Bicycle Fans - official thread for people who love riding th

iplayoutside19

OK, I'm having a mechanical issue with my rear tire. Something on the rim is poking a hole in the tube, but I can't figure out what. There are no lingering stickers or other objects in the tire. There is nothing showing in the rim. (The hole is where the tube meets the rim, not the tire.) I've even had a bike shop look at it and they can't find anything. This will be the 4th tube this spring and I haven't ridden that much. Any ideas?

To answer the clothing question I use Mt Borah. I've had the same 2 pairs of shorts for years.

http://mtborah.com/custom-apparel/cycling/

Somnifac

Any ideas?

Have you tried replacing the rim strip on that wheel?

iplayoutside19

Any ideas?

Have you tried replacing the rim strip on that wheel?

That's the first thing I did. Could it be out of place? It doesn't look out of place.

Somnifac

If it sits in the middle of the wheel and covers the back side of the spoke nipples, it's unlikely.

What kind of valves are on the tubes? Schrader or Presta? If they're Presta valves, are you using the little threaded nut that screws down over the valve stem, sort of holding the valve in place? If so, I find they cause more issues than it's worth and they sometimes can cause the tube to rub against the hole in the wheel and puncture there.

StuAblett

OK, I'm having a mechanical issue with my rear tire. Something on the rim is poking a hole in the tube, but I can't figure out what. There are no lingering stickers or other objects in the tire. There is nothing showing in the rim. (The hole is where the tube meets the rim, not the tire.) I've even had a bike shop look at it and they can't find anything. This will be the 4th tube this spring and I haven't ridden that much. Any ideas?

Where do you park the bike?

I had a similar problem, and it turned out to be a neighbour who does not want me to park my bike on my property......? They were sticking an ice pick into the side of my tire, I was stunned that they would do this, but they do not like cyclists and when I started to ride my bike all the time, they took offense..... go figure.

The other thing that can happen is there is something stuck in your tire, something that is imbedded, that is only poking holes when the tire is under pressure. If you get another flat, mark the rim with a felt tip marker and the tire, then take off the tire, mark the tube, then find the hole and see where it lines up on the tire, then bend the tire around and check to see if there is something in the tire. I had a small sharp piece of wire stuck in one tire, dunno where it came from but it was stuck in the tire, I could not see it when it was not pumped up.

You could swap tires and tubes front to back, then if you still get a flat on the rear, it is not the tire or tube, but the rim, if you get a flat on the front, then it is NOT the rear rim etc.

I hope this helps!

NiallWallace

Any ideas?

The hole in the tube should tie up directly with where the problem is.

What does the hole look like though? is it a single hole or a "snakebite" Pinch Flat.
A pinch flat is caused by too low pressure or more accurately too much impact for the pressure used.

If it's not a pinch flat there could be a burr on the rim or a spoke issue.
Did the bike shop check the spoke tension?

novatri

OK, I'm having a mechanical issue with my rear tire. Something on the rim is poking a hole in the tube, but I can't figure out what. There are no lingering stickers or other objects in the tire. There is nothing showing in the rim. (The hole is where the tube meets the rim, not the tire.) I've even had a bike shop look at it and they can't find anything. This will be the 4th tube this spring and I haven't ridden that much. Any ideas?

Where do you park the bike?

I had a similar problem, and it turned out to be a neighbour who does not want me to park my bike on my property......? They were sticking an ice pick into the side of my tire, I was stunned that they would do this, but they do not like cyclists and when I started to ride my bike all the time, they took offense..... go figure.

The other thing that can happen is there is something stuck in your tire, something that is imbedded, that is only poking holes when the tire is under pressure. If you get another flat, mark the rim with a felt tip marker and the tire, then take off the tire, mark the tube, then find the hole and see where it lines up on the tire, then bend the tire around and check to see if there is something in the tire. I had a small sharp piece of wire stuck in one tire, dunno where it came from but it was stuck in the tire, I could not see it when it was not pumped up.

You could swap tires and tubes front to back, then if you still get a flat on the rear, it is not the tire or tube, but the rim, if you get a flat on the front, then it is NOT the rear rim etc.

I hope this helps!

This sounds like the best advice if you don't want to replace the whole thing. Things can often hide in the tire until under your body weight.

novatri

Road bike or hybrid? I'm so torn on what to choose. I want to be able to ride around for fitness, but there are some nice gravel paths that could be a lot of fun to ride on. I'm still reading about it, but for the moment I have discovered spin class at the gym. It's the first group exercise class that I have really enjoyed and not felt embarrassed trying to keep up in.

Now I need to get some bike shorts or leggings. I'm afraid some will be too tight on my fat thighs if they fit my waist and hips. Any recommendations? Thanks!

How rough is the gravel path? A plush bike (road bike for rougher surfaces) is lite and durable. A hybrid can be to heavy on longer trips. Try both out and go with what feels more comfortable on your back and legs.

TeteDeLaCourse

I ride when the weather warms up. I'm a total wimp when it comes to riding in the winter. I'm doing a lot of running right now training for a race, but when that's over...the bike is coming out! I have a full on road bike...Specialized Roubaix. When I go out for rides, it's usually no less than 20 miles. I've done a few metric centuries, no 100 milers yet...I will someday, it's on my bucket list.

:::drooling::: The Specialized Roubaix is my dream bike! I promised myself one when I lose 100 lbs. I have a Specialized hybrid now but I really want a road bike.

NiallWallace

"Nightmare" first commute post cold

21kmh to work
25kmh home (but that includes a huge downhill)

20mph winds, horseshoe shaped route.

Wheel sucker on the way to work along a nice flat straight with the headwind, and then some guy on a "sit up and beg" twiddled past me on the way home. (exaggeration, he was on a mudguard shorn road bike, but he really wasn't putting any effort into going a couple of kmh faster than me)

But on comparison with previous logged routes, it's about the same, so must just be feeling bad.

cloggsy71

"Nightmare" first commute post cold

21kmh to work
25kmh home (but that includes a huge downhill)

20mph winds, horseshoe shaped route.

Wheel sucker on the way to work along a nice flat straight with the headwind, and then some guy on a "sit up and beg" twiddled past me on the way home. (exaggeration, he was on a mudguard shorn road bike, but he really wasn't putting any effort into going a couple of kmh faster than me)

But on comparison with previous logged routes, it's about the same, so must just be feeling bad.

It doesn't take long to lose a little 'performance,' especially after illness...

You'll get it back (and some.) Don't beat yourself up about it

NiallWallace

Aye I know it comes back but still...
It was this morning when I went for a quick burst standing up and discovered my left leg was a bit weak.

dothompson

Is anyone joining me in National Bike to work day tomorrow? I try to ride twice a week. I'm hoping to see few more people tomorrow, so I don't feel like I'm the only one. There are supposed to be 75 checkpoints giving out refreshments and prizes in San Diego, are any other cities doing anything?

BryanAir

Is anyone joining me in National Bike to work day tomorrow? I try to ride twice a week. I'm hoping to see few more people tomorrow, so I don't feel like I'm the only one. There are supposed to be 75 checkpoints giving out refreshments and prizes in San Diego, are any other cities doing anything?

I will be. Although I start my ride at 9:10 and end around 9:50 - 10:00 so I don't see many others out at that time.

We had an official one last Thursday with the refreshments stands, but I couldn't find the one on my route to work. It was at a college and I didn't want to search too hard.

SayLiLIG

Well I've had my bike for almost 6 months, and last night we went and bought my boyfrienda bike.. I havent been very encouraged to ride it alone at 10 o clock at night.. so now we are gonna be riding pretty much every night

cloggsy71

My ride today:

Ride Time: 41:49
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 12.87 miles
Average: 18.47 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 25.61 miles/h

Mile 01 - Average 16.75 miles/h
Mile 02 - Average 20.37 miles/h
Mile 03 - Average 16.69 miles/h
Mile 04 - Average 20.65 miles/h
Mile 05 - Average 18.22 miles/h
Mile 06 - Average 16.74 miles/h
Mile 07 - Average 18.26 miles/h
Mile 08 - Average 17.24 miles/h
Mile 09 - Average 21.02 miles/h
Mile 10 - Average 16.45 miles/h
Mile 11 - Average 18.99 miles/h
Mile 12 - Average 21.04 miles/h

yvonnej1

Yesterday while I was cycling I got scratched on the neck by a low hanging tree branch. Guess which idiot had forgotten about it by this morning, yep that'd be me, although I got smacked round the head by it today, totally didn't see it coming! Any bets on the chances of me forgetting to duck under it again by Monday :blushing:

Lanfear

Yesterday while I was cycling I got scratched on the neck by a low hanging tree branch. Guess which idiot had forgotten about it by this morning, yep that'd be me, although I got smacked round the head by it today, totally didn't see it coming! Any bets on the chances of me forgetting to duck under it again by Monday :blushing:

LMAO!!! :laugh:

Mind you, I can't talk, the other day I suddenly realised that a bramble sticking out of the hedge was about to smack me in the face, so I swerved to avoid it and nearly fell off!!!!


I did post before but no responses, can anyone recommend any really decent lady-specific padded cycling leggings - preferably 3/4 length or full length - I'm not a shorts person. I have recently noticed that I have some uncomfortably pinching going on in places where it shouldn't.....!! :blushing: My bike is due a service this weekend so while I'm there I plan to get the saddle tilted a little to see if that helps.

cloggsy71

Today's ride...

Ride Time: 2:04:41
Stopped Time: 0:44
Distance: 34.85 miles
Average: 16.77 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 38.93 miles/h

Mile 01 - Average 13.50 miles/h
Mile 02 - Average 13.97 miles/h
Mile 03 - Average 11.79 miles/h
Mile 04 - Average 11.31 miles/h
Mile 05 - Average 13.33 miles/h
Mile 06 - Average 21.35 miles/h
Mile 07 - Average 27.49 miles/h
Mile 08 - Average 22.34 miles/h
Mile 09 - Average 19.58 miles/h
Mile 10 - Average 20.20 miles/h
Mile 11 - Average 22.34 miles/h
Mile 12 - Average 15.68 miles/h
Mile 13 - Average 19.22 miles/h
Mile 14 - Average 15.68 miles/h
Mile 15 - Average 20.78 miles/h
Mile 16 - Average 21.81 miles/h
Mile 17 - Average 22.09 miles/h
Mile 18 - Average 21.00 miles/h
Mile 19 - Average 17.50 miles/h
Mile 20 - Average 19.47 miles/h
Mile 21 - Average 19.08 miles/h
Mile 22 - Average 18.58 miles/h
Mile 23 - Average 18.11 miles/h
Mile 24 - Average 13.57 miles/h
Mile 25 - Average 16.59 miles/h
Mile 26 - Average 15.32 miles/h
Mile 27 - Average 13.27 miles/h
Mile 28 - Average 16.18 miles/h
Mile 29 - Average 17.44 miles/h
Mile 30 - Average 14.91 miles/h
Mile 31 - Average 14.46 miles/h
Mile 32 - Average 11.42 miles/h
Mile 33 - Average 26.31 miles/h
Mile 34 - Average 16.26 miles/h

BryanAir

I did a short little ride to shake out any bugs from some adjustments I performed on my bike. I happened upon a community event where I got a free bottle of water and a nice brat that cancelled out the calorie burn from the ride.

piccolarj

I did post before but no responses, can anyone recommend any really decent lady-specific padded cycling leggings - preferably 3/4 length or full length - I'm not a shorts person. I have recently noticed that I have some uncomfortably pinching going on in places where it shouldn't.....!! :blushing: My bike is due a service this weekend so while I'm there I plan to get the saddle tilted a little to see if that helps.

I have 3/4 pair of Gore that got from Bike Nashbar that are really good. They come about 2 inches past my knees. You can also get shorts that come almost to your knees. I have some that are the Pearl Izumi Quest shorts and they are my favorites. I have 3 pair!!

bstamps12

I just found this thread. I am biking now in training for my first sprint tri in June. I HATED it when I started this past winter, but now I really enjoy it. My legs have gotten strong enough for me to make up the hills around my town (I live in a town COVERED in hills!) so I can actually go for a nice long ride now. I am on my old MTB for now. My dad is an avid cyclist and I will be using his roadbike in my tri (with some parts changed out of course).

I am considering doing a duathlon in July, run 3 mi, bike 15 mi, run 3 min. Has anyone here done a duathlon before?

johnwhitent

Road bike or hybrid? I'm so torn on what to choose. I want to be able to ride around for fitness, but there are some nice gravel paths that could be a lot of fun to ride on. I'm still reading about it, but for the moment I have discovered spin class at the gym. It's the first group exercise class that I have really enjoyed and not felt embarrassed trying to keep up in.

Now I need to get some bike shorts or leggings. I'm afraid some will be too tight on my fat thighs if they fit my waist and hips. Any recommendations? Thanks!

What about a cyclocross bike? I have thought that the next time I buy a bike it will be a cyclocross bike which will replace my road bike and my mountain bike. I started mountain biking early on when there were only rigid bikes so that doesn't scare me. Seems like a good choice to me for your purposes.

cloggsy71

Has it been windy enough for everyone (in the UK anyway?)

Haven't been out on my bike since Saturday and beginning to become grumpy :grumble:

cloggsy71

Road bike or hybrid? I'm so torn on what to choose. I want to be able to ride around for fitness, but there are some nice gravel paths that could be a lot of fun to ride on. I'm still reading about it, but for the moment I have discovered spin class at the gym. It's the first group exercise class that I have really enjoyed and not felt embarrassed trying to keep up in.

Now I need to get some bike shorts or leggings. I'm afraid some will be too tight on my fat thighs if they fit my waist and hips. Any recommendations? Thanks!

What about a cyclocross bike? I have thought that the next time I buy a bike it will be a cyclocross bike which will replace my road bike and my mountain bike. I started mountain biking early on when there were only rigid bikes so that doesn't scare me. Seems like a good choice to me for your purposes.

Seconded on the Cyclocross bike! I'd like one for the winter commute instead of using my carbon road bike!

BryanAir

Has it been windy enough for everyone (in the UK anyway?)

Haven't been out on my bike since Saturday and beginning to become grumpy :grumble:

I rode into work into a 25 mph wind. It was only 6 mph when I left my house but quickly started building. It is supposed to rain tomorrow so I'll be driving.

I have to drive in anyway because I'm getting a set of bicycle tools and a stand delivered to my office tomorrow. I look forward to learning everything I need to know to keep my bike running in tip top condition. I am trying to ride 5000 miles on my bike (over 1/10th of the way there) and I imagine that will take a bit of maintenance.

ColoradoRobin

I wound up buying a Specialized Ariel hybrid with a lockable front suspension fork and hydraulic disc brakes.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52723&scid=1003&scname=Path/Gravel

I've ridden it for a couple rides so far (5 and 8 miles) and it does great on the mixed paved and gravel paths around here. Most of the cyclocross bikes seemed to be more expensive, and I'm still a novice. I guess the main point is that I have a bike, and have really enjoyed riding it thus far. :bigsmile:

I'm still working on my fitness and getting used to longer times in the saddle. There are hills everywhere, even if I am not trying to tackle the big ones yet. Pushing up the low grade by the creek had my heart rate well into the higher zones, just like spin class. The worst is the steeper ride up my own street on the way home. Granny gears are good!

hyper_stitch

Has it been windy enough for everyone (in the UK anyway?)

Haven't been out on my bike since Saturday and beginning to become grumpy :grumble:

Ever so slightly lol My commute has been in slow motion these past few days, the rain + wind yesterday was extra fun ... oh and the killer geese protecting their babies on the tow path :bigsmile:

johnwhitent

I wound up buying a Specialized Ariel hybrid with a lockable front suspension fork and hydraulic disc brakes.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52723&scid=1003&scname=Path/Gravel

I've ridden it for a couple rides so far (5 and 8 miles) and it does great on the mixed paved and gravel paths around here. Most of the cyclocross bikes seemed to be more expensive, and I'm still a novice. I guess the main point is that I have a bike, and have really enjoyed riding it thus far. :bigsmile:

I'm still working on my fitness and getting used to longer times in the saddle. There are hills everywhere, even if I am not trying to tackle the big ones yet. Pushing up the low grade by the creek had my heart rate well into the higher zones, just like spin class. The worst is the steeper ride up my own street on the way home. Granny gears are good!

YES! Agree with the "main point;" enjoy!!!

TeteDeLaCourse

Robin, that sounds like my rides too! I have a Specialized Expedition and yes, the granny gears are good for the steep hill up to my house! I've had this bike for three years now and I'm definitely itching for a road bike.

I'm looking at the Cannondale Synapse right now...anyone have one? Pros, cons?