Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Cherry Is Broken

On vacation this week, so I was out on the nicer of the bikes I own (2007 Lemond Versailles). It is flat tire season around here, so I knew it was a bit of a gamble not taking my commuter with the kevlar tires, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

Anyway, the hill seemed more difficult than usual, though at first I just thought it was me. Then I started to feel a rhythmic thumping, and I knew that wasn't good. I looked down and saw the back tire was indeed flat.

I have changed a tube several times at home. In fact, I had just changed one that morning on my son's bike. But, it is a lot different doing it on the side of the road than it is where you have a bench. All those little goodies I had bought for the seat bag were broken out and organized in my little work space on the sidewalk.

It took 20 minutes. I could have been done faster, but I could not find the offensive tube piercer. I felt all around, even turned the tire inside out and searched inch by inch. Checked the rim tape, nothing. Ultimately I had to just give up finding the root cause, put it all back together, inflate and hope for the best.

The only really good thing about all this, other than having the stuff I needed, was that I apparently at least looked like I knew what I was doing, because not a soul stopped to see if I needed any help.

You line up the valve stem wihtthe lael of the tire. That way you can locate the offender by locating the hole in the tube and matching it to the tire.

Tire with label at 12 o'clock.
remove tube keeping track of how it was removed.
Inflate tube, locate hole
match to tire with valve at label.
If leak in tube is at 6 o'clock, then more than likely you can find the offender at 6 o'clock.:D
-------------

While reinstalling the tube, make sure to line up the valve with the tire label.

Now look closely at Condorita's front wheel. You can see the valve stem is lined up with the label. Now that is one smart cyclist!:D

BTW, if the forum holds a Clyde/Athena rider of the year, I vote for Condorita! Not because I like her, but this year she keeps passing Gina on bikejournal mileage! She's been kicking Gina's arse all year. I've been working real had pulling Gina backup to Condorita's level!:mad:

Last year she was a big sissy, this year she's riding in the rain, in the heat (100+ degree days) and even passing the youngsters on the trail!:thumb:...If anything, Most improved Rider of the Year!;)

Now slow down so Gina can pass you!:p
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3433103648_4d0170c06c_o.jpg

You line up the valve stem wihtthe lael of the tire. That way you can locate the offender by locating the hole in the tube and matching it to the tire.

Tire with label at 12 o'clock.
remove tube keeping track of how it was removed.
Inflate tube, locate hole
match to tire with valve at label.
If leak in tube is at 6 o'clock, then more than likely you can find the offender at 6 o'clock.:D
-------------

While reinstalling the tube, make sure to line up the valve with the tire label.

All my tires are lined up like that, but I never did find the hole. I brought the tube home, and using the sink I was able to find it. On the side of the road I didn't have a bucket of water handy though.

I forget where I first read the 'trick' of lining up the tire's label with the valve stem, but I have done that every time and usually it works.

I admit I was laughing to myself about the pickle I would have been in had I only been carrying a patch kit and no spare tube. You can't patch what you can't find. Though, if all you have is the patch you probably look with a bit more verocity. After about five minutes I just gave up.

You could also toss a cotton ball in your wedge pack, pull the end of the cotton ball so it is loose and fluffy then gently brush it through the inside of the tire, then again in the opposite direction. Once you do that go back and check for snagged cotton fibers. That is a pretty nifty trick for catching the tiny offenders.

I cannot express the degree of relief I have that this was not a broken seat post thread.

Three cheers for Condorita! :thumb:

I cannot express the degree of relief I have that this was not a broken seat post thread.

I don't understand the thread title. Why does the OP call his bike Cherry?

I place air in the tube, then stretch the small section while running it close to my lips (stretch enlarges the hole for a moment or two). I can feel the air tickle my lips when I locate the hole. Works for me but then again, I have sensitive lips!:p

I have issues putting anything tubular near my lips!

I have issues putting anything tubular near my lips!

In this case it's perfectly safe, being latex and all.

Oh wait.

In this case it's perfectly safe, being latex and all.

Oh wait.

this thread seems to be on a slippery slope.:p

Thanks for the compliments, Beanz!!!!!!!!! :love:

I cannot express the degree of relief I have that this was not a broken seat post thread.

lol:D or a saddle fell off thread without me knowing;)