Why we keep tires pumped up
03-14-14, 05:12 PM
#1
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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Why we keep tires pumped up
I got home from work early enough this evening that I could take a bike out for a spin. It beats going to the gym. Of course it was still rush hour so I took the UO8 because it has lights.
I got in 10.02 miles, timed it so I'd get home before dusk. Unfortunately I had one minor problem. With the sun in my eyes as I approached an entrance ramp to a big highway I hit a pothole really hard. The tire didn't flat (thanks to 105psi, a reason to keep them pumped up!) but it put a flat spot in the rim. Bummer. Ruined a perfectly fine MA2. Oh well, I guess I'll be building a wheel soon.
On Sunday I fly to London. The wheel will have to keep. But I won't be able to commute on the UO8 when I return home until I've had time to rebuild the wheel.
I got in 10.02 miles, timed it so I'd get home before dusk. Unfortunately I had one minor problem. With the sun in my eyes as I approached an entrance ramp to a big highway I hit a pothole really hard. The tire didn't flat (thanks to 105psi, a reason to keep them pumped up!) but it put a flat spot in the rim. Bummer. Ruined a perfectly fine MA2. Oh well, I guess I'll be building a wheel soon.
On Sunday I fly to London. The wheel will have to keep. But I won't be able to commute on the UO8 when I return home until I've had time to rebuild the wheel.
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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03-14-14, 05:38 PM
#2
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DOH! Sorry about you mishap. I can relate. Yesterday I discovered while fixing a troublesome flat on my mtb, I discovered a hairline crack around a nipple hole of my rear Mavic rim. (what's with Mavic rims?) 
Not sure how that happened, I did take a few spills and I rode it very hard the last time trying to not hold up two riders following. It's astounding how fast one can go over big bumps and loose dirt! Bummer for sure, I'm going to chance a few more rides before replacing it. I'm questioning whether my wheel truing had anything at fault...too much tension perhaps?
Have a safe trip Jim!
Not sure how that happened, I did take a few spills and I rode it very hard the last time trying to not hold up two riders following. It's astounding how fast one can go over big bumps and loose dirt! Bummer for sure, I'm going to chance a few more rides before replacing it. I'm questioning whether my wheel truing had anything at fault...too much tension perhaps?
Have a safe trip Jim!
03-14-14, 05:47 PM
#3
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Why won't you be able to commute on the UO8? A flat spotted rim and a tire that still holds air shouldn't keep you from riding it.
03-14-14, 05:51 PM
#4
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03-14-14, 05:53 PM
#5
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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Well, I'm not sure (bump!) about braking bu(bump!)t it sure isn't plea(bump!)sant to ride with all (bump!) the bumping. (bump!)
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
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03-14-14, 06:21 PM
#6
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At least it is not on the tandem and you are flipping Sharon off the rear with every bump! 
BTW, does she get to go to London too?
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03-14-14, 06:37 PM
#7
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I would buy a used back up set of wheels and rebuild the wheel later so you can keep riding! Used wheels are usually cheaper than a new rim and spokes.
Or... just ride one of your other bikes to work (maybe Bertin?) until you build up wheel.
Or... just ride one of your other bikes to work (maybe Bertin?) until you build up wheel.
03-14-14, 06:43 PM
#8
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I did a similar thing on the Huffy Daisy (big pos tandem) about a month ago. The wheel was fine but I bent the handlebars, pedal and fork. I was pretty sore, too for a couple of days.
03-14-14, 06:51 PM
#9
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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Alas, no. 
Not the Bertin, the Bianchi I rode when we did the Bedford-to-Nashua ride back in November. Or the Centurion Ironman. But none of my other bikes have the lights of the UO8.
My prostate is fine, thank you. 
I was not riding a Unicanitor saddle.
I was not riding a Unicanitor saddle.
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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03-14-14, 09:23 PM
#11
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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For clarification's sake, I should explain that it wasn't just dings in the outer edge of the rim, the sort that clips the top edge of the brake pads. The entire rim, inner spoke-mounting surface and all, is deformed, with a few spokes feeling a bit loose. I can't imagine how the tube escaped without snake-bite holes, but it did. I may have an appropriate M13-II I can use. That would match the front!
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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Last edited by jimmuller; 03-15-14 at 06:26 AM.
03-15-14, 12:03 AM
#12
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Ok is there a reason you just can't take a spoke wrench turn a couple spokes and be fine.
03-15-14, 12:19 AM
#13
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Pfft! Who ever bothers to use both their brakes anyway? Ya still got at least ONE good one, right?
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03-15-14, 06:06 AM
#14
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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But there's a first time for everything, right?
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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03-15-14, 06:33 AM
#15
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If you had only been riding a 
Peter White built wheel none of this conversation would ever be occurring.
Too bad Sharon can't join you. Must have something to do with the new job. That's a nice travel benefit on top of the really shortened new commute.
Jim, you must be living exceptionally well!
Peter White built wheel none of this conversation would ever be occurring. Too bad Sharon can't join you. Must have something to do with the new job. That's a nice travel benefit on top of the really shortened new commute.
Jim, you must be living exceptionally well!
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03-15-14, 06:40 AM
#16
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Pot holes are epic here this year. I'm riding my winter beater with 700x38 tires for a few more weeks. The good bikes will stay safe.
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03-15-14, 06:43 AM
#17
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03-15-14, 07:02 AM
#18
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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As for the wheels, that rear was one someone built for me decades ago. He knows what he is doing and I don't blame his build. On the other hand, the front wheel, an M13-II on a Shimano 600 hub, was the first wheel I ever built. I've ridden it maybe 1500 miles, and it survived that bump just fine, is still straight as an arrow. These are 27" (630x18) rims, BTW, getting harder to find. I happen to have another 630 M13-II w/36 holes that I used on another bike. I'd de-strung it because its braking surface at the joint was too uneven for smooth braking at speed. However on a commuter it should be fine. The ERD for the two rims are 319 and 318, so I can probably re-string it without spending any money!
Speaking of Peter White, IIRC his website recommends 2.0-1.7-2.0mm spokes. Have any of you ever built a wheel with them?
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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