I fixed my first flat today!!
#1
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I fixed my first flat today!!
My road bike is just over two months old and the other day I had my first flat, I had to call the "little lady" to come and rescue me, I took it to the shop to get the flat fixed, and the next day about seven miles into my ride the same tire (rear) went flat again. I thought this is crazy, and I need to learn how to fix my own flats. So today I watched some instuctional videos on You Tube about fixing flat tires on road bikes, it looked easy enough to me so I went to the LBS and bought a mini pump, a set of tire irons, a tube, and a small bag that fits behind my seat. I took my time with the job, and checked out the inside of the tire very well, and found a very very small piece of glass that worked itself into the tire but could'nt be seen from the outside of the tire. Right before I mounted the tire I took a rag and wiped the inside of the tire a few times to make sure I had gotten any, and everything that might be in there, then I mounted the tire, and tube with no problems, took her for a little ride, and EVERT THING WAS FINE!!! Im kinda proud of myself, from now on I'll save the labor cost for fixing a flat. I did order a new set of tires for my bike though, as the OEM tires that came with the bike are wearing pretty fast (Contenental Ultra Sport), the new tires are Contenental GP-4000. This winter I plan on getting a set of rollers, and since I now know how to change out the tires, I'll just use the old tires for use with the rollers, and save my new tires for this spring on the road.
Paul
Paul
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Good to get the first one out of the way. Practice makes perfect...
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#6
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Next thing you know you will be working on Bottom Brackets! Well maybe not right away but I find that I feel better when I know how to take care of my hobbies and that I am self sufficient. Its nice to see that you gave it a try and did it yourself, Congrats!
#7
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Once you do one or two you will cease to be intimidated by flats. Do it a few times at home just for practice.
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Good job! Working on bikes is miles easier and more enjoyable than working on cars. I like to make a warm beverage (tea or coffee) put on some Italian music, set the bike in a well-lit area and don the campy classic hat as I massage my baby into perfect working order.
#10
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umm. Congrats I guess?
I installed some new tubeless MTB tires the other week. Should I make a thread? What about removing the cranks from my road bike?
Oh, and I cleaned the chain. I think I should make a few threads.
I installed some new tubeless MTB tires the other week. Should I make a thread? What about removing the cranks from my road bike?
Oh, and I cleaned the chain. I think I should make a few threads.
#11
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Now go back on the other side of the fence where you belong
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#15
well hello there
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good job!
the odd thing about BF is you can start a thread entitled "I cleaned my white handlebar tape today" and it's just business as usual.
the odd thing about BF is you can start a thread entitled "I cleaned my white handlebar tape today" and it's just business as usual.
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Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
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Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
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Well I think it's worth...
So now get use to it. You ride you fix flats.
Please post pictures of hot bikes or girls.
Thank You.
So now get use to it. You ride you fix flats.
Please post pictures of hot bikes or girls.
Thank You.
#20
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Wow good job first tube fix! many more to come for sure.
I must of been 10 when I fixed my flats well over 40 years ago.
Also how do you wear a set of Contenental Ultra Sport two months thats a task in all it's own.
I must of been 10 when I fixed my flats well over 40 years ago.
Also how do you wear a set of Contenental Ultra Sport two months thats a task in all it's own.
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It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
#21
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#22
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Thanks for all the good words, and encouragement I really appriciate it, and to the very,very few who's remarks were not so nice, thats OK too.
I know changing a bike flat is'nt rocket science, but when you start messing with a new bike, with-out much experiance it can be a little intimidating, and when all goes well it's a feeling of accomplishment no matter how small. I realize that maintainance, fixing flats and even some wrecnching is as much a part of this sport as ridding , and in time it will all come. As far as wearing out a set of Ultra Sports in two months, even the guy at the LBS was kinda suprized, the crown of the rear tire has flatened out pretty good, but even though the bike is only two months old I have just under 800 miles on it.
Paul
I know changing a bike flat is'nt rocket science, but when you start messing with a new bike, with-out much experiance it can be a little intimidating, and when all goes well it's a feeling of accomplishment no matter how small. I realize that maintainance, fixing flats and even some wrecnching is as much a part of this sport as ridding , and in time it will all come. As far as wearing out a set of Ultra Sports in two months, even the guy at the LBS was kinda suprized, the crown of the rear tire has flatened out pretty good, but even though the bike is only two months old I have just under 800 miles on it.
Paul
#24
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If the OP is over 10 yrs. old, this is a very sad thread.
#25
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OP: Always useful to learn a new skill. Good job. Hope you don't have to do this too often.