I started reading it almost two years ago and read everything that was available at the time in a weekend. Good stuff.

That said, I'm not sure if I like where the show is headed, we'll see. The first episode was kind of lame tho.

Today I bought mustache handlebars. One of the best bike related purchases I have ever made .

Today the sqrl found me a pearl izumi PRO jersey on clearance for $5 at marshalls.
Not the most desirable of graphics but for $5 I'll gladly wear their flagship jersey until threadbare.

today i put the deposit down on my geekhouse mudville frame.

Sold handsome dick today.

Cut off most of the handle on my tire bead jack so that it'll fit in my tool bag. I haven't had a flat in a while but still, peace of mind.

Thanks, I never even thought of doing that. I'll be able to stick it in a saddle bag now.

I feel like the handle is an important part of a lever, cause you know... leverage.


note: I have never used a bead jack.

I cut off just enough to fit in my bag. But I still have enough to let me get some leverage. The way I personally found best to use it was to hold on to the clamping part on it anyways, so it works out good for me.

Today I brainfarted and forgot to take my lights off when I locked up at work. Realized it when I was leaving because they were still on the bike. *swish* Locking up inside the parking garage ftw.

Also I started looking for new apartments. Ffffuuuuuuu

You need one of these. It's tiny and isn't as clumsy as the Kool Stop jack.

Very stoked to get mine in the mail soon.

I get what a bead jack does, but why not just use a tire lever backwards...put lever on rim under tire, push up, tire slides into place.

Or just use your thumbs. I'm pretty against using any type of tool to install a new tube.
Even when used correctly, there's still a chance of pinching it. Just roll the tire on with your thumbs, and all is well.
/manly thumb talk

That works well too - if you like ruining your new tubes before even riding on them.

You'd have to be a complete moron to pinch a tube using the VAR jack.

When you work in a shop and change multiple tubes per day, wasting time fiddling around using your thumbs on stubborn tires can be a pretty big hindrance.

#gooddaypricks

i love that goddamn thing, i keep it in my toolroll and makes my world a better place

Does that work as well as the Kool Stop Jack?

Much better, in my experience (and it fits in your pocket). I don't even own a Kool Stop jack anymore.

The var jack's nylon is quite resilient for its size.



You should've asked in the "Should I:" thread first.

The VAR jack works well for narrow tires and rims, but the Kool Stop is much better for wide tires and rims. Also, the Kool stop will fit any rim hook width, whereas the Var won't fit some rims with very wide hooks.

True, but wider tires are typically easier to install without using a tool.

That is the complete opposite of my personal experience. The only time I've had a problem installing a tire it has been wide. Also, it depends on whether the tire has a flexible or rigid bead. All the tires that have given me problems have had rigid (steel) beads. I recently got a pair of 27" wheels with Sun CR18 rims and Pasela TG steel bead 27X1-1/4" tires that required the Kool Stop tire jack to mount. Previously, it was a pair of Bontrager 26X1.5" steel bead tires on my old MTB.

I wouldn't consider 27x1 1/4 to be "wide" and the VAR jack works very well on them.

But the Sun CR18 rims are quite wide and you have to spread the Var jack quite a lot to fit over it. I'm not saying it won't work, but the hinged Kool Stop jack is a heck easier to use IMO.