Replacing the Tire, Revelations, Clarification

Replacing a tire, according to Mike, our affable guide, should have the manufacturer’s name lined up with the valve stem hole. With the tire’s back bead within the rim, replace the tube, valve stem first. If you’ve already used your spare tube, a patch might be necessary. A little inflation will help get the tube in the tire and on the rim.

Mike let out a little additional air, checking to make sure that no part of the tube was being pinched by the tire and rim. Then he started working the remaining bead back onto the rim using the tire tool at the end to finish it off. Another check of both rim beads confirmed that there was no tube caught.

The tube was then inflated in two stages first to set the beads then to full manufacturer’s maximum recommended pressure. He engaged the small chain ring on the tire with the lower part of the chain (dangling) and the axle replaced in the slots in the rear forks. Mike said not to over do it on tightening the release lever. It could bend the forks or damage the bearings in the hubs.

As the last task he reaffixed the brake cable to the linear brake pull. He then mentioned that to release the front wheels there were some retaining tabs, as well as the release lever.

I’ll have more on the class later.

In my reading I have had some new revelations, like why “those” cyclists shave their legs. I always thought that there might be a minimal aerodynamic benefit, but that smooth was also a little “off” for a guy. My mistake. It has more to do with the ease of cleaning up road rash after a spill.

You don’t need to worry about me and Pi Guy and shaved legs. My leg hairs have never seen the razor. Pi Guy has remarkably hairy legs for his age, however, I can’t even get him to shave his fledgling mustache.

But if leg shaving is planning ahead for less pain, I’m not going to dis smooth legs anymore.

Another thing is “those” tight bicycle shorts. It’s not just fashion; those things have saddle cushions built in. This could be troublesome. If we wear them, the general public probably won’t know by seeing us. They’ll be covered up.

And, to clarify on my weight posting, what I am using for "waist" is a measurement “level around the belly button.” 8<)

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