Unusual for them to fail on the left as opposed to the right? You mean he's breaking spokes on the wrong side? The one episode was a definite clip out situation -- and he knows it! Replaced the wheel that time, but I think that's the wheel with HIS tires -- he's using my comfort-beast's wheels now, cuz he likes my tires better!

Yes, it's a fairly low end bike, but if he's having a problem that's particularly unusual, I'll point out to him that the bike gurus have told me it could well be something he's doing. He may not listen to us, but it will get him into the bike shop to be told by guy bike gurus!

Maybe we'll try the washer thing -- it could help for a while, especially if he doesn't want to put a lot into this bike. I'd like to see him get something nicer someday, but it's not cool that he's spending time fixing all the time. He's just not into mechanical fiddling!

Karen in Boise