So I thought I'd commute today...

ic.

I've not commuted by bike since the end of last summer when I was hit by a car on the way home. It kinda rocked my confidence a bit and I've avoided it since, using the dark and weather as an excuse.

But today, even before looking at what the weather was doing, I leaped out of bed and decided today was the day to ride to work again.

It's only a 2 mile ride.

1 mile into it and I hear that dreaded pfffffssssstttttt.

OK, tube in saddle bag, no problem, I'll be on my way again in no time.

20 minutes I was at the side of that **** road. Dog knows what I went over but there was a huge cut in my tyre and through the inner tube. So I rip the tube out, stick in another and start pumping. I reach a decent pressure and unscrew my Lezyne Road Drive screw on hose. And that's when it dawns on me. It's a Conti tube and I've not pre-tightened the valve stem. They're notorious for being too loose to use a screw on hose when they're new.

So that's where the 20 minutes went, desperately trying to tighten the vale stem enough with my fingers to be able to pump up the tyre ,time and time again only to hear the rush of air as the valve stem comes out when I take the hose off.

I finally got to work, only managed about 50psi and limped here. Cold, wet, mucky and stinging fingers

I'm just waiting for the glue to dry on the valve stem now....

I will not be put off, I will ride home and I will do it all again tomorrow.

slowbike

arse isn't it!

I removed my mini standpump from my damp weather bike yesterday - only to find that it has marked the frame
I needed to change a turbo tyre so used the mini pump for that - just to test that I can use it effectively as it'll be the only pump I take on holiday ... fortunately it worked fine - so it's partially forgiven ...

barry_kellett99

1 mile to go? You could have walked that in 10 minutes and fixed that puncture on company time!

markhewitt1978

I too have had problems with Conti valves and enough comments from other people that I wouldn't buy any of their tubes again.

cyclingprop

They're ok with me, but its true that some need a tighten. Just use a valve tool? I'm falling out of favour with my lezyne pressure drive because of the screw rather than clip on hose which seems to undo everything, pretightened or not.

ic.

barry_kellett99 wrote:

1 mile to go? You could have walked that in 10 minutes and fixed that puncture on company time!

Speedplay cleats! Not worth the £35 replacement tbh. I've done it before, walking in my socks but it was a bit wet this morning for that

To reassure you though, I've have spent roughly 30 mins of company time ranting, raving and fixing.

fossyant

Well you are back on. I've found it best just to get back on the bike ASAP and get over the fear.

Colinthecop

IC. wrote:

To reassure you though, I've have spent roughly 30 mins of company time ranting, raving and fixing.

and surfing Bikeradar.... 8)

ic.

fossyant wrote:

Well you are back on. I've found it best just to get back on the bike ASAP and get over the fear.

I've not avoided riding in general, just commuting. I've been racking up the miles come rain or wind this winter.

markhewitt1978

Another reason I went with SPD. Punctured half a mile from home, walked back without even considering it

macleod113

i thoroughly recommend these for speedplays

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KEEP-ON-KOVERS-FOR-SPEEDPLAY-ZERO-OR-LIGHT-ACTION-CLEATS-/181177433619?pt=US_Pedals&hash=item2a2f043e13

bit pricey at nearly £20 but i've had some for 8 months and still not worn through them and the cleats are still in A1 condition

barry_kellett99

IC. wrote:

barry_kellett99 wrote:

1 mile to go? You could have walked that in 10 minutes and fixed that puncture on company time!

Speedplay cleats! Not worth the £35 replacement tbh. I've done it before, walking in my socks but it was a bit wet this morning for that

To reassure you though, I've have spent roughly 30 mins of company time ranting, raving and fixing.

Fair enough.
Though I rode 3 miles on the rim a few weeks back. I was so annoyed at getting a puncture i refused to fix it.
Tough rim and tougher tyre tho and standing up over the front wheel the whole way. Deadly slow as well. Probably would have been quicker repairing it!

markhewitt1978

Really? I was worried about walking the bike half a mile with a flat, nevermind riding it!

Kieran_Burns

markhewitt1978 wrote:

Really? I was worried about walking the bike half a mile with a flat, nevermind riding it!

I got a second flat 6 mile from home. I did have a repair kit with me, but it was such a great evening I just walked home down the country lanes. SPDs are perfect for this.

rubertoe

I walked half a mile in SPD - SL' I ruined 2 cleats and got a massive blister.

The second time it happened i took of my shoes and walked in my socks.

Agent57

rubertoe wrote:

I walked half a mile in SPD - SL' I ruined 2 cleats and got a massive blister.

The second time it happened i took of my shoes and walked in my socks.

Then needed new socks, amirite? I'd have gone barefoot.