spokenword

this is for the randonneurs out there, who know the importance of training for self-sufficiency on the road.

(IM exchange w/ my girlfriend this morning)

me: "So, this morning, I was just realizing that I totally jinxed myself when I said that the chain on my bike has been doing awesome for having ~4000 miles on it. No skipping, no grinding, etc. Then, this morning, as I was climbing that hill to my office, 10 metres before the top, the chain just snapped."

her: "Oh, man. I'm glad it was close to work at least!"

me: "Indeed. Fortunately, it was just one link snapping. I've got my chain tool and a spare link in my repair kit. I guess I know what I'll be doing in my lunch hour. Fun stuff."

her: "Good luck! Time yourself?"

Me: "Heh, in the shower, I was actually considering doing my chain repair outside with my winter gloves just to make it sporting."

her: "... you mean, you're not going to?"

bmike

sorry to hear, but that is usually how it happens!

spokenword

enh, wasn't that bad all things considering and at least now I'm totally ready if I break a chain on a brevet.

... now all I need is to lose a spoke on the way home just to give myself a refresher on emergency spoke repair before the Westfield 200k this weekend.

hammond9705

I have carried one of the Park Tire boots for years and never used it. Last week I had an almost new tire cut all the way across. I really wanted to try the boot, or the dollar bill trick, but since it was only 200 yards from home I just walked.

bob

sch

Tevdek plastic paper, used as house wrap or untearable mailers or the peel off cover on sterile medical
supplies makes a great tire boot. Withstands much higher pressures than $1 bills and precut pieces in
several sizes 1" sq, 1x2" etc weigh milligrams. They are slippery but a bit of tube repair contact cement
will keep them in place.

vik 

...and do it blindfolded with one arm tied behind your back....

Eyeseeu

I just envy you having a GF that knows what you are talking about! My wife would be "you mean you need a tool for that? Can't you just snap it back together?" Of course the good side is I can tell her that the chain broke so I need a new bike...