Remember to air up those tires! [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

SandyLS

08-01-2005, 09:21 AM

My grandson (12 years old) went on our first supported ride of the year last weekend, The Women on Wheels Ride, Mason Michigan. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time. We both enjoyed the great fruit and cookies at the rest stops and the yummy lunch. Only negative was that we were so slow. Everyone passed us. I decided it must have something to do with riding with the kid even though he assured that he could go faster and I did make him stay behind me. (I thought that way I could keep better track of him on the roads) We had all day to do our 18 miles so there was no rush. The whole idea was to have a great day of bonding with the grandson, mission accomplished. At the end of the ride our speed was just under 12mph.
When we got home Hubby took one look at my bike and said that the tires looked like they could use some air. I bought my new road bike in April and have put on about 500 miles since then. Some how, it never occurred to me to check the air pressure. After all, they didn’t look flat to me. Guess what, the bike rides much better with air in the tires!
Grandson says that he will go riding with me anytime, just what I was hoping to hear.

Pax

08-01-2005, 09:25 AM

Good tip! It's easy to ignore 'em if they look fine.

I had to go out an buy the appropriate type of pressure gauge this weekend, the one for my motorcycles and car only goes up to 60lbs. and the tires on the road bike need to be around 100-115lbs. Oops! :o

Steph_in_TX

08-01-2005, 10:01 AM

Maybe we are a tad anal, but we check tire pressue before every ride. With a couple of trips out of town and other things, my bike sat for a couple of weeks and lost some pressure. I can't imagine what you'd lose over 6 months. Enjoy the new ride!

bikerchick68

08-01-2005, 10:07 AM

yikes! yep, always check air pressure every ride... and also always check your quick release skewers before every ride to... you just want to make sure they haven't somehow loosened up on ya... it would be bad to have a wheel come off while riding...

glad you had a good ride with your grandson... what a cool thing to do together!!! :)

newrider

08-01-2005, 10:14 AM

Sandy, airing up my tires was the quickest way for me to increase my average mph, too (you'll be amazed!) :rolleyes: :D "I never air up my car tires, what do you mean my bike tires need air before every ride??"

Congrats on the quality time with your grandson. Neither of you will ever regret it!

caligurl

08-01-2005, 10:18 AM

i check my tires before i leave on each and every ride... i give them the thumb push test! :D

Grog

08-01-2005, 11:27 AM

Road, high-pressure tires can loose up to 3 lbs pressure a day. I re-inflate mine every other ride or so. Makes a BIG difference on speed and protects wheel rims.

SpinSis

08-01-2005, 11:34 AM

I check the air pressure before every ride and often find myself between 5-10 lbs under. Tire gauges are cheap (check out Nashbar.com)...as I reminded my BF this weekend. We were prepping for a 20 mile ride Sat. morning and I was filling my tires. I offered to fill his and of course he said yes (grr...me in my nightgown wondering why I offered). His tires were only at 60lbs! Thank goodness I checked! He had no idea they had gotten that low!

Safe riding to all.

DeniseGoldberg

08-01-2005, 11:36 AM

I not only check my tires each time I ride - I always add air. While you can get by with adding air every couple of days, I highly recommend running your tires at the recommended pressure, and that isn't going to happen if your pump and your bike don't have a regular acquaintance.

--- Denise

mtbdarby

08-01-2005, 02:46 PM

WOW, am I glad I read this thread. I'm used to riding mountain bike at 30 psi. I can't believe road tires are supposed to be over 100?!!! Perhaps that's why I'm a little slow on the road, lol.

So I'm converting my hybrid bike to a road bike. Any ideas how I figure out what kind of tires to put on it? I was going to do a recovery rider tonight - any takers on if I check my pressure and put some air in my tires? Oh veh!

Dar

shewhobikes

08-01-2005, 02:58 PM

I was late for a 52-mile ride Saturday morning and hurriedly threw my gear together, gave the tires the 'thumb test' and pushed off. I could not figure out why I was having such a hard time. Got dropped early and never caught up till the rest stop. Headed out again and my friend Steve said, 'Your back tire looks low.' Sure enough, we put CO2 in and I was off and running.

Believe it or not, that's the first time I've ever headed out without checking tire pressure with the gauge and adding air. I won't make that mistake again!

Thanks for the tip on the leavers. I'll make that part of the routine from now on.

Congrats on riding with the grandson. Good times!

KSH

08-01-2005, 07:56 PM

Monica

08-02-2005, 07:05 AM

The other day I was at the bike shop and they pointed to me that the pressure in my tires was too low. I had a little pump I was carrying with me for emergencies (never used it) but I was using the service station with the adapter once in a while.

I ended buying a nice pump and then got the ‘Air Pressure 101’ course from the kids. That was so much fun because they were so happy to show me even if I am more than old enough to be their mother.

Now I check the pressure before every ride and almost every time I have to add some air.

Monica

maryellen

08-02-2005, 07:11 AM

i'm a firm believer in checking (and invariably filling) the tires before every ride. Using a good quality floor pump makes the process a breeze.

Maryellen

Honeywell23

08-02-2005, 07:21 AM

I like to check things on my bike before going too. It's called.. "HUNI GO LOOK AT MY BIKE" you gotta love having a guy who rides and knows more than you ;)

bikerchick68

08-02-2005, 10:35 AM

Hey KSH... I had a bike pump that was hard to use at one point too... and kept cutting my hand on the chainrings and cogs it was so hard to get off... I finally bought the "Big Red Pump" from Nashbar... it was about $30 but EASY to use so for me a great investment! :)

DeniseGoldberg

08-02-2005, 11:08 AM

Yea, I bought this nice tire pump, and I am scared to use it, because I can't seem to get the attachment to the tire (?? what is the stick called where you put the air in :confused: ) :confused: ) on and off without a HUGE struggle.

Your pump really shouldn't be hard to use. If you're still having problems I'd recommend asking one of your cycling friends (or someone at your LBS) to show you how to attach the pump. But - do you have a floor pump or a frame pump? I have a good solid floor pump that I use at home, and then I use a Topeak Road Morph pump on the road. It's bigger than those teeny tiny frame pumps, but I can easily get my tires up to full pressure - which I can't with the smaller pumps.

Riding with tires that aren't at the right pressue will make you more vulnerable to flats.

--- Denise

caligurl

08-06-2005, 09:43 PM

I like to check things on my bike before going too. It's called.. "HUNI GO LOOK AT MY BIKE" you gotta love having a guy who rides and knows more than you ;)

DITTO!! lol! hubby LOVES to work on the bikes... so he takes care of mine for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cool:

betagirl

08-07-2005, 06:54 AM

For a floor pump, I have Topeak Joeblow sport pump (about $30 on nashbar). It's easier to put on the valve stem than other pumps I've borrowed when I forget to air up, and supports presta and schrader tube types. Be careful not to force the pump off the stem, as you can pull the damn thing right off your tube. I did that once when I was in a hurry. Then I got to replace my tube :D When I put it on, I keep my thumb over the hole for the schrader tubes (it's on the opposite side as the one I'm putting on my bike) to keep air from coming out.

As for adding air, I do it every couple of days. I inflate to about 110 psi.

Rakekay

08-10-2005, 07:55 AM

Trekhawk

08-10-2005, 09:26 AM

honeywell23
Thanks for bringing an early morning smile to my face.
I learn heaps from this forum and also get plenty of laughs
Thanks all
:D

SadieKate

08-10-2005, 10:55 AM

When I put it on, I keep my thumb over the hole for the schrader tubes (it's on the opposite side as the one I'm putting on my bike) to keep air from coming out.Umm, I think something is wrong with your pump. The internal gaskets/mechanisms/thingy-bobs should seal off the other hole when mounted on a tire valve.

bikerchick68

08-10-2005, 11:00 AM

How do you use that CO2 thing anyway?

rakekay... you buy a CO2 dispenser... there are 2 kinds that I know of... one has a threaded (so you screw it in) air cartridge and is pretty small but the cartridges are expensive, the other is a non-threaded dispenser and you can get the CO2 at Walmart... cheap!

You put the cartridge into the dispenser and screw the top on which punctures the cartridge allowing air to flow out when you're ready. Then you put the dispenser onto your valve just like you do a bike pump... push down and wahlah! Instant air! Much easier than pumping... I actually carry both. The reason is that I usually carry ONE CO2 for a flat BUT heaven help me if I flat more than once, or pinch the tube when I changed it... then I have the pump as a backup... also if I flat and use my CO2 and then come upon another rider with a flat I have a pump if needed...

hope that helps! :)

abarensfeld7

08-10-2005, 11:25 AM

I'm with Denise on this one---I add air before every ride unless I'm in a rush!
I also like to top off to 110psi. I hate how you loose that little bit of pressure when you take take the pump head off the valve, so I figure after that I'm still ahead of 100psi and I'll roll just a little faster with the extra top-off :)

I wouldn't recommend this, but I've heard of a guy who rolls 140psi and hasn't gotten a flat for years! Your bike can really do some unfriendly things when pressure is that high though...

CorsairMac

08-10-2005, 02:26 PM

betagirl

08-10-2005, 04:41 PM

Umm, I think something is wrong with your pump. The internal gaskets/mechanisms/thingy-bobs should seal off the other hole when mounted on a tire valve.

It has a lever to seal it off, but when you first put it on the opposite side isn't sealed. Sorry, wasn't clear. Don't have to hold it shut when I pump :)

abarensfeld7

08-10-2005, 07:41 PM

Been wondering this about CO2 cartridges...
Does one cartridge fill up an entire tube? Road and MTB?
And if you just need to top off your air pressure, can you use CO2? Or is it a one-shot deal sort of thing...once you've punctured the cartridge, do you have to use it all at once?

Hate my teenytiny pump...very ineffective and it doesn't fit in my under-saddle pack, so I have have it strapped on the bottom of the pack with thick rubberbands...hehe ugly but it works. Don't like to carry things in my jersey pocket other than yummies and route sheets!

singletrackmind

08-11-2005, 06:28 AM

Yea, I bought this nice tire pump, and I am scared to use it, because I can't seem to get the attachment to the tire (?? what is the stick called where you put the air in :confused: ) :confused: ) on and off without a HUGE struggle.

I hit my hand the first time I tried to do it on my own and it hurt for 2 days.

So now, I look pathetic and ask guys to pump my tires up. Sad, I know.
The stick is called a valve and there are two different kinds. The schrader valve is black and rubber-coated and the actual valve is down inside. The presta valve is metal and skinnier and the valve which you unscrew to open is at the top.
Yeah, sometimes they are hard to get on and off but it gets easier with practice. Also, sometimes slightly unscrewing the pump side of the deal makes a difference. Slightly, though.
Oh, and OUCH! I really hate it when that happens!
And some guys like playing Mr. Macho. There's a thread on the perils of that somewhere around here, too. :)

ACG

08-11-2005, 09:40 AM

I've been watching this thread for a while and it made me realize I needed to be more on top of my tires. Started at 7:00 p.m.

I checked the tires, the back one has been getting low pretty often. It was at 50 PSI, front tire was at 60 PSI.

I pulled off both tires, checked them for wholes, tears, etc. Used white towels (now black).

Tried to use the handpump, I'm too lame I guess.
I have an air compressor, so I thought, I'm sooo lucky. NOT. Couldn't find the adapter, had to call hubby, found the adapter. Couldn't get the compressor to work. Finally got it to work. Filled my tires. Misplaced the tire gage (again) found the gage. Both tires felt good to my but the reading was 70 PSI.

Checked the tires for leaks again. Filled the tires, again, both are at 75 PSI.
It was now about 9:45 pm. Had to get food for the dog. At 10:15, ate and icecream sandwich.

Got up at 5, checked tire pressure, still at 75 PSI. Put air in the tires again, still at 75 PSI.

Took the bike out, felt a bump, not a flat, but a rolling bump, so everytime the back tire rolled, it was like there was something there in under the tire. The faster I went the more bumpy I got.

Turned down another street, newly paved, still rolling bump. Pulled over to the brand new drug store parking lot, newly paved also and well lit at 5:15 am and traffic free. :cool:

Played with bike tire for about 40 minutes.
Got home at 6:20
Fed Dog
Took shower
Put bike in car
I'll be at the bike shop at noon.

SadieKate

08-11-2005, 09:49 AM

ACG - are you using an air compressor meant for cars? How high a pressure is it meant to go? I'd be afraid to leave it unattended in case it blew the tube and tire off the rim.

When you're at the LBS, I would recommend investing in a floor pump. SO, much better and easier and accurate. We have one in the car so that tires get pumped up once we're at the ride and it's elevation. Elevation may not be a factor for you, but yellow keeps dragging me out to high altitude rides . . . oh wait, I just suggested one at Donner Pass. Oops. :p

ACG

08-11-2005, 10:35 AM

The compressor I have is the kind you can use for cars/nail guns, etc. I've used it before. I don't leave my tires unattended. I'll be looking at foot pumps today.

mainerider

08-11-2005, 10:51 AM

CorsairMac

08-11-2005, 12:41 PM

I usually check my tires every couple of rides. I didn't check this morning because I had just put air in yesterday. I got a couple of miles down the road, climbed a hill, and said hmmm I hear alot of rubber. Pulled over, felt rear wheel, almost flat. Checked for any causes, didn't find any. I turned around and road back to work. I had about 20 lbs of air. I filled it, we'll see if there is any air left when I get out of work. I'm bummed because it is a new tire and new tube. I hate changing the rear tire because I have trouble getting the wheel back into place even after the lbs had a class on it.

Maureen

It could just be a pinch flat - especially since you said you just changed out your tube. Now that it's gone flat and you've reinflated it Should be OK. If you get home and it isn't, you can let the air out, rock the tire back and forth on the rim - you Don't need to take it off the rim, just try to get the pinches out of the tube - and reinflate.

Been wondering this about CO2 cartridges...
Does one cartridge fill up an entire tube? Road and MTB?
And if you just need to top off your air pressure, can you use CO2? Or is it a one-shot deal sort of thing...once you've punctured the cartridge, do you have to use it all at once?

Hate my teenytiny pump...very ineffective and it doesn't fit in my under-saddle pack, so I have have it strapped on the bottom of the pack with thick rubberbands...hehe ugly but it works. Don't like to carry things in my jersey pocket other than yummies and route sheets!

whew - lots of ??s here:

Does one cartridge fill up an entire tube? yes
Road and MTB? yes
And if you just need to top off your air pressure, can you use CO2? yes you could but if you're only talking about 20-30 lbs and you're home.....I just use the pump.
once you've punctured the cartridge, do you have to use it all at once? no - as a matter of fact I'm carrying a partial cartridge right now in it's "case" and an extra full one.

I don't even carry a pump on my road bikes - I only carry CO2 cartridges.

SadieKate

08-11-2005, 12:46 PM

I don't even carry a pump on my road bikes - I only carry CO2 cartridges.Not me!!! Sumthin' will happen in the boondocks and I won't be able to get home. Ask Mr. Jobob about his friend who had 3 cartridges and, yup, 4 flats.

CorsairMac

08-11-2005, 01:07 PM

Not me!!! Sumthin' will happen in the boondocks and I won't be able to get home. Ask Mr. Jobob about his friend who had 3 cartridges and, yup, 4 flats.

ROFL - in that case I'll just sit down on the side of the road and start crying! who knows - maybe the next Ex Mr CMac will show up!! ;)

bikerchick68

08-11-2005, 01:36 PM

Hey biker chick?....why not just carry an extra cartridge? I always carry 1 cartridge in the housing and an extra one on the side. If I'm riding alone over very long distance - I pack 2 more in the camelback, that way I've got Plenty just in case!

well that would just totally make too much sense! :eek: :D

I carry a tool and a tube adn levers already so the one cartidge with dispenser is all I can fit in seat bag... if I do a century I carry an extra in my back pocket... I guess I could go get a bigger seatbag huh??? :D

bikerchick68

08-11-2005, 01:38 PM

[QUOTE=abarensfeld7 Hate my teenytiny pump...very ineffective and it doesn't fit in my under-saddle pack, so I have have it strapped on the bottom of the pack with thick rubberbands...hehe ugly but it works. Don't like to carry things in my jersey pocket other than yummies and route sheets![/QUOTE]

they make a little plastic piece that screws right into your bottle cages that will hold your pump! It costs maybe $5 and the pump is outta the way and always attached right to the bike... :)

eofelis

08-12-2005, 07:52 AM

My SO John is a darn good bike mechanic and he takes care of my bikes, even airing up the tires before each ride. He has a cranky old Zefal floor pump that he likes but I don't get along with it. So I went out and got a $20 Serfas floor pump at REI. It has two holes on the head, one for presta, one for schrader, and a gauge too. It works great and now I can air up my own tires easily.

I air up at every ride, or every other day or so. I carry a small Zefal pump on my road bike, plus CO2. I also have a Topeak Roadmorph for touring and commuting.

wabisabi

08-12-2005, 12:33 PM

About pumps....the first time I used a new one I realized that the part with the holes in it had to be pulled apart and the presta valve stem piece put into place (if that makes any sense); actually a fellow rider showed me.

I sometimes use a CO2 to top off my road bike tire. I have one of the holders that lets me control the amount going into the tire. The thing I noticed with CO2's is that you need to be sure to check the tire inflation because the CO2 gas seems to leak out (or something) after sitting even overnight. Friends have mentioned this phenomena also.

bikerz

08-12-2005, 12:43 PM

OT: Wabisabi - I keep meaning to tell you that I love your Iris Murdoch line!

Trek420

08-12-2005, 12:46 PM

wabisabi sez "the CO2 gas seems to leak out (or something) after sitting even overnight. Friends have mentioned this phenomena also."

My understanding is the CO2 is under pressure, like concentrated. Once outa the canister it deflates. So it's a fast efficient way to top off tires and I'm leaning towards getting one but you have to check the tires each day.

About the teeny tiny pumps, I use

http://www.torelli.com/parts/acces.html

6 1/2" long fits in the under seat bag and actually works. Yes it's quite the upperbody workout and frame pumps work best and co2 is faster but this mini pump does the job in a pinch.

SadieKate

08-12-2005, 12:54 PM

Aren't CO2 molecules smaller than oxygen molecules? So, they slip through the tube faster? The english major just pondering and trying to remember what she learned in high school, but that was the last century. :p

MomOnBike

08-12-2005, 08:25 PM

Aren't CO2 molecules smaller than oxygen molecules?

I don't think so. Oxygen is 2 oxygen atoms. CO2 adds a carbon to the 2 oxygen. Maybe there is something about the shape of the molecules/shape of the tube molecules that does it?

I've seen other people report that the CO2 leaks faster than dumb old air, but nobody can explain why.

Hmmm :thinking harder: Air is mostly nitrogen. Maybe the nitrogen molecules are bigger than the CO2 molecules? :confused:

I'll have to ask my daughter - the budding chemist.

abarensfeld7

08-13-2005, 06:35 AM

The thing I noticed with CO2's is that you need to be sure to check the tire inflation because the CO2 gas seems to leak out (or something) after sitting even overnight.

Hmm this makes me think I'll stay away from CO2 -- why bother with a gas that doesn't even like to keep my tires pumped up?

Well...'spose I'd just be using it for roadside flats.
What do you all think about the cost aspect?

CorsairMac

08-15-2005, 11:13 AM

I haven't had any issues with using C02 and leaking air. I had a front tire I inflated using CO2 and it was still inflated to max a week later. I'm wondering if it's more damage to the tube or a pinch flat than it is the CO2?

wabisabi

08-15-2005, 01:49 PM

Bikerz, thanks--and isn't it getting even more true? I saw $3.09 up here yesterday for premium gas.

SimpleCycle

08-15-2005, 05:23 PM

Whatever the reason CO2 doesn't stay in your tires, here's how I deal with it. I use a CO2 inflator for roadside flats. When I get home, I completely deflate the tire and reinflate with my floor pump. The CO2 really is just an emergency measure to keep you riding with a tire at full pressure. They are favored by my riding partners because they are so much faster. But I had a friend drop out of a ride last year because he had three cartridges and four flats. I suppose after flat #4, he was so far off his PR finishing time it wouldn't have mattered much if he'd had another cartridge.