Sunday, June 07, 2015

Fixing a flat on your bicycle in 10 minutes

I tend to be a cluts when it comes to fixing things. I eventually get it done but it takes me a really long time, involving lots of time looking at how-to youtube videos, and lots of trial and error. One thing that frustrates me to no end is changing a flat tire on my bicycle. Getting the tire off the rim is painful, getting the rim back on is even more painful and pumping up the tube up with enough pressure with a small pump take forever. Its tough enough to do at home and I have never managed to get it fixed when I had a flat when I was on the road (don't ask what I have resorted to)

Due to a multi-day family ride, I had to find a solution to my problem and after a bit of internet search found the perfect tools to address them.



1. Lezyne Pressure Drive: I was able to pump my tire with a presta valve up to 30 bar with very little effort. Its a bit on the pricey side but well worth the price. I have bought cheap pumps and this one is so much better that anything I have owned. Factiorially better. Exponentially better.

2. Crank Brothers Speedier Lever: The Youtube videos do not lie (Well, the one I saw was on Vimeo but you get the idea) It really is that easy to get the tire off and on. A bit of brute strength is required but the tool really makes it super simple.

I changed a tire in ten minutes. Literally. Not metaphorically. And on the road. I am not suggesting that I cured cancer but being able to go from a struggle to change a tire at home to being able to do it easily on the road was quite a change for me. Also gave my wife more confidence in my bicycle repair skills.

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