have to spend time worrying about that. By the way, if you look for me based on having 2 spares at IMC … it will be hard to separate me from probably 1000 others.
Have a great race,
Dave
One on the bike.
One in the special needs bag.
Also, see some of the posts about best (quickest) way to change a tubular.
+1
This is the way to go! Add a couple CO2 cartridges to the SNB also just in case.
I’d be happy to supply details on this for you. PM me your email address if you’d like photos, or if you want me to supply you with a complete set up of modified syringe, valve core tool, disc wheel adapter, and tire sealant.
I set up a business to market these in January of this year but I’ve decided not to promote the product because I’m seeing companies like Stan’s and Tufo developing products for this market. Currently the products that these guys offer aren’t really appropriate for race day flat repair, but I think they will get there pretty soon.
**
Does this only work with tubulars or will it work with inner tubes ?
Francois in Montreal
I"ve tried it with clinchers and it mostly works pretty well as a temporary fix. The biggest challenge is finding clincher tubes with a removeable valve core.
As far as I know, Continental is the only ones making them.