I had my second worst commute ever yesterday morning. It aggrivated me so much I didn't even have a desire to visit BF.
Here is an email I sent to a coworker:
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I went on a 70 mile ride with a bike forum member around boulder Saturday. He had 4 flats. I was just fine.
I laughed this morning and remarked to myself that it would be amusing if I had a flat.
Then this morning occurred.
My morning so far:
1) Front tire is flat since a patch leaked. I repatched it and put the tire back together. My spare also has a hole in it.
2) I ride 3 miles downhill via Colorado Blvd.
3) I blink and my left contact comes out and I catch it with my eyelashes. Stick it in my pocket.
4) Notice tire is flat again.
5) Pull over in the dark in a park and set about patching my spare.
6) Stomach gets upset. Run and take care of business.
7) Using my headlight I patch my tube....finally
8) I get within 3 miles of work and my wife calls. After the call I notice the tire flattening again.
9) Put a bit of air back in the tire and rode to work as fast as is possible.
10) Wonder why the rear wheel is rubbing the brake.
11) Discover I broke a spoke.
12) My pump is falling apart
At least my contact rehydrated. Now I have to replace a spoke and purchase a new tube.
...and I thought I was good at patching tires. UGH!
I am now attempting to laugh it of. It is either that or have the worst day humanly possible.
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Anyhow, I tried a few bike shops to see if they could fix my wheel in any decent amount of time. Nope. One day or more. I visited one shop and picked up the following to repair and avoid the morning's events:
1) chain whip
2) Lockring cog thingy (I forget the proper name)
3) A roadmorph pump
4) 2 new spare tires
5) Grease (no reason. Just wanted some).
My bike came with 2 spare spokes.
I spent 2.5 hrs replacing my spoke and truing the wheel. Boy am I slow!
Now I can do one more thing on my bike. Self reliance is such a plus when dealing with slow or overloaded LBSs. The wheel isn't perfect but it will do. I think I may need to invest in a truing stand soon. That and a decent spoke wrench. The one on my park multitool is a wee bit annoying.
This morning was much better. Thank god.