At last...

[Crankin]

OK ladies, I know this is nothing for most of you, but today, I finally mastered the art (science?) of tire changing. I've been to a class and had several lessons from my husband, but I just could never remember what to do next. I think I've mentioned that I am somewhat of a mechanical dunce, not to mention my spatial skills are non-existent. But, I am a trip leader and even though I lead with my husband, I don't want to be a "helpless" woman. Plus, I have the luxury of being off all summer, but I rarely have done long rides, over 25 miles, alone, because I was freaked out about flatting. Now I feel pretty confident.

What a way to spend a spring break morning. Now on to getting the back wheel off without breaking the derailleur.

[anaphase]

Sweet! Did you master this just by doing it a bunch this week or did you take another class? I have to get better at it. I've only flatted once, in the front, and would really have trouble with the rear, I think.

[Geonz]

I'm going to be practicing over the weekend and try to do it in <10 minutes at the end of my presentation... but I am going to bring the box the tube comes in... and follow the directions!

(Otherwise I'm afraid I *still* forget the sequence of the steps... or to check for glass...)

Fortunately, I know this rim - that little tyre pops right off and on. (Alas, it is not long for this bike's hind parts - it's the one I'm getting replaced.)

THat and I have to *find* the directions for the blender...

[bikerchick68]

Good for you! It's such an important skill to have... I have become adept at it but it happened the hard way... I was out... alone and flatted. I had done it once in the garage but it had been a while.

It took me a looooooong time to change that tube, but I got 'er done! Of course, I flatted 8 more times during the next 3 weeks... which made me VERY proficient at changing flats. After the 9th one I went directly to the LBS and bought Gatorskins.

[Crankin]

Yea my son had to use gatorskins in Tucson. Actually, I have never had a flat out on the road; just 2 in the basement, of my own doing (don't ask!). I don't ride in the rain and the roads around here are fairly free of debris; I'm a fairly cautious rider, though not wimpy.

I just practiced all morning until I "got" it. I used the old wheel from the bike I used to have. I went back and practiced the back wheel removal; first time was a disaster, but my husband came home and gave me some pointers and I was able to do it the second time without totally mangling the chain.

I am going to an American League of Bicyclists class for Intermediate/Advanced cyclists in a couple of weeks. Hopefully, I will get more hands on practice there.

[Bike Goddess]

Robyn- Here's another trick for back wheel changes-

BEFORE you take the wheel off the bike get the chain wheel into the smallest chainring on the front and the smallest cog on the back. That way you get the most slack on your chain. Best to have someone around so you can have them hold up the back wheel while you do the shifting. Works like a charm and makes the wheel easier to get on afterwards!