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Instant Flat Feeling?

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Old 06-18-11, 09:03 PM
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Instant Flat Feeling?

I did 4000'+ climbing today, with a lot of 5-8% or so. Many times I got the weirdest feeling that my back tire had rapidly gone flat. It was like I had road into sand or something, but the feeling only lasted for one pedal stroke or so. I pulled over more than a half dozen times to check my rear tire and it was always okay, though probably about 10 lbs under inflated. Also checked that my rear brake wasn't dragging. Really weird -- maybe something in my drivetrain. Or maybe the tire is torquing. Wasn't hot enough to melt the asphalt. Anybody know this feeling, or is it just my imagination?
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Old 06-18-11, 09:19 PM
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I think it's just a psych. thing climbing. One of the gals I rode with today said the same thing - she said she opened up her brakes b/c she thought for sure they must be rubbing. We were going to Ward.

I do the opposite - there's one section descending S. St. Vrain that I always have to look at my rear tire to see if it's flat... at which point I lose whoever I'm drafting and have to fight the headwind by myself.
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Old 06-18-11, 09:25 PM
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That feeling is called reaching the end of your rope. I felt that at the top of every single climb at my last race.
I stopped at the top of the first couple warm up climbs to check my tires. Then I realized it's not the tires, it's me.
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Old 06-18-11, 09:28 PM
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LOL, I did the same thing -- opened up my rear brake. I swear I felt something, but couldn't find anything. Messes with your head and I eventually ignored it. But I sure don't remember having that feeling on other rides.
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Old 06-18-11, 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by ancker
That feeling is called reaching the end of your rope. I felt that at the top of every single climb at my last race.
I stopped at the top of the first couple warm up climbs to check my tires. Then I realized it's not the tires, it's me.
Yeah, I also wondered if it might be my legs starting to give out. They weren't spent or hurting much, but I was getting mentally tired of climbing.
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Old 06-18-11, 10:50 PM
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When I'm tired I'm 100% convinced there is something wrong with the bike. Also at a higher cadence you might bounce in the saddle a bit which can feel like bouncing from a flat tire.
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Old 06-19-11, 03:34 AM
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Weird, I had the same feeling on a 50 mile ride yesterday, but I didn't stop much, fear of not geting started again. When my legs get really tired, I always think I have a flat.
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