Bicycle Mechanics - Trying to get the bike back in shape

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sschardi
10-22-06, 02:19 PM
I haven't ridden in a lot of years, and decided to get the old Shwin LeTuer out of mothballs, and see if I could back into shape. The tubes and tires were old, but the tires looked usable. I had some tubes I never used, that still looked ok, but trying to pump them up with my old frame pump, after a few pumps, it got real difficult to "push" the plunger. The pump "seems" ok and feels like it works when not connected to the stem, but I can't get more then 25 pounds into the tubes, and each pump stroke is shear hell. I don't remember it being that difficult to pump them up. Could the old tires be the problem because they are less flexible due to age? Could the pump be bad even though it appears to work when disconnected from the stem? Or should I just get new tires, and tubes, and spring for a new frame pump?

Landgolier
10-22-06, 02:51 PM
Head for the bike shop, but stop at a gas station. If the pump there will inflate them, it's your pump. Otherwise, try new tubes.
huffergoat
10-22-06, 03:01 PM
It will be your pump. The lubrication and the rubber seals inside have dried out. Get a new pump. I wouldn't trust old rubber either. Do you want to risk a blowout while barrelling down a hill at 30mph? Get new tyres and tubes as well. While you are at it check the rubber on your brake blocks too. They will quite likely be dry and hard too so you will have very poor braking.