My leaks have been a bit slower over the last few years, but that doesn't really bother me and I haven't noticed any correlation with having blowouts. Doc says I don't need to take remedial action at this point.

Tried that in 1971...never worked...did see that I turned into a neon psychodelic fish, tho...quit that scene, man...

There are no rules "Catch as catch can"...Now before you go puting your finger in a dike....

Crazy question to ask an old guy with prostate problems. The answer is Yes. On my bikes, No. Unlike prostate problems replacing a tube is quite easy and very cheap...

I framed it from the perspective of someone who wanted to actually fix their bikes in the same problems. I know since this is a public forum people will look up the topic and wonder so I like to provide useful info despite trolls because they won't know the history.

Peace indeed rsbob

In a month, you will have broken even.

Well, the photos in some of his other threads reflect (at a minimum) elaborate hoaxes then. My favorites include:
1. copper piping bent and zip-tied to flat handlebar to McGyver homemade aerobars; or is that a Mad Max setup for the mean streets of SF?
2. grocery bags (allegedly containing goods from organic food bank) hanging from drop bar of new Ridley CF road bike.

He says air wooshes out of a slit in the tire, unless he compresses the tire with his hand. Then it holds.

This implies at least two things:

(1) His tube leaks air, but his rims, spoke holes, etc. do not.

(2) Compressing the gash in the tire magically seals the tube, as well as the tire.

(If there is any truth to it, he might have a leak at the valve stem/tube interface, which, when correctly positioned, doesn't leak as much.)

But I am reasonably confident the whole thing is bullshyte.

For me, it's a tie between the BB shell held together with zip ties and glue, and the ultra high pressure tube thing he was commissioned to make "at work"...

Fermi-Dirac statistics.

They never post at the same time, let alone the same thread.

Good times reminiscing!

I think you are onto something! I had to look up Fermi-Dirac. It could also be Dissociative Identity Disorder.

Okay Larry, here's what you need- Shoe Goo. Squirt a bunch over the gash and your problems are over. But heaven forbid that don't work, get a really hot clothes iron and smooth out the rubber on the entire circumference of the tire. That will magically move the rubber into all the places where air is sneaking out. It works, trust me

I'll bite. Our CAR ran over a small nail and had a slow leak that we had to keep pumping up. We did that for kind of a long time until the pumping became daily. All the tires were near the end of their tread life but otherwise OK. The car is AWD so the tires last a very long time. They also need to be replaced in matching sets of four to minimize excessive differential wear. All that factored into our decision making, but on Black Friday I found a deal and purchased 4 new tires.

So, sometimes it might make sense to live with certain leaks for awhile. But not on a bike! Not only is the problem cheap and easy to correct, but a logical person would assume that a leaking tire is more likely to leave you stranded than a good one.

Could it be that not only his tire is leaking air?

Keep pumping Larry!

[QUOTE=LarrySellerz;23408393

two questions, do any of you guys live with slow leaks, and do you think having a slow leak that is relatively constant (both of these leaks have lasted 3+ months and 500+ miles) increases the chances of a blowout? If I had to guess, I expect to change them in another 3 months.

thanks.[/QUOTE]

i have been living with a slow leak from my right lung for the better part of a month now, it’s not for the faint of heart and I don’t recommend it for anyone.

.

Right on but we need to see his fore arms, they must be impressive ... NOT

I just wonder if you run your car tires until the tread is gone. Seeing how many miles you can get before a blow out. And seeing what speed your at when it does. Just kidding!

You pump your tires every morning - so your tire pressure is always correct, and you have a nice arm workout every day.
Win - win! Don't fix it.

I’ve been riding for decades. Road and dirt. Tubed and tubeless. Every bike tire I’ve ever owned leaked to some degree which is why I ALWAYS check tire pressure before I ride. I have several bikes hanging in my barn with completely flat tires. All they need is some air and thy’ll ride just fine. Nothing to see here. Move along.

My first reaction was to wonder if typing this questions and reading all the responses over a few days takes less/more time than just changing the darn tube and tire.

My second reaction was to wonder if Larry is an actual person or just someone having fun at our expense. I think it's #2.

There are so many issues with this short paragraph, I can't even.

It’s a veritable fire hose of inanity.

Remove the tube, partially inflate it and hold it underwater to find the leak. Once you've found it, tie a knot there to block off the hole. Fixed!

AI says

1. Inspect the Tires for Punctures

• Visual Check: First, carefully inspect the tires for any visible punctures, sharp objects (like nails, glass, or shards), or wear and tear.
• Feel for Leaks: If there’s no visible damage, you can also feel the tire for small punctures or tears.
• Soapy Water Test: If you’re not sure where the leak is, you can inflate the tires a little bit, then spray a soapy water solution (mix soap and water in a spray bottle) over the surface. Look for bubbles, which will indicate the source of the leak.

2. Fixing the Puncture

If you find a puncture, you have two options:

Option 1: Patch the Tube

• Remove the wheel: Detach the wheel from the bike. Make sure you deflate the tire completely before taking the tube out.
• Remove the tire: Use tire levers to pry the tire off the rim. Be gentle to avoid damaging the tire.
• Locate the Puncture: After removing the tube, pump it up slightly and listen for air escaping. Once you locate the hole, mark it.
• Clean the Area: Roughen the area around the puncture with sandpaper (often included in patch kits), then clean it with a cloth or towel to remove any dirt.
• Apply the Patch: Apply the patch according to the instructions on the patch kit. Let it set for the recommended time.
• Reassemble: Once the patch is secure, place the tube back inside the tire, then re-mount the tire on the rim, and inflate it to the correct pressure.

Option 2: Replace the Tube

• If the puncture is too large or in a difficult spot to patch, it might be better to replace the tube entirely.
• Buy a New Tube: Make sure to get the correct size for your bike’s tire.
• Install the New Tube: After removing the old tube, carefully insert the new one into the tire. Then, re-mount the tire on the rim and inflate it properly.

3. Recheck the Valve (Optional)

• Sometimes, the problem may not be the tube itself, but the valve. Ensure that the valve is tightly sealed and not damaged. If it’s the cause of the leak, you may need to replace the inner tube.

4. Check the Tire for Damage

• If the tire itself is damaged (e.g., worn down, cracked, or has sharp objects embedded), you might need to replace it.

5. Reinstall the Wheels

• Once both tires are patched or have new tubes, reinstall the wheels onto the bike, ensuring they’re aligned correctly and securely fastened.

6. Inflate and Test

• Inflate both tires to the recommended pressure, usually marked on the side of the tire. Give them a test ride to make sure everything is working fine and there are no further leaks.

Preventive Measures:

• Tubeless Tires: Consider switching to tubeless tires in the future, which can help reduce the likelihood of punctures.
• Tire Liners: These can be installed between the tire and the tube to provide extra protection against sharp objects.
• Regular Tire Inspections: Check your tires regularly for debris, wear, and sharp objects, especially after riding on rough surfaces.

If you’re unsure about handling the repair or don’t have the necessary tools, bike shops can often do a quick fix for you.

you're welcome

Losers?? Maybe, but I prefer audience.. Half the fun of being here is reading through multi-page threads with provocative titles.