Fixing Punctures / Puncture Repair / Exploding Tubes

I started riding fixed this week too. This morning was my 7th commute fixed.

I'm loving it to be honest. Glad I have a front brake but I'm starting to instinctively control speed with my legs too. Each time I go out I become more comfortable. I was shitting myself on day one to be honest...riding fixed has a mysterious reputation attached to it.

So far I haven't had any major problems and haven't forgotten to pedal yet. I did manage to give myself a crack on the ankle with a clipping in fail yesterday though.

My only annoyance at the moment is that i'm having to get used to stopping with crank position in the right place for pulling away. I'm getting better at it though.

I'm on 48x18 which is about 72GI. For reference, I was cranking 75 to 85GI (52x16 or 52x18) on my SS depending on weather and how long my weekend rides were. I'm pretty happy with this choice so far although might have some issues when I try to learn to skid.

I'm a convert although I might be swayed by the fact my new frame is a country mile nicer (full carbon too which gets rid of a load of road buzz) than my previous SS frame.

Hatbeard: this means I'm not on my Specialized Tricross or Pinarello FP2 on Jamaica Road anymore...Dolan FTS (for the spot). What you riding?

And Hatbeard...it wasn't me that pushed you out towards that bus on Tooley Street yesterday was it?

Possibly, I've already purged that journey from my memory. haha.

I'm typically to be found on this beaut but occasionally I ride this one instead

It was about 5.45 last night. A taxi indicated left to pick up a fare. I checked my right shoulder before overtaking but didn't see a rider who was travelling faster than me. Whoever it was swerved around me before noticing that there was an oncoming bus in the other lane. Wasn't that much of a near miss but certainly gave us both a bit of a scare.

No idea how I didn't see the other rider. Possibly my pack got in the way but I think I just didn't gauge the closing speed right. Sorry if it was you! Wouldn't have overtaken the taxi if I knew there was a closing rider behind.

Until recently I was on one of these:

http://www.besportier.com/archives/specialized-tricross-singlecross-review.jpg

But you'll more likely find me riding one of these

http://www.racycles.com/store/images/xl/P09_FP2_Red.jpg

Or my new pride and joy (with 30mm Weinnman rims and radial front spokes instead of the mavics):

http://www.lfgss.com/picture.php?albumid=1772&pictureid=9952

Loving your pink frame...is the tape structural?

I'm definitely staying fixed gear.

ahh I remember now... that was me. you didn't push me out though, the bus had swerved around a minibus/van on the other side of the road which had it's arse sticking out into the oncoming lane so the crossed over the line onto our side of the road as I was inside the white line still. I'll admit I wasn't expecting it though as I was watching what the taxi was doing but I was well aware you were there so took a wider line around him, looked up and thought "shiiiit" but it was all a bit of a non-event really.

I thought it was you! I shouted "hatbeard" like the desperate for a spot loser that I am!

Sorry about that. Just goes to show how events can combine to conspire against us. We are both running at slightly higher risk given that we probably haven't learned how to stop quickly.

Anyway, I'll stop highjacking the thread now. Fixed is awesome etc etc

How does riding fixed have a reputation attached to it? I'm genuinely interested. I got a fuji track and was riding fixed before even really knowing what it is or finding this forum.

How does riding fixed have a reputation attached to it?

http://www.lfgss.com/thread11415.html

^repped

Puncture today on my Dutch bike. I seriously think that being a bike mechanic in Holland must be the most infuriating job in the world. Those things are ridiculous.

My only annoyance at the moment is that i'm having to get used to stopping with crank position in the right place for pulling away.

Stop with crank in anyol' position. Keep one foot clipped in. When lights change push bike forward with unclipped foot. Continue riding as you had done before.

It ain't no thing.

Alternatively,

My only annoyance at the moment is that i'm having to get used to trackstanding with crank position in the right place for pulling away.

init.

/hardcorefixiecrew2011

Stop with crank in anyol' position. Keep one foot clipped in. When lights change push bike forward with unclipped foot. Continue riding as you had done before.

It ain't no thing.

Cheers mate...just in time for my morning commute.

Weird how the simple things sometimes don't dawn on you.

I managed a little trackstand yesterday. I mean, I looked like I was about to collapse to the floor in a heap and shit my pants but it was definitely a trackstand!

Fucking gatorskins, I got a puncture put in a new tube that one popped and then another did too.

So I've managed to go through 3 tubes and I've still got a puncture, Think I need to use my hands rather than a tyre tool.

Have you checked the inside of the tire? Rim tape?

Yep I've checked it all, the rim tape It's got slight bumps in but nothing that would cause punctures, I don't think so anyway.

Have you checked for poltergeists?

Got a huge piece of glass stuck in my tyre this morning. It has now left a 5-10mm deep gash, which when at full pressure is more noticable. Its a brand new Michelin Krylion so I don't want to lose it to this hole. Is there anything I can fill it with? Superglue, rubber glue..?

EAT IT, AND SHlT NEW TYRE.

Got a huge piece of glass stuck in my tyre this morning. It has now left a 5-10mm deep gash, which when at full pressure is more noticable. Its a brand new Michelin Krylion so I don't want to lose it to this hole. Is there anything I can fill it with? Superglue, rubber glue..?

I'm watching this one with interest. I have the exact problem on a Veloflex Master which I'm very reluctant to bin. I've heard talk of patching the inside wall with a bit of old tyre?

You could make or use a 'tyre boot' but they're typically sold / bodged as a get you home solution not long term. I always carry a fiver to use as a tyre boot as the paper is treated so as not to tear easily. Not had to use in anger though...

Bank notes aren't the same kind of paper - they're made from cotton and don't tear easily under pressure.

Fivers are a bit much - get hold of a dollar bill or something!

i have seen some one carry a bit of toothpaste tube as a 'boot' to repair damaged sidewalls.. not too sure which flavor though.

one with cavity protection obvs

tyre boot made from plastic drinks bottle,always hanging around as litter.cut a piece about 4inches by width of tyre and line the inside of tyre where offending hole is,insert tube and inflate