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Next Question, what about pumps? Should I have a small one that I take with me? If so, which one should I get? (My local bike shop has been useless in trying to get this question answered.)
A couple of velcro pump straps should secure a frame pump. I do recall a few exciting racing incidents from way back, involving the then de rigeur Silca frame pump. (I just dated myself. Badly.)...Generally, I would stay away from frame pumps. They do allow for a quicker fill, but in my opinion a the benefits of a frame pump, which is far more dangerous than one in your back pocket...
... And you should be able to change most road bike tires without the use of tire levers...
Any tips on how to do this? I've change many a road bike tire and nearly always needed levers. Do I just need stronger hands and forearms?
You must have a pump. Stay away from CO2, they are for race circumstances only. Quality pumps are made by Topeak, Blackburn, Barbieri and Lezyne. I use a Topeak micro-pump and think its great. I used to use the Barbieri and like it too...I gave it to the wife though, that may mean either I love it or hate it.
I will go with a Lezyne when I need to replace it though.
Generally, I would stay away from frame pumps. They do allow for a quicker fill, but in my opinion the benefits of a frame pump, which is far more dangerous than one in your back pocket (or now, in your case, in your Camelbak),are outweighed by those dangers.
If a quick tire patch is your concern go with the Park glueless patch kits over the vulcanizing patches. They work very well (usually) and really do save time on the road side.
A couple of velcro pump straps should secure a frame pump. I do recall a few exciting racing incidents from way back, involving the then de rigeur Silca frame pump. (I just dated myself. Badly.)
If you haven't already gotten there: Cyclists are a very opinionated lot...
I still have one! Bright red with a Campy logo. I'll never let it go.
strong thumbs are the trick. although some tire/wheel combos are easy and some are hard, it is hit or miss. in my experience Mavic (a French company) work best with Hutchinson or Michelin tires (both French companies as well). Campagnolo rims work best with Vittoria or Veloflex tires. I have never owned Shimano wheels so can't comment.
... some tire/wheel combos are easy and some are hard, it is hit or miss. ...
I run high pressure (140 psi) clinchers with a kevlar bead. I have never been able to remove or install one of these tires without tire irons. I have a set of plastic ones that work well; I keep them in my saddle bag ...
Speaking of, do any of you who ride in mountain trails carry pepper spray or anything? I know it's not a big priority, but I've seen too many "I was knocked off my bike and mauled by a puma" stories to not think about such things.
If you really want one that badly, a buddy of mine owns a shop in Italy. He could probably track one down...Awesome....I want it. Mine is long gone. I had all chrome.
I use a Topeak Road Morph frame pump. Can do Schrader or Presta valves. Love it.
I mainly wanted to post in this thread to mention the importance of a helmet.
I went for a ride Sunday night, blew off the helmet, and of course crashed when my front tire blew. Landed on my head on the street. Head still hurts, though the nausea has faded. The one time in a hundred I said, I won't crash, it's hot, screw the helmet, bang.
I run high pressure (140 psi) clinchers with a kevlar bead. I have never been able to remove or install one of these tires without tire irons. I have a set of plastic ones that work well; I keep them in my saddle bag along with a spare tube, patch kit and CO2 cartridge. I think they're the ones just below the Quik Stik linked to above.
The other thing that's been handy is a mylar Clif bar wrapper. I once had a puncture due to a metal shard that left a 1/8" hole in the tire. I lined the tire with the wrapper, installed replacment tube, etc. and rode 15 miles back to my car. A dollar bill can also be used for this purpose.
jim
If you really want one that badly, a buddy of mine owns a shop in Italy. He could probably track one down...
At the risk of being branded totally RG, I still rely on my ancient Silca track pump--it's not as efficient as a modern floor pump, but it's an old friend, and it refuses to die.
I don't think I've heard of anyone on a bike being attacked by a puma and defending themselves with pepper spray.