New bike making strange noises?

[Jimmy Doug]

Most track pumps come with a dual/universal head but saying that the little brass adaptor is a good thing to have in your toolkit.

Yes indeed. But I find that Presta valves are a PITA to inflate, even with a track pump (at least, they are with my track pump!) Whenever I pump up my road tyres, I first screw on the adapter, then I attach the track pump. I find Prestas are very temperamental: you have to get the pump on just right or no air will get through them. I've never understood why Schrader valves are rarely (if ever) used on road tubes. I can only see advantages with them.

 

[Kilbourne]

Thanks for all the reply's guys.
I did buy one of the adapters when I picked my bike up after it got repaired, pumped the tyres up last night and I was riding it on 40psi....now its on the max 80 psi!

Shows me how different and easy a track pump is, and I dont feel so unfit now as I took it for a ride last night and done 2 miles no problem.

Looks like I need the 700x28 (just checked my Tyre) now the question is, grand prixs or gator skins? There roughly the same price but being your typical bloke I like the sound of Gatorskins!

 

[raleighnut]

Yes indeed. But I find that Presta valves are a PITA to inflate, even with a track pump (at least, they are with my track pump!) Whenever I pump up my road tyres, I first screw on the adapter, then I attach the track pump. I find Prestas are very temperamental: you have to get the pump on just right or no air will get through them. I've never understood why Schrader valves are rarely (if ever) used on road tubes. I can only see advantages with them.

Schrader valves are the work of the devil and only belong on tractors and lorries, not on elegant road cycles. You'll be wanting us all to have 'Woods' valves next.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

Schrader valves are the work of the devil and only belong on tractors and lorries, not on elegant road cycles. You'll be wanting us all to have 'Woods' valves next.

Ah ... a debate that invokes as much passion as helmets! Presta valves are feeble and fiddly and were invented by the French ... Schrader valves are reliable, easy to use and invented by the Germans. Nuff said.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

grand prixs or gator skins?

I'd go for the Grand Prixs myself. GatorSkins were great when they first came out, but I think Grand Prixs are reputed to be more puncture resistant. Have a look on Wiggle and compare the comments. Perso, I have Grand Prixs and like them very much. Alternatively, you could opt for Marathon Plus. They're heavy beasts, and they do slow you down somewhat, but punctures are practically a thing of the past with them. I have them fitted on my touring bike and in 15 000 kms I've never had a puncture - that's 15 000 kms on the same pair I hasten to add!

 

[raleighnut]

Ah ... a debate that invokes as much passion as helmets! Presta valves are feeble and fiddly and were invented by the French ... Schrader valves are reliable, easy to use and invented by the Germans. Nuff said.

Whereas Woods (Dunlop) valves are British and worse than either.
That is what the little rubber pipe that you used to get in puncture kits was for repairing.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

That is what the little rubber pipe that you used to get in puncture kits was for repairing.

I'd completely forgotten about that rubber pipe! I always wondered what it was for when I was a kid.

 

[Kilbourne]

Well just done 3.5 miles on it and feeling happy with that, first time I have rode down a main road and country road and was quite pleasant just done my own thing. Now to build myself up to the 7 mile journey work! Evans this weekend to get a couple of bits and possibly some grand prix!

 

[adamhearn]

Why not ride the tyres the bike already has; you may find they're OK (grip, puncture resistance)? You should carry some form of puncture repair/spare tube/both whatever tyres you have. If you find that the tyre's fitted have poor grip or are prone to punctures then by all means swap 'em out.

I have Gatorskins myself but a lot of people rate Grand Prixs better in the wet.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

Well just done 3.5 miles on it and feeling happy with that, first time I have rode down a main road and country road and was quite pleasant just done my own thing. Now to build myself up to the 7 mile journey work! Evans this weekend to get a couple of bits and possibly some grand prix!

Whilst you're in Evans, perhaps you could get them to check that your saddle is in the correct position. In my experience, beginners tend to put the saddle too low, which not only significantly impairs performance, but can also cause knee damage.

 

[Kilbourne]

Sounds like a plan thanks for the idea

 

[Kilbourne]

Well quick update, woke up this morning at 6am feeling shall we say "energetic" so set myself up for the bike ride in, 5 miles and 29 minutes later...I arrived! Helped a lot because of the time of morning so the roads were nice and quiet and I feeling surprisingly fine, legs are a little achy. Just dreading the bike home now at 5pm where the roads will be a lot busier!

 

[Jimmy Doug]

Great! But if you can keep your bike at work, I'd suggest taking the bus home tonight, then cycling home tomorrow. You don't want to overdo it. Work the miles up gently if you want to avoid stiffness in your leg mustles and a sore bum!