A bit intimidated
12-16-22, 08:33 AM
#26
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I can understand what the OP is saying. It's not just riding your bike anymore. You have to worry about what clothes to wear, what lube to use, whether to wave or not, FTP, Strava, etc. What happened to just riding your bike on a nice day?
I had a dream a few months ago. I'm 57 years old. In the dream, a (former) BF member and I were out riding bikes. We were adults, but dressed in the clothes and riding the single speed bikes from my early youth. We were just having fun exploring the countryside and having an adventure. It was a great dream. I sometimes wonder what that dream was telling me. It also makes me think of this song. Just keep it simple, folks.
https://www.google.com/search?client...id:lxp2NrlcPYU
I had a dream a few months ago. I'm 57 years old. In the dream, a (former) BF member and I were out riding bikes. We were adults, but dressed in the clothes and riding the single speed bikes from my early youth. We were just having fun exploring the countryside and having an adventure. It was a great dream. I sometimes wonder what that dream was telling me. It also makes me think of this song. Just keep it simple, folks.
https://www.google.com/search?client...id:lxp2NrlcPYU
Last edited by jadmt; 12-16-22 at 08:43 AM.
12-16-22, 08:33 AM
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In what way are they sensitive? Can't say I've experienced that. Modern drivetrains are largely set and forget. I also have a lot less (practically zero) flats with decent tubeless tyres. All I carry on rides is a mini multi-tool, mini-pump, tubeless repair kit and a spare chain link. On very long rides I might carry a spare tube.
12-16-22, 08:36 AM
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12-16-22, 08:39 AM
#29
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To paraphrase Nigel Tufnel in "Spinal Tap": "This bike is brand new; it's never been ridden. See, it still has the hang tag on it. It hasn't been ridden, it mustn't be ridden! No, don't touch it! Don't point at it, don't even look at it!"
12-16-22, 08:43 AM
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12-16-22, 08:46 AM
#31
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It is a shame those bike pictures were taken from the wrong side would love to see the top one especially. However they are both pretty but I do love a bike in Celeste green. Remember the rules always take it from the drive side unless the non-drive side is really spectacular and align you valve stems at 12 o'clock and the cranks usually at 3 o'clock or with the chain stay though I can forgive that one if you are using the crank to hold the bike up with say a helmet or bottle or something like that. Really the drive side is important and is the sexiest part of the bike.
A note on CO2 it is good extra back up to have just in case but a pump will do you better. CO2 is a smaller molecule so it will leave the tire faster so generally you will need to remove air and repump when you get home and will probably have lost some air depending on your ride. You can still take it as it is quick to inflate tires (though does get cold so don't hold on to the canister with naked hands) but a pump is always good to have. A bigger pump is easier to use and honestly when you are stuck by the side of the road easier to use will trump mini pump in your back pocket always but a mini pump can still work and is better than nothing but a Topeak Road Morph G is a life saver and for a brief unfortunate bit was my floor pump as well as I couldn't decide what pump I wanted and my old cheap whatever pump had gone kaput. A dark couple weeks but worked well.
A note on CO2 it is good extra back up to have just in case but a pump will do you better. CO2 is a smaller molecule so it will leave the tire faster so generally you will need to remove air and repump when you get home and will probably have lost some air depending on your ride. You can still take it as it is quick to inflate tires (though does get cold so don't hold on to the canister with naked hands) but a pump is always good to have. A bigger pump is easier to use and honestly when you are stuck by the side of the road easier to use will trump mini pump in your back pocket always but a mini pump can still work and is better than nothing but a Topeak Road Morph G is a life saver and for a brief unfortunate bit was my floor pump as well as I couldn't decide what pump I wanted and my old cheap whatever pump had gone kaput. A dark couple weeks but worked well.
12-16-22, 08:48 AM
#32
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12-16-22, 08:53 AM
#33
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I have to admit, everything I've read and watched (YouTube) these last few weeks on bikes, components, maintenance, upgrades, tool kits for trips, has got me kind of intimidated. Even things like seats (now saddles), and tires, and brakes have got me worried about venturing too far from home. In my youth, we would be miles from home with nothing...turn the bike upside down to put the chain back on, fix the master link, maybe use a Swiss Army knife to adjust the brakes? Now bikes seem so advanced and sensitive to any variance from perfect setup....I feel like I need to bring a tool chest along with me when we finally get to start riding in the spring.
12-16-22, 08:53 AM
#34
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He's posted this prohibition against an upside down bike before without explaining why he thinks it's a bad idea.
To the OP. If your new bike is a decent one, you should expect many miles of trouble free riding. As others have recommended, start with a few short rides to gain confidence in yourself and your machine. I don't have the mileage that others here brag about, only 200 miles a month or so. The only time I had to be "rescued" was after getting punctures in two consecutive tubes on one ride. I carried a replacement tube but no patch kit. Practicing removing wheels and tires is a good idea. Also you need to know for sure how to use your pump or CO2 inflator. The side of the road is not a good place to figure it out. Ask me how I know.
To the OP. If your new bike is a decent one, you should expect many miles of trouble free riding. As others have recommended, start with a few short rides to gain confidence in yourself and your machine. I don't have the mileage that others here brag about, only 200 miles a month or so. The only time I had to be "rescued" was after getting punctures in two consecutive tubes on one ride. I carried a replacement tube but no patch kit. Practicing removing wheels and tires is a good idea. Also you need to know for sure how to use your pump or CO2 inflator. The side of the road is not a good place to figure it out. Ask me how I know.
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12-16-22, 09:11 AM
#35
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I'm assuming that OP isn't riding a single speed (I could be wrong, but it's unlikely IMO). With a derailleur bike, turning it upside down just increases the chances that you're going to twist the chain (which is a huge PITA). and it's just easier to push the rear derailleur with your hand to create the slack you need to put the chain back on while the bike is on its side. I only have about 45 years experience with derailleur bikes and many, many roadside flat repairs, so feel free to enlighten me as to what I'm supposedly getting wrong.
Last edited by livedarklions; 12-16-22 at 09:28 AM.
12-16-22, 09:18 AM
#36
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That you're more likely to twist the chain on a multispeed bike upside down roadside is common knowledge. I'm a little shocked that I need to spell this out on a bike forum.
I have some bikes that are a lot easier to get the wheel seated properly upside down, but I will only turn it upside down after I have the chain properly looped over the rear sprockets.
12-16-22, 09:27 AM
#38
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What bike did you get? We might be able to give you some tips specific to your situation if we know what you're going to be riding.
It's fun to wax philosophic and all, but I'm betting some informed advice might be the best way to help alleviate your anxieties. A lot of us have been where you are now, coming back to equipment that's a bit different than what we actually have experience with.
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12-16-22, 09:59 AM
#39
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AAA & bicycle
If you get really stuck, most don't know that AAA will actually come get you and your bike for a mechanical/flat issue.
Barry
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12-16-22, 10:01 AM
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I have to admit, everything I've read and watched (YouTube) these last few weeks on bikes, components, maintenance, upgrades, tool kits for trips, has got me kind of intimidated. Even things like seats (now saddles), and tires, and brakes have got me worried about venturing too far from home.
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12-16-22, 10:14 AM
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I have to admit, everything I've read and watched (YouTube) these last few weeks on bikes, components, maintenance, upgrades, tool kits for trips, has got me kind of intimidated. Even things like seats (now saddles), and tires, and brakes have got me worried about venturing too far from home. In my youth, we would be miles from home with nothing...turn the bike upside down to put the chain back on, fix the master link, maybe use a Swiss Army knife to adjust the brakes? Now bikes seem so advanced and sensitive to any variance from perfect setup....I feel like I need to bring a tool chest along with me when we finally get to start riding in the spring.
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12-16-22, 10:19 AM
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12-16-22, 10:35 AM
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Absolutely this. Add to the fact that so many wheels are now tubeless compatible, therefore very tight fitting and therefore more difficult to mount and dismount. There is a special trick to mounting a tire on a tubeless compatible rim which you should learn. YouTube it.
12-16-22, 10:40 AM
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A note on CO2 it is good extra back up to have just in case but a pump will do you better. CO2 is a smaller molecule so it will leave the tire faster so generally you will need to remove air and repump when you get home and will probably have lost some air depending on your ride.
I carry a Topeak MiniMorph pump in my Topeak beam rack as my primary inflation device.
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12-16-22, 10:42 AM
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Absolutely this. Add to the fact that so many wheels are now tubeless compatible, therefore very tight fitting and therefore more difficult to mount and dismount. There is a special trick to mounting a tire on a tubeless compatible rim which you should learn. YouTube it.
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12-16-22, 10:46 AM
#46
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I'm assuming that OP isn't riding a single speed (I could be wrong, but it's unlikely IMO). With a derailleur bike, turning it upside down just increases the chances that you're going to twist the chain (which is a huge PITA). and it's just easier to push the rear derailleur with your hand to create the slack you need to put the chain back on while the bike is on its side. I only have about 45 years experience with derailleur bikes and many, many roadside flat repairs, so feel free to enlighten me as to what I'm supposedly getting wrong.
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12-16-22, 10:59 AM
#47
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My first flat tire away from home was when I was twelve. My two buddies and I biked about 8 miles to a bike shop we had heard about, Licktons in Oak Park, IL.
In route my rear tire started loosing air. By the time we reached Licktons it was flat. But a good place to get a flat, right. So we oogled over all the bike parts on display then purchased a tube repair kit. We sat in the store and tried fixing the flat. No success. The guy at Lictons said, "Read the instructions". "Let the cement dry". We were applying the patch to wet cement and it wasnt staying. Over and over we tried. No luck. Then my friend Paul read the instructions. "It says let the glue dry, then apply the patch". It worked!
If three 12 year old kids can figure it out surely an adult can figure out how to get a bicycle going again.
It was sort of a turning point. Great to be able to fix a bike when you're off on your own.
In route my rear tire started loosing air. By the time we reached Licktons it was flat. But a good place to get a flat, right. So we oogled over all the bike parts on display then purchased a tube repair kit. We sat in the store and tried fixing the flat. No success. The guy at Lictons said, "Read the instructions". "Let the cement dry". We were applying the patch to wet cement and it wasnt staying. Over and over we tried. No luck. Then my friend Paul read the instructions. "It says let the glue dry, then apply the patch". It worked!
If three 12 year old kids can figure it out surely an adult can figure out how to get a bicycle going again.
It was sort of a turning point. Great to be able to fix a bike when you're off on your own.
12-16-22, 11:02 AM
#48
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If you get really stuck, most don't know that AAA will actually come get you and your bike for a mechanical/flat issue.
Barry
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Depends on the state. AAA plans are not uniform.
12-16-22, 11:04 AM
#49
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Not all tubeless tyres are tight fitting or difficult to mount/remove. The internet does make it sound like a total nightmare, but that's not been my experience at all. It goes back to the point that internet scare-mongering is rife and can put a lot of newbies off pretty much anything. Bikes being a prime example.
It's not like mounting tires in the old days. I've seen guys with 30-40 years under their belt get frustrated with mounting a tire on a tubeless rim. As I said, there is a trick to it and once you know, you know.
12-16-22, 11:08 AM
#50
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Yeah, turning your bike upside down is definitely one for the rock apes! I still see guys doing it quite often on events and I cringe every time. Great way to scuff up your bar tape, brifters & saddle for no good reason. Also a chance of getting air in your brake lines (if running discs). Personally I've never felt it necessary for any roadside repair.