anatomy of a failed commute
#1
domestique
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: off the back
Posts: 2,005
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
anatomy of a failed commute
Made the coffee and looked out the window. Blue skies. The fender on my main summer commuter is kind of screwed up right now. I'll ride my skinny tired road bike. The one I bought to go on Sunday morning group rides. I gotta haul my computer back to work. Better use the messenger bag. Toss the pump and spare parts in with my thermos and stuff. Lets go. Oh, tires look OK. I pumped them up on Sunday. I'm off.
...
work work work (maybe some BF surfing too)
...
Too late to bother with taking the computer home tonight. I'll just go light. Hmm. didn't bring those velcro straps to mount the pump on the top tube. Oh well. I'm outa here. I'll just leave all this stuff in my office.
...
Rides 1.5 miles.
...
Thump thump. Woa, what did I run over. Jeebus. Knocked me outa the clipless pedals. Hey kinda noisy in the rear. %$^&*@. Pinch flat in the rear? Ooops. Well, there's Wallmart.
...
Walk walk walk. Ring ring ring. Hi honey, its me. I'm at Wallmart. I had a flat tire. Can you come get me?
Finally happened. Call of shame. Maybe I'll learn a few lessons here. I think I've about had it with skinny wheeled bikes. Thats two flats in two weeks on road bikes. I road a whole year on my MTB without having to deal with a flat on the road.
...
work work work (maybe some BF surfing too)
...
Too late to bother with taking the computer home tonight. I'll just go light. Hmm. didn't bring those velcro straps to mount the pump on the top tube. Oh well. I'm outa here. I'll just leave all this stuff in my office.
...
Rides 1.5 miles.
...
Thump thump. Woa, what did I run over. Jeebus. Knocked me outa the clipless pedals. Hey kinda noisy in the rear. %$^&*@. Pinch flat in the rear? Ooops. Well, there's Wallmart.
...
Walk walk walk. Ring ring ring. Hi honey, its me. I'm at Wallmart. I had a flat tire. Can you come get me?
Finally happened. Call of shame. Maybe I'll learn a few lessons here. I think I've about had it with skinny wheeled bikes. Thats two flats in two weeks on road bikes. I road a whole year on my MTB without having to deal with a flat on the road.
#2
cyclist/gearhead/cycli...
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: DC / Maryland suburbs
Posts: 4,166
Bikes: Homebuilt tourer/commuter, modified-beyond-recognition 1990 Trek 1100, reasonably stock 2002-ish Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Kevlar-belted tires?
#3
domestique
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: off the back
Posts: 2,005
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
700x23 Continental Ultra Sport tires. I didn't go back to see what I ran over. I don't think it was sharp. Seemed like a 4 inch diameter rock or log. I guess a pinch flat in the rear is kind of weird. Maybe I'm wrong. I haven't disassembled it yet for the final failure analysis.
I don't think kevlar belted tires help with pinch flats do they?
It was a pretty violent bump. I hit something big. Not paying attention again. Seems to be my biggest problem.
I don't think kevlar belted tires help with pinch flats do they?
It was a pretty violent bump. I hit something big. Not paying attention again. Seems to be my biggest problem.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: College Park, MD
Posts: 535
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I wouldn't run 23's to commute... wish I could cause they'd probably be fast as hell but I figure I'd be getting constant flats and would probably destroy my wheels also. I run 28's and I've gotten two flats in about eight months of commuting on the Coda Sport. no flats at all in three months of regular commutes on the MTB (I used to get pinch flats on it all the time before that but that was back before I starting keeping the tires pumped up).
what I do have problems with though is constantly detruing wheels
what I do have problems with though is constantly detruing wheels
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Tempe, AZ
Posts: 2,968
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by squeakywheel
700x23 Continental Ultra Sport tires. I didn't go back to see what I ran over. I don't think it was sharp. Seemed like a 4 inch diameter rock or log. I guess a pinch flat in the rear is kind of weird. Maybe I'm wrong. I haven't disassembled it yet for the final failure analysis.
I don't think kevlar belted tires help with pinch flats do they?
It was a pretty violent bump. I hit something big. Not paying attention again. Seems to be my biggest problem.
I don't think kevlar belted tires help with pinch flats do they?
It was a pretty violent bump. I hit something big. Not paying attention again. Seems to be my biggest problem.
__________________
"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
#6
Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Conti ultra sports = lots of flats (in my experience). Conti GP3000/GP4000/GP 4 season = 2 flats in ~5000 miles of riding and a lot of that commuting... 700x23c size too.
#7
cyclist/gearhead/cycli...
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: DC / Maryland suburbs
Posts: 4,166
Bikes: Homebuilt tourer/commuter, modified-beyond-recognition 1990 Trek 1100, reasonably stock 2002-ish Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by o-dog
I wouldn't run 23's to commute... wish I could cause they'd probably be fast as hell but I figure I'd be getting constant flats and would probably destroy my wheels also. I run 28's and I've gotten two flats in about eight months of commuting on the Coda Sport. no flats at all in three months of regular commutes on the MTB (I used to get pinch flats on it all the time before that but that was back before I starting keeping the tires pumped up).
what I do have problems with though is constantly detruing wheels
what I do have problems with though is constantly detruing wheels
#9
domestique
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: off the back
Posts: 2,005
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Seggybop
If you went down at Wal-Mart, couldn't you have gotten a patch there and kept going?
I don't usually commute on this bike. This was the second time all summer. I've been commuting most of the summer on a SS road bike conversion with fenders and 27 x 1 1/4 tires.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 959
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I would say the lesson is: the minute you aren't ready to repair a flat you will get one. It's been my experience to. Only on the $hitiest days when I'm already a 1/2 hour late will I get a flat. Although, if there was a walmart wasn't there a gas station? Or do you have presta valves and no adapater?
#11
domestique
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: off the back
Posts: 2,005
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by bike2math
I would say the lesson is: the minute you aren't ready to repair a flat you will get one. It's been my experience to. Only on the $hitiest days when I'm already a 1/2 hour late will I get a flat. Although, if there was a walmart wasn't there a gas station? Or do you have presta valves and no adapater?
I knew what I was doing and took my chances. I just gambled and lost. I did have a backup plan. Besides, it's only 5 miles. Also, I could walk it if I had to. One guy I work with doesn't commute by bicycle because he has nobody to call for a rescue. It isn't just flat tires. If a thunderstorm kicks in right about time to go home, what would he do? Sleep in his office?
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: North shore of Mass.
Posts: 2,131
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
I start my commute the night before. Watch the weather report, charge the light, pump the tires, move whatever bike stuff (switch clear glasses with sun glasses), set out clothes. I also keep seperate tube and pump on each bike (I can't stand wasting time switching stuff). Seems to make my life less paniced and cluttered to do this stuff habitually; then I can spend my energy concentrating on imporntant stuff.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Cleveland
Posts: 1,602
Bikes: Pugsley, fixie commuter, track bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Good kevlar belted road tires even in 23mm should hold up fine. I rode that combination for about 5 months last year on my commute. I'm 220lb and ride 17miles of pot holed urban road including 6 rail crossings a day. My only flat was due to a cheap rim strip. I replaced the bike with one with more clearance so I could run 32mm tires. The 23s were very rough and I believe were the reason my rim failed at a spoke hole after less than a year.
However running light weight road tires I get similar results to you with at least a flat every week. Those racing tires are about as tough as butter.
Craig
However running light weight road tires I get similar results to you with at least a flat every week. Those racing tires are about as tough as butter.
Craig
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Arlington VA
Posts: 219
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by gear
I start my commute the night before. Watch the weather report, charge the light, pump the tires, move whatever bike stuff (switch clear glasses with sun glasses), set out clothes. I also keep seperate tube and pump on each bike (I can't stand wasting time switching stuff). Seems to make my life less paniced and cluttered to do this stuff habitually; then I can spend my energy concentrating on imporntant stuff.
If I break routine I almost always forget something, worst for me was when I forgot my office keys. I get in about an hour before everybody else, and had to sit around outside and wait!
#15
Jet Jockey
I run 700x25 Armadillos over railroad tracks (recessed, though), potholes, broken glass, etc etc. No problems. I find that the 25s are skinny enough to be fast, but thick enought to take care of most of what the road can throw at me. The Armadillos are a tad heavy...but what do I care? I'm already running a rack with loaded down panniers, and SKS commuter fenders.
I think 23mm Conti Ultra Sports may be a bit "light duty" for a commute. I'm certain they're great in a decently groomed race route though!
I think 23mm Conti Ultra Sports may be a bit "light duty" for a commute. I'm certain they're great in a decently groomed race route though!
__________________
Good night...and good luck
Good night...and good luck
#16
Cat None
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 4,508
Bikes: LOOK KG 461, LeMond Zurich, Giant Talon 29er 0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Maybe if you pumped them up prior to your ride you wouldn't have had a pinch flat. I've been commuting on a road bike for 8 solid months now. I've had one flat (puncture) and I had all the stuff I needed to get going again with me. I always check my tire pressure prior to a ride.
Oh, and I'm riding Continental Ultra Race tires 700x23, they do say kevlar on them though FWIW.
Oh, and I'm riding Continental Ultra Race tires 700x23, they do say kevlar on them though FWIW.
#17
It's true, man.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: North Texas
Posts: 2,726
Bikes: Cannondale T1000, Inbred SS 29er, Supercaliber 29er, Crescent Mark XX, Burley Rumba Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by SDRider
Maybe if you pumped them up prior to your ride you wouldn't have had a pinch flat. I've been commuting on a road bike for 8 solid months now.
#18
Sumanitu taka owaci
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 8,945
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by squeakywheel
Finally happened. Call of shame.
I happen to have an ace up my sleeve for the dreaded, "call of shame." My wife called me once about 5 miles from home with a flat tire on her car. I rode my bike to come help her change it.
Now the tire's on the other wheel.
__________________
No worries
No worries
#19
domestique
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: off the back
Posts: 2,005
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Looking back, I only really have 3 regrets about yesterday's commute.
(1) Not topping off the tires. They looked OK. I kind of got lazy.
(2) Not keeping my velcro straps for attaching the pump to TT in my repair kit.
(3) Not paying attention. Not sure how I could run straight into something that big in broad daylight.
(1) Not topping off the tires. They looked OK. I kind of got lazy.
(2) Not keeping my velcro straps for attaching the pump to TT in my repair kit.
(3) Not paying attention. Not sure how I could run straight into something that big in broad daylight.
#20
No Talent Assclown
Originally Posted by banzai_f16
I run 700x25 Armadillos over railroad tracks (recessed, though), potholes, broken glass, etc etc. No problems. I find that the 25s are skinny enough to be fast, but thick enought to take care of most of what the road can throw at me. The Armadillos are a tad heavy...but what do I care? I'm already running a rack with loaded down panniers, and SKS commuter fenders.
I think 23mm Conti Ultra Sports may be a bit "light duty" for a commute. I'm certain they're great in a decently groomed race route though!
I think 23mm Conti Ultra Sports may be a bit "light duty" for a commute. I'm certain they're great in a decently groomed race route though!
#21
My bicycle is fixed
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Auckland, NZ
Posts: 1,026
Bikes: '08 Surly Steamroller, '07 Surly Cross Check
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
The only problem that I see with what you did is here:
I think that it should be:
BF surfing BF surfing BF surfing (maybe some work too)
Originally Posted by squeakywheel
...
work work work (maybe some BF surfing too)
...
work work work (maybe some BF surfing too)
...
BF surfing BF surfing BF surfing (maybe some work too)
#22
GATC
Originally Posted by o-dog
what I do have problems with though is constantly detruing wheels
#23
Geosynchronous Falconeer
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 6,312
Bikes: 2006 Raleigh Rush Hour, Campy Habanero Team Ti, Soma Double Cross
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by squeakywheel
Looking back, I only really have 3 regrets about yesterday's commute.
(1) Not topping off the tires. They looked OK. I kind of got lazy.
(2) Not keeping my velcro straps for attaching the pump to TT in my repair kit.
(3) Not paying attention. Not sure how I could run straight into something that big in broad daylight.
(1) Not topping off the tires. They looked OK. I kind of got lazy.
(2) Not keeping my velcro straps for attaching the pump to TT in my repair kit.
(3) Not paying attention. Not sure how I could run straight into something that big in broad daylight.
I haven't gotten a pinch flat since I started inflating my tires properly. That was about a year ago.
Road tires with 15psi "look OK". You must inflate. On my commute, I carry tubes, a patch kit, co2, and a mini pump. I've used them all.
__________________
Bring the pain.
Bring the pain.
#24
Mad scientist w/a wrench
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Chucktown
Posts: 760
Bikes: none working atm
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'd dissect this as:
1) you violated the 6p principle (proper planning prevents p....) where was the spare tube or patch-kit you always carry with you? (you do always carry one of those with you right?)
2) leaving the pump at work was asking murphy's law to deliver you a flat tire.
3) always always always check pressure before heading home. I got a pinch on a rear tire I thought "looked ok" now I always check the pressure before heading home.
1) you violated the 6p principle (proper planning prevents p....) where was the spare tube or patch-kit you always carry with you? (you do always carry one of those with you right?)
2) leaving the pump at work was asking murphy's law to deliver you a flat tire.
3) always always always check pressure before heading home. I got a pinch on a rear tire I thought "looked ok" now I always check the pressure before heading home.
#25
cars are fun
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 235
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had "the call" yesterday, but it was actually to take me to the LBS and back so I could fix the flat. I had everything with me, except no pump (I keep one at work, one at home, and havent bought a frame pump yet), and the only CO2 cartridge I had was empty. The call to my roommate ended with him being able to take me to the house, but not by the LBS
Completely my fault, and actually today I'm in the same situation as I was unable to find a CO2 cartridge or a frame pump in Big Kmart (the only store I got to on my ride after I fixed the flat when I got home before it started storming).
Wish me luck that I dont get a flat! I'm actually riding home on a longer route this afternoon to pickup a mini pump. Also gonna try to get some more CO2 cartridges... those things are a dream!
Completely my fault, and actually today I'm in the same situation as I was unable to find a CO2 cartridge or a frame pump in Big Kmart (the only store I got to on my ride after I fixed the flat when I got home before it started storming).
Wish me luck that I dont get a flat! I'm actually riding home on a longer route this afternoon to pickup a mini pump. Also gonna try to get some more CO2 cartridges... those things are a dream!
Last edited by KrautFed; 08-23-06 at 02:46 PM.