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I've got about 7 punctured inner tubes...

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 5:58 pm
by willhub
As the title, I have 7 punctured inner tubes, is it worth repairing them? I'm just worried that I'm a way from home and the puncture repair fails?

I had 2 punctured today, both within about 2 miles of each other and both of them about 4" between each puncture as far as I can see from the inner tubes.

So should I fix em? They are just sitting on my door at the moment, maybe my GP4000S rear tyre is on it's way out? The wear indicators seem to still be ok though. I did skid on the tyre on 2 occasions today due to high speed and cars stopping in front if that could of cause it?


Thanks
Will.

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:49 pm
by willyh
Hello Will,

Mending inner tubes is one of the finest ways for a serious cyclist to spend time, apart from being out there flogging yourself senseless!
It's a bit like ironing really, you start with a great pile of mangled bits, and half an hour later, hey presto, all nice and sorted and ready to use!

Blow them up a bit and hang them for a awhile if you're not sure of the quality of your work. Limpness will soon tell you to start again.

But throw them after a single flat? Oh, these spendthrift students nowadays. Each mended tube is worth a pint of the best! Honestly!

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 9:15 pm
by willhub
I never iron my clothes, maybe that's why I don't do mending inner tubes, only clothes I iron is what people see.

Some guy I know in mcr said he'll have em if I wont fix em, I might have a go, I'm sure I'm cursed, so much stuff goes wrong it's a joke, like in a fill you think stuff wont get any worse but it sure does :roll:

I might start taking 4 inner tubes with me on a ride, 2 repaired and 2 new, and use the new ones as a fallback. Surely that should work?

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 11:52 pm
by paulM
I might start taking 4 inner tubes with me on a ride, 2 repaired and 2 new, and use the new ones as a fallback. Surely that should work?

Those who witnessed my tube changing performance on the Tan Hill Solstice ride (3 tubes in 2miles) will know this is the most sensible thing you have ever posted,Will!

I always take at least a couple of tubes, a spare folding tyre and a repair outfit. I don't want a ride ruining for the sake of a puncture or split tyre.

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 9:21 am
by Dr Dave
Repairing a punctured tube is like most other manual tasks - you start out being crap at it but soon - assuming a minimum of talent - become a master with a bit of thought and experience.......

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 9:39 am
by willhub
I'm getting better at replacing inner tubes, I should have put my helmet on the ground see if anyone wanted to pop some money in, was in the middle of deansgate with me bike upside down, stuff all over the floor, fixing a tyre, hundreds of people must have gone past, might have earnt a few quid :( :lol:

I never though of carrying a spare tyre, maybe just replace my old ones now and use them as emergency spares?

Re: I've got about 7 punctured inner tubes...

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 4:27 pm
by Jon G
willhub wrote:I have 7 punctured inner tubes
Well, I can dwarf that amount, not that I am boasting. The odd thing though is I dont recall having that many p*****es other the years.

Jon

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 6:33 pm
by willhub
My tyres dont like Manchester, my tyres are littered with small bits of glass.

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 10:22 am
by justsweat
Will I think it may be the tyre. I have had no punctures since 2 in the Ironman in May, then 2 in 6 days. Changed the back tyre, no more punctures.

However if you have still got wheels that need rim tape, it may be that, as I once had 6 punctures on the way to Liverpool because mine was about a year old.

Then again it might just be the Manchester rain.

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 11:33 am
by cath
You can buy kevlar bands as well that fit inside your tyre & give an extra layer of puncture protection. I used to have them when I commuted to Thorpe Arch on some of the most glassy, pot-holey, thorny, debris-strewn roads in the area. In over a year I only got 1 puncture.

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 11:36 am
by willhub
I went to edinburgh coop and bought some specialized rim tape for 2 quid, seems to have done good job.

Also someone recommended I get these tyres next time?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Miche ... 360023132/

They seem cheaper than the GP4000's and reviews are good and apparently the conti's cut too easy.

The only problem is they are only now available in Black/Grey and I need Black/Red!!!

My GP4000's seem to slip abit too much in the rain, think it's not the right tyre. I think they might have been designed for non British roads that are all smooth and clean.

If I got those Krylion's how much would it hit my average speed? As the Conti's are bound to be faster no?

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 12:13 pm
by PhilBixby
"If I got those Krylion's how much would it hit my average speed?"

I calculate 2.34mph, give or take.

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 12:18 pm
by justsweat
After looking at that I might get some for training, as i'm starting to go through tyres at the moment and it is only going to get worse as the mileage goes up.

If they can save me getting a puncture in my first 1,000 mile week in February guess how happy I will be!!

B

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 12:51 pm
by willhub
PhilBixby wrote:"If I got those Krylion's how much would it hit my average speed?"

I calculate 2.34mph, give or take.
You serious!!!!????? :shock:
justsweat wrote:After looking at that I might get some for training, as i'm starting to go through tyres at the moment and it is only going to get worse as the mileage goes up.

If they can save me getting a puncture in my first 1,000 mile week in February guess how happy I will be!!

B
1000mile week, I still haven't done that yet :( Think I need a 700mile week first.

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 2:39 pm
by A Atkin
Phil, I calculate it at 2.349 mph. I think you forgot to carry the 1.