Couple of questions

[bricksmasher]

Hi Guys

Im going to dust of my road bike this year and have a 100mile bike ride booked in April, last serious bike ride i did was a couple of years ago now and that was 88miles, on a Trek Hybrid, I know have a Giant Roadbike

So my first question, tyres.... It doesnt matter what tyres/how many times I get new ones fitted.repaired I always end up with another flat tyre and end up walking home, which puts me off taking the bike out in the first place! So, I last asked for advice from a shopkeeper, had a Grand Prix 4000 fitted and he said they were very good, got a puncture on that tyre the the day after. so What is the best tire for punctures? Someone mentioned Schwalbe, but which ones? Im not clued up as you can tell, I looked and I need a 700x23 thats all I know lol

Punctures, I need to youtube/google how to use a puncture repair kit, I know its such a basic thing, but ive never suffered so many until getting a road bike lol and Im wanting to do 3 big bike rides this year at least so, any advice/links on what kits/acessories you advise

Any accessories you think might help someone thats fairly new to cycling would help alot, I love cycling but always put off by walking home and not knowing the basics, so any accessory recommendations I will take on board!

Thanks!

Mark

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Carry a spare tube, but make sure noting is inside the tyre or poor rim tape, I use Gatorskins and have only had 2 punctures since Aug one a failed patch so doesn't count and the other when I hit a small stone which caused a pinch puncture, so again the tyre wasn't punctured, and I have done around about 5,000 miles on them.
Padded shorts, water bottles and flapjacks ect,

 

[AndyPeace]

No matter how bomb proof a tire claims it will always be a bicycle tire and at risk of puncture. Fixing a puncture will become easier, just takes a little practice. With the right technique you'll wonder why you ever thought it a fuss. Thin road tires should be run at high pressure, under inflated tires will be more prone to punctures. There are a fair few threads on here about tire choice which are worth browsing. . Good bike handling and smooth pedal strokes also help lessen the risk.

 

[berty bassett]

take old inner tube off marking what way round it went - blow it up to see where the hole is then see if there is anything on the wheel or tyre in the same place - i had a tiny bit of metal on mine that caused plenty of puntures till i found it , got it off , new rim tape and mrs pf has left me alone for a while ( but i still believe in her so theres no need for a visit thank you very much please please please )

 

[Nigelnaturist]

No matter how bomb proof a tire claims it will always be a bicycle tire and at risk of puncture. Fixing a puncture will become easier, just takes a little practice. With the right technique you'll wonder why you ever thought it a fuss. Thin road tires should be run at high pressure, under inflated tires will be more prone to punctures. There are a fair few threads on here about tire choice which are worth browsing. . Good bike handling and smooth pedal strokes also help lessen the risk.

I think over 4,000 miles is testament Andy, your right though nothing is puncture proof.

 

[morrisman]

I run Schwalbe Marathons on my hybrid and have covered 2250 miles with out a visit from the p******e fairy. I keep them at 80psi.

Puncture video

 

[MikeG]

Im going to dust of my road bike this year and have a 100mile bike ride booked in April, last serious bike ride i did was a couple of years ago........

I am surprised that no-one has commented on this. I think you are being over-ambitious, and could put yourself off riding for another couple of years. You are giving yourself a matter of just a few weeks to go from zero to 100 miles. This is risky. I reckon you need at least 3 months of training, building up the mileage to about 120 to 150 miles a week, before you could tackle a 100 mile ride without putting yourself at risk of injury or failure. The century is the cyclist equivalent of a marathon, and nobody in their right mind would decide a couple of weeks before that they fancy doing a marathon when they haven't run for 2 years.

Get back into cycling, do some sensible distances, and tackle a 100 miler in August........

Just my opinion, of course, and as the Americans would say, your mileage may vary.

Mike

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I am surprised that no-one has commented on this. I think you are being over-ambitious, and could put yourself off riding for another couple of years. You are giving yourself a matter of just a few weeks to go from zero to 100 miles. This is risky. I reckon you need at least 3 months of training, building up the mileage to about 120 to 150 miles a week, before you could tackle a 100 mile ride without putting yourself at risk of injury or failure. The century is the cyclist equivalent of a marathon, and nobody in their right mind would decide a couple of weeks before that they fancy doing a marathon when they haven't run for 2 years.

Get back into cycling, do some sensible distances, and tackle a 100 miler in August........

Just my opinion, of course, and as the Americans would say, your mileage may vary.

Mike

He was doing distance Mike, so hes not totally unaware of what's involved, but I do agree, I did ride from Dewsbury to Oldham and back (well most of the way back, thats over the Pennines twice in one day, back in the 90's with out much serious riding before hand, and I dont seem to recall walking much, but I was in my early 30's.

 

[MikeG]

On the tyres.....Gatorskins, carry a spare tube, tyre levers, a pump, and a puncture repair kit, and know how to use them all. NEVER walk home!!

 

[MikeG]

Puncture video

This video shows the puncture being repaired whilst there is still air in the tube. I think this is a big mistake, and would always let all of the air out of the tube before fixing a puncture.

 

[bricksmasher]

Cheers for the advice guys, will keep all on board

As for 100 Miles being to many, I can do 25 miles, 3 days a week without any issues, probably because I spend alot of time in the gym/did martial arts for 15 years, so Im not new to sports, just been put off the bike with a flat every time I go out, but I get what you are saying

Great advice on what to get etc, so as said above I dont want to ever walk home again lol!

Cheers

 

[bricksmasher]

Hi again guys

Just another quick question, excuse my ignorance please lol.

I've decided in going to get done gatorskins as recommended.

I'm going to buy a few bits inc some spare inner tubes etc and I'm just a little unsure on the valve length, my bike is picture in my act and I guess I don't need the long valve tubes but don't want to go ordering the wrong things. Am I right in thinking the long valve are for the deeper rims?

Cheers!

 

[ianrauk]

Hi again guys

Just another quick question, excuse my ignorance please lol.

I've decided in going to get done gatorskins as recommended.

I'm going to buy a few bits inc some spare inner tubes etc and I'm just a little unsure on the valve length, my bike is picture in my act and I guess I don't need the long valve tubes but don't want to go ordering the wrong things. Am I right in thinking the long valve are for the deeper rims?

Cheers!

Correct.

 

[Old Plodder]

.......take an old tube & a pin......
Get to know that you can fix a puncture, do it at home.
Make sure your tyres are pumped up to the correct pressure.
Before or after every ride, check your tyres over for embedded flints/thorns.
Enjoy many puncture free miles of riding.........