WDB
Full Member
Posts: 7,352 
|
Post by WDB on Apr 11, 2020 21:03:54 GMT
Even with little to do for entertainment but cycling, the new bike isn’t getting out much. This is because its tubeless rear tyre has completely lost the knack of keeping air inside. Soap tests show it’s escaping past the valve, not through it or through the tyre itself, and while my efforts to reseat the valve have stopped the air escaping fast enough to be audible, it’s still flat in an hour.
Of course, I have another bike that is both serviceable and seeing plenty of action in the woods. But some of the tracks I ride really would be more fun on the Portobello’s plump tyres, and it’s an easier thing to ride into town for essentials than the more overtly sporty Friston.
Trouble is, although bike shops are allowed to remain open, I think that’s to keep nurses mobile rather than to fettle the toys of WAHers like be. And mine isn’t answering the phone. So, since I have no confidence in my own ability to reinstall a tubeless tyre, I have a choice between furloughing the bike for the duration and sticking a tube on the back and hoping for the best. Bother, said Pooh.
|
|
|
|
Post by Humph on Apr 12, 2020 5:50:08 GMT
Think I’d put a tube in for now.
|
|
|
|
Post by Humph on Apr 12, 2020 6:19:34 GMT
For what it's worth, the pro MTB riders and the gear/kit obsessed non pros run tubeless, but many, including me, don't. I always have self sealing tubes installed. Heavier of course but a lot less faff if you're going a long way from anywhere useful. The weight saving of tubeless only really makes a difference if you're trying to shave seconds off a race time. If your main objective is simply to enjoy an off road bike ride with minimum hassle, then you're almost certainly better with self sealers.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2020 17:31:18 GMT
Ah ! but then do you Presta or Schrader valve ?
I have Presta valves on my MTB I suspect for wheel rim strength rather than anything fashionable. Schrader is easier to hook a car pump on.
|
|
WDB
Full Member
Posts: 7,352
|
Post by WDB on Apr 12, 2020 18:35:09 GMT
Presta, I’m afraid. Fragile and fiddly but that’s how they come — and what the rim is designed for.
|
|
|
|
Post by Humph on Apr 23, 2020 11:25:03 GMT
For obvious reasons, we're doing more on road, or at least, on Tarmac riding at the moment. I could make my bike a bit more flat surface friendly by putting some hybrid tyres on it I suppose. Or, I could just about be persuaded that I need a "Guv'nor"... But she might actually kill me this time if I do 😳 www.pashley.co.uk/bikes/bicycles.php |
|
|
|
Post by tyrednexited on Apr 23, 2020 11:37:07 GMT
...Princess might be more appropriate. (well, you could put the dog in the basket.......)
|
|
|
|
Post by tyrednexited on Apr 23, 2020 11:43:25 GMT
...or a his n'hers pair, as spotted in Munich. Beware the splinters, though.......  |
|
WDB
Full Member
Posts: 7,352
|
Post by WDB on Apr 23, 2020 12:01:17 GMT
Ever tried a Pashley? Looks smooth, goes like a bag of cement. I suspect middle-class garages are full of them, bought on looks and never used because they’re too heavy to lift, never mind ride. |
|
|
|
Post by Humph on Apr 23, 2020 12:49:07 GMT
I saw a guy on a Pashley Roadster this morning funnily enough. Briefcase on the rack, tweed jackety sort of fellow. He either was, or was affecting, a provincial solicitor kind of look.
No, I've never ridden one, but they do look nice.
|
|
|
|
Post by Humph on Apr 23, 2020 12:58:40 GMT
 Yes, I could get into this...without the flares obvs |
|
|
|
Post by tyrednexited on Apr 23, 2020 13:24:01 GMT
...well, if you want to ride commando, that's up to you....
... saddle might be a bit unforgiving, though...
|
|
WDB
Full Member
Posts: 7,352
|
Post by WDB on Apr 29, 2020 14:08:07 GMT
The shop invited me to bring it in, so I decided it was essential and did. (Just the wheel, not the whole bike.) They left me outside in the rain for ten minutes, then popped the wheel back to me through the door. Their diagnosis was that the valve core was loose and the whole thing was light on sealant, so they attended to those things and assured me it would now be better.
We’ll see. First task is to get the thing back on the bike. 🤞
|
|
|
|
Post by Humph on Apr 30, 2020 13:23:37 GMT
Interesting approach from the French below... Possibly naive, but I do hope some people decide to continue using their bikes more after we are realised from lockdown. No doubt the reality is that they will default back into their cars. Https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-52483684 |
|
|
|
Post by Alanović on Apr 30, 2020 13:34:57 GMT
I just can't see past the misery of getting caught in strong wind and rain in this country. It's too much of a barrier to me using a bike every day for getting to work etc. Sod that. My hope is that I won't have to go to my workplace at all any more after this virus. If that happens, we're only going to need one car, and I think it'll be the Civic staying until such time as a long range electric is available in my budget. Although once the Leaf is paid off, it'll only cost £25 a month to insure with virtually no other running costs, so probably a luxury I can afford.
|
|
