Help Needed Even If I Am An Idiot

[Doc333]

Prof thanks for that, I reckon that ina few months I'll be able to give advice to a newbie, and maybe have a sticky thread called a "real idiots guide", This how I learnt, I bet it would be hilarious Like the old joke about the bloke who goes to hospital with his feet scalded. The nurse asks him what he's done and he says he just followed the instructions on the can "stand in boiling water ...."

 

[young Ed]

Like the old joke about the bloke who goes to hospital with his feet scalded. The nurse asks him what he's done and he says he just followed the instructions on the can "stand in boiling water ...."

like that one not heard it before!
Cheers Ed

 

[young Ed]

so did you get it fixed and inflated then?
Cheers Ed

 

[Doc333]

so did you get it fixed and inflated then?
Cheers Ed

I need to start again when I get home and got another 4 tubes to have ago with. So last night I attempted to replace the damaged tube 3 times and all failed. First 2 sprung leaks near the valve and the 3rd which I thought was fantastic as it didn't go down for well over the hour mark. I inflated it to 80 psi originally and then went and put another 30 psi in and was fitting the wheel to the bike when it exploded with a roar.

 

[young Ed]

you will get there just watch some youtube and don't get too disheartened and just think of it as if the tube will definitely be pinched and you must find that pinch and un-pinch it check and check again then before you inflate it check again !
Cheers Ed

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I need to start again when I get home and got another 4 tubes to have ago with. So last night I attempted to replace the damaged tube 3 times and all failed. First 2 sprung leaks near the valve and the 3rd which I thought was fantastic as it didn't go down for well over the hour mark. I inflated it to 80 psi originally and then went and put another 30 psi in and was fitting the wheel to the bike when it exploded with a roar.

I know that i's already been said, but are you sure there isn't something stuck in the tyre? Or perhaps a burr round the valve hole in the rim? Or a spoke that isn't covered by the rim tape? Something sounds a bit odd about these tube failures to me.

 

[young Ed]

I know that i's already been said, but are you sure there isn't something stuck in the tyre? Or perhaps a burr round the valve hole in the rim? Or a spoke that isn't covered by the rim tape? Something sounds a bit odd about these tube failures to me.

thinking about it yes i agree!
Cheers Ed

 

[antnee]

"Rickshaw Phil said: ↑
I know that i's already been said, but are you sure there isn't something stuck in the tyre? Or perhaps a burr round the valve hole in the rim? Or a spoke that isn't covered by the rim tape? Something sounds a bit odd about these tube failures to me."

thinking about it yes i agree!
Cheers Ed

Or Perhaps (it having happened to me) that there is something wedged through the tyre itself I'm sure you've checked inside of the tyre all the way round Also as has been said before Push in the valve section of the tube into the tyre this is after youv'e got all the tube inside the tyre making sure you go around the edges with both thumbs and fingers to ensure the tube is no where near the wheel rim then push on the valve assemby back into the tyre, then put a little air in to the tyre and press around the rim of the tyre once more I know this sounds a pain but I have had punctures on more than one time by trying to do the change to quickly even punctures three times in a row just by piching the tube on putting it back improperly!
I hope you get it sorted

 

[Doc333]

So far so good. Today's attempt No1: I have done exactly what all of you have said including checking for debris inside the tyre, the rim of the tyre and no rough stuff anywhere. I used the technique most of you have told me to use, and so far as I know the tyre is inflated to 110 psi and just waiting for me to put back onto the bike. I'm chuffed with the result so far, but not counting my chickens after last nights candid camera episode.

Could the difference be that I'm today using tubes 700 x 19 to 25c which is a lot less rubber to get trapped/nipped than yesterday's 700 x 23 to 32c tubes. There is a huge difference in the size of the thing? ( Bike 700 x 23c)

I will of course come back later when I'm sure I have sorted it. £450 worth of tubes is expensive for a puncture

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Could the difference be that I'm today using tubes 700 x 19 to 25c which is a lot less rubber to get trapped/nipped than yesterday's 700 x 23 to 32c tubes. There is a huge difference in the size of the thing? ( Bike 700 x 23c)

Yes, it's possible it could have been the size of the tubes. I have had problems in the past using a tube that was on the big size for the tyre (but as in your case it should have been okay according to the markings). In my case it didn't let me down straight away though.

 

[Doc333]

The wheel is back on the bike and the world is rosy again. I can now go out for a ride in the morning, but loaded with spare tubes just in case. I now feel confident to help anyone as I've had more practice in the last 24-hours than one of Team Sky's crew. Many thanks all

 

[oldroadman]

What a struggle - but of course we were all beginners once (rather too long ago in my case!).

Suggestions/questions:

Do you REALLY need to have 110psi/7.5 atmospheres in the tyre? Unless you are a very hefty person then 6 atmospheres/90psi will give you a nicer ride, with a little more resilience.

When the time comes to replace tyres, think about getting 25c, again this is an easier rolling ride, and believe it or not an awful lot of tubulars used at high level are closer to 25c than 23c, for the rolling reason and the smoother ride (which counts in a 5 hour race)a

You have obviously had a lot of practice with changing tubes in 700c wheels, why not keep a few old tubes, practice patching using self adhesive patches, and then chenging tubes, when you are indoors, so if one pinches, no matter.

When fitting the tube put a little air into it BEFORE pushing it into place within the tyre, this helps prevent pinches. Push the tube firmly into the tyre and use hands/thumbs as much as possible to pop the tyre on - the more lever work the more chance of damaging the tube. Some soft beaded tyres can be pushed over the rim completely simply with strong thumbs and willpower.

And when you are confident and have a bit of experience, when replacing tubes try latex, they will lose pressure more quickly than standard tubes, and need careful fitting, but will reward with a smoother ride again, and be more puncture resistant simply because they are more flaxible. As a bonus they can take a higher pressure without loss of ride quality.

Phew! Hope this is of some help..and enjoy the riding

 

[youngoldbloke]

Well done! I've got one to fix tonight having picked up a thorn riding through the floods today - you can't see what you're riding over under the water. Managed to avoid potholes but obviously not the hedge trimmings. The thorn stayed well put in the tyre - and in the tube - was only when I got home I realised the tyre was not quite as hard as it was when I set out - Lucky

 

[Doc333]

Many thanks all. Just got back from a 15-mile ride with no problems. can't believe I'm top man on punctures now. Remember, if you need any advice guys .....

 

[BrynCP]

Fixed a puncture earlier too!

First patch just wouldn't take though, when I pealed off the plastic backing the patch came with it However, repeated the exact same process with the next, larger patch, and it was fine.

Didn't find any reason for the puncture, and managed to inflate with my new Halfords metal track pump fine and have a whopping 1 minute ride on it.

I also now have a hand pump, spare tubes and a repair kit! I am worried about the spare tubes as like Doc I got ones where my tyre size is at the lower end (I got 28-38 and I am 32).