Flat tire

First flat on the new bike today. I hit a pothole and got a pinch flat. Observations:

• I put my headlight on the helmet. That's a lousy place for a light, it gives you no contrast to see potholes. The handlebar bag is in the way for lighting, but I'm going to have to figure out something else - perhaps on the bars under the brakes or something. I have to get the headlight down lower.


• The skinnier tires are actually a little easier to change than the 32 to 35s that I run on the other bike. Or maybe it's just these particular tires. I have some Nashbar Prima 2 tires coming - they're $15 and the reviews say they are long-lasting (4000/8000 miles on front/back) and pretty puncture-resistant.  The tires this thing came with are said to only last 2000 miles or so, so I'll be wearing them out this summer.


• I flatted in a lovely spot for changing a tire - 5 foot wide paved shoulder, good lane markings, a proper curb and a nice sloping mowed grass verge. I've had to change tires on a rutted loose gravel spot with a dropoff into the ditch and no shoulder before.


•  I hope I don't flat again before I get home - I only have one spare tube and no patch kit. I suppose I should toss a patch or two and some cement into the kit. (I hate glueless patches - they don't work well for me and I just have to scrape them off before putting on a REAL patch).