No! No! It cannot be!

[Lise]

Hi, Grog,

These Presta valves have a little bit at the end which can get bent and snap off. John at the LBS was reluctant to say it was my fault; "it happens" was the most I'd get out of him. Neither valve had a cover when I got the bike. I can imagine that a combination of my pulling the pump head off the valve at an angle plus wear and tear from the road could cause them to snap off.

I knew that about the chain. Oddly enough, I couldn't figure out how to shift it to get it onto the smallest cog, so I got it as low as I could, and counted. It'll go back onto the 4th smallest cog. That will be the trick for next time, shifting it onto the right cog. I've asked my family for a bike stand for my birthday, which is next month. If they don't give me one, I'll just buy it. Would've made the wheel removal much easier. I really want to clean and lube both chains, and really don't relish doing it without a stand.

Dachshund, do we have the same bike? I can't remember. I'm telling you, break the bead, man! At least I've gone through it ahead of you, so however it goes for you, you're not alone! L.

PS: The Bontrager tube box has a great illustration of the tire bead fitting into the wheel, and complete instructions for changing it. Seeing that picture confirmed my understanding and helped me wrangle the tire off and on.