Please don't laugh!

[punkypossum]

This is embarrassing and I should know, but I don't...

Determined to get into using my road bike more (still a bit scared of it), but after all, what's the point in having one otherwise. However, I realised today that if I ever had to change a tube on it, I wouldn't have a clue how to and chances of punctures on those tyres are probably pretty high.

On the mtb, it's just a case of unhooking the v-brakes and popping the wheel out, but how does this work with the road bike? They are 105 brakes, and there is a little thumb lever on them that looks a bit like a quick release thing, but looking at it, it looks as if this will release the brake cable completely.. Surely I don't want that? Or do I? If so, will I get it thight enough and in the right spot again?

Can't see anything else on them to unhook, and this is probably one of the dumbest questions ever posted on here but I'm having a very helpless moment!

Can someone explain please?

 

[jay clock]

that little lever allows the brake pads to widen the gap and avoid allow the wheel to come off easily even if the tyre is inflated. It does not release the cable


Give it a try

 

[punkypossum]

Oh cool, thanks jay clock! You have just put my mind at rest (not quite enough to pull the lever till I need to, but I'm feeling better)!

 

[buggi]

hun... don't forget to put the lever back down when you put the wheel back on. or you will be effectively riding with your brakes "off" (not quite "off" but you will have to pull the brake lever much harder to stop).

Embarrasingly i rode to my LBS with my brakes "off" once. When i got there the guy said "you don't like brakes then?" LMAO Oops (i'd been riding around for 3 days LOL)

 

[Cubist]

PP, just pull it, you know you want to!

 

[Sittingduck]

Flick the switch PP... what's the worst that can happen?

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Pulling the lever will do no harm (as long as, like Buggi says, you remember to put it back again before riding), but another way to get the wheel off is to deflate the tyre first. You can usually ease it out between the brake blocks without releasing the brakes. Just don't forget to refit the wheel before inflating the tyre.

 

[RedBike]

If you've got tyres wider than 25mm you might need to let some air out of them before they will fit past the brake blocks. - Just remember to put your wheel back on before re-inflating your tyre.

 

[Young Un]

If you've got tyres wider than 25mm you might need to let some air out of them before they will fit past the brake blocks. - Just remember to put your wheel back on before re-inflating your tyre.

Or just use some brute force, and they will pop out - harder putting them back in this way as you most often smash the skewer into your mech

 

[punkypossum]

They are 23mm, so that shouldn't be too much of a problem - and I will try to remember to put the wheel back in before riding the bike!

 

[Muddyfox]

Never mind skinny wheel brake problems ...

How's the BMX situation unfolding ?

Simon (possibly more excited about Punky getting a BMX than she is)

 

[punkypossum]

The bmx moved in yesterday (sharing it with puddleglum) - been whizzing around all over the place on it, great fun (apart from it suffering from a very squeaky brake that no-one appears to be able to fix). Even managed to go up a few hills on it where I thought I might end up pushing, it was far easier than I thought, despite its little wheels, no gears and not being able to sit down! At the moment it is very much a whizz around bike, haven't attempted anything adventurous on it, but really enjoying it so far!!!

 

[Randochap]

Answer here, at start of video.

 

[HJ]

... However, I realised today that if I ever had to change a tube on it, I wouldn't have a clue how to and chances of punctures on those tyres are probably pretty high...

Not really, you just need good tyres and just keep them well pumped up, there are plenty of treads recommending tyres on here...

 

[Muddyfox]

The bmx moved in yesterday (sharing it with puddleglum) - been whizzing around all over the place on it, great fun (apart from it suffering from a very squeaky brake that no-one appears to be able to fix). Even managed to go up a few hills on it where I thought I might end up pushing, it was far easier than I thought, despite its little wheels, no gears and not being able to sit down! At the moment it is very much a whizz around bike, haven't attempted anything adventurous on it, but really enjoying it so far!!!

WooHoo​

And i bet you had a big stupid grin on your face the whole time

haven't attempted anything adventurous on it

I bet you have'nt been able to resist jumping off a few kerbs though eh eh

Simon