Mobility regained

[kengr]

While running errands Tuesday, I stopped by the Bike Gallery since it was on the way. Turns out that patch kits are a lot cheaper than I thought. And a lot smaller. So I picked one up.

I also found that they have a nice bike pump with pressure gauge for $25. Not gonna happen soon, but it'd be nice to have one again. My existing pump is ok, but it's *pain* taking it off, using the pocket pressure gauge, and then repeating. Often several times before I get the right pressure.

I should ask them about the "slime" stuff next time I'm in. I *think* it goes into the inner tube and is supposed to fix small leaks (at least temporarily.

If things go according to plan, Fay and I will be dragging her bike over there Sat to find out what a new tire & tube will cost for her bike. Y'see, her flat tire seems to be a *combined* tire and tube. So we'll find out what her options are.

Meanwhile, I patched my flat and the tube has held air for a day and a half now. Also, while digging thru some of the boxes that got rearranged during the clean up for the inspection, (I've been working on getting some stuff like papers and "misc cruft" sorted and organized) I found a new tube that Kathy had given me years back. So that went in the bike.

I'm also patching the tube from the last time I had a flat. On the third patch so far. As I recall, there may be five or six holes to patch on that one.

But once I'm done, I'll have spare tubes for the bike. I need to find a small gear bag that'll hold the small (6") bike pump, a few tools, the spare tubes and so on. That way I can just toss it in the panniers or in whatever shoulder bag I'm using.

Needs to be big enough to hold the bike light and removable mirror too.

And next time I'm down that way, I need to get the combo for the old cable lock from the locksmith shop (lost it when I lost a wallet ages ago). That'll take a few bucks too.

It isn't secure enough for use by itself, but it'd be nice to have it as backup. Especially sine I have a lockable "cargo box" thing that I may be able to fasten to the rear rack on the bike. The cable lock could help secure that.

Comments

[fayanora.livejournal.com]

I had an idea about my tire/tube. Couldn't the tube part, at least half of it, be cut out, then put a new tube in?

[kengr]

That's something the bike shop can tell us. Also, if you have the tools, you could just bring the wheel.

[my-real-head.livejournal.com]

I've only had "slime" type stuff work in one tube I'm aware of, and it was one of the pre-filled tubes. I am thinking that the stuff they sell in a bottle isn't as good because it has to be easily installed by the user.

When I changed the tire that held the tube, I found lots of short white fibers in the tire in a couple spots, as well as matted to the spots on the tube. The fibers plug the hole long enough for the liquid to seal the hole, or at least they make it hundreds of tiny holes instead of one biggish hole. I have never seen those fibers in the bottles.

I grew to seriously love the peel-and-stick patches, too. Much higher chance of success than the glue on type. Plus, I got about one kit per month free from work. I felt guilty asking for any more than that.

[kengr]

Well, I used the old fashioned patches on my ancient Schwinn back in the 60s and 70s. They worked ok. Much thicker and clunkier than the new ones.

I used 5 patches total from the new kit and I may have to redo a couple. Which means another kit.