Although I agree with most of what you say, Slide. I must say that you have to have the patience and knowledge of your own capabilities when you join any sport. I assume that most people that try it think they will be the next Lance Armstrong just because they can run long distances.

The thing is, you have to want to be good and you have to want to understand the components. People that just leave their bike with a flat tire in their house have no one to blame but themselves. You cannot blame a racer or a guy that didn't help you out, you can only blame yourself.

You think I knew everything when I started this sport ? No, and far from it. I think I asked alot of "stupid" questions when I started. I wanted to learn how everything worked so that I would not be stuck in the middle of the road with a flat.

I remember that it took me almost 45 minutes to patch my first tube because I would apply the patch right after the glue(thinking it had to attach instantly, like super glue).

I am sure this guy will do alright. He seems to be going to this with the idea that he is going to impress me or show me how great he is.

He's just finished reading the guide I gave him. I'll let you guys know how it goes.