Display bike and tire pressure
01-03-22, 12:10 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Display bike and tire pressure
Hello!
I'm restoring a Benotto 850 that I found abandoned. I don't intend to ride it, as its not my size, and the frame is known for breaking at the seat tube / bottom bracket weld.
I do want however to make it shine, as I intend to display it on a wall at my home office.
The wall in question is quite high, and I can't easily reach it, so I was wondering what can I do with the tires to avoid having to pump them up every couple of months to keep them looking good. I know there are solid tires, but I've been unable to find one that has the size I need.
Any idea? I don't care if the bike is unrideable after doing whatever is needed as it will only be a display piece.
I'm restoring a Benotto 850 that I found abandoned. I don't intend to ride it, as its not my size, and the frame is known for breaking at the seat tube / bottom bracket weld.
I do want however to make it shine, as I intend to display it on a wall at my home office.
The wall in question is quite high, and I can't easily reach it, so I was wondering what can I do with the tires to avoid having to pump them up every couple of months to keep them looking good. I know there are solid tires, but I've been unable to find one that has the size I need.
Any idea? I don't care if the bike is unrideable after doing whatever is needed as it will only be a display piece.
01-03-22, 02:29 PM
#2
señor miembro
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The tires need to look of appropriate quality, or it's going to throw the whole bike off. You have at least three options:
1. Mount appropriate tubes/tires and inflate every five months.
2. Mount appropriate tires without tubes and stuff with something like plastic peanuts.
3. Do not mount any rubber on the rims.
1. Mount appropriate tubes/tires and inflate every five months.
2. Mount appropriate tires without tubes and stuff with something like plastic peanuts.
3. Do not mount any rubber on the rims.
01-03-22, 02:43 PM
#3
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In my experience, if you don't have anything pressing against the tire, then a suspended bike with severely underinflated tires will not necessarily look it. A less supple wire bead tire (like Michelin Dynamic Classic) will hold its shape fairly well, despite having only a few psi in the tube. It's why I check and reinflate before every ride!
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01-03-22, 03:21 PM
#4
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I'd add: use thick tubes that are known not to have slow leaks (I assume everyone else has a diverse stash to draw from, too 
), and go ahead and pump them up as far as you're comfortable when you do. No need to air these down for 15% drop!
), and go ahead and pump them up as far as you're comfortable when you do. No need to air these down for 15% drop!
01-03-22, 03:27 PM
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Back in my bike shop days, we sold these really thick “flat prevention/thorn proof” tubes that were close to solid but not quite. We all hated installing and removing them (the latter of which often involved destroying the tire). Perhaps you can still get those.
01-03-22, 04:07 PM
#6
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Thread Starter
The tires need to look of appropriate quality, or it's going to throw the whole bike off. You have at least three options:
1. Mount appropriate tubes/tires and inflate every five months.
2. Mount appropriate tires without tubes and stuff with something like plastic peanuts.
3. Do not mount any rubber on the rims.
1. Mount appropriate tubes/tires and inflate every five months.
2. Mount appropriate tires without tubes and stuff with something like plastic peanuts.
3. Do not mount any rubber on the rims.
Inflating them every X months is a PITA, as I can't reach the bike easily where I want to hang it.
01-03-22, 04:39 PM
#7
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I wonder if you could somehow fill them with spray foam insulation? Like Great Stuff.
01-03-22, 04:43 PM
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I'd try a flexible foam rod sold by your local hardware/building supply store. Available in diameters up to 1 1/4". Do an internet search for "foam caulk backer rod" or "caulk filler rope."
Brent
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01-03-22, 04:46 PM
#9
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Personally, as stated, I wouldn’t worry about it.
if you want to put something in the tire to hold shape try pipe insulation. It comes in a variety of diameters
if you want to put something in the tire to hold shape try pipe insulation. It comes in a variety of diameters
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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01-03-22, 04:49 PM
#10
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This ^^^. Easy solution.
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Last edited by Eric F; 01-03-22 at 06:21 PM.
01-03-22, 04:56 PM
#11
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I don't know as I've never used the product/s, but what about the stuff they put in tubeless tires? Or that "slime" stuff. Maybe either would provide a more durable seal on the tube.
01-03-22, 05:03 PM
#12
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Thread Starter
That seems like a great idea. I have to find one that fits inside 700x21 tires, but I think it should work!
01-03-22, 05:22 PM
#13
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That pipe insulation is measured for the inside diameter. IOW's, it's measured for what size pipe it's intended to insulate. So, you will have trouble finding something small enough. Perhaps some clear, flexible vinyl tubing? It should have the rigidity to give the appearance of an inflated tire. None of it is sold in metric, though...all in standard...ie. 1/2in, 3/4in, 1in, etc
01-03-22, 05:31 PM
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That pipe insulation is measured for the inside diameter. IOW's, it's measured for what size pipe it's intended to insulate. So, you will have trouble finding something small enough. Perhaps some clear, flexible vinyl tubing? It should have the rigidity to give the appearance of an inflated tire. None of it is sold in metric, though...all in standard...ie. 1/2in, 3/4in, 1in, etc
01-03-22, 05:40 PM
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you need a library ladder.
01-03-22, 05:43 PM
#16
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This stuff is available in 16mm, 18mm, or 20mm outer diameter: https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Tubing.../dp/B09521HQHL
I take back what I said. I haven't seen those options at the Lowe's or Home Depot
01-03-22, 06:16 PM
#17
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I would go with the foam option, but there's also things like the Vittoria Air Liner or Tannus Armour
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01-03-22, 07:31 PM
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Install thorn resistant inner tubes, pump them to prescribed pressure and forget about them for years. They do not bleed air like the flimsy inner tubes commonly fitted to vintage road bikes...
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01-03-22, 09:28 PM
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Hello!
I'm restoring a Benotto 850 that I found abandoned. I don't intend to ride it, as its not my size, and the frame is known for breaking at the seat tube / bottom bracket weld.
I do want however to make it shine, as I intend to display it on a wall at my home office.
The wall in question is quite high, and I can't easily reach it, so I was wondering what can I do with the tires to avoid having to pump them up every couple of months to keep them looking good. I know there are solid tires, but I've been unable to find one that has the size I need.
Any idea? I don't care if the bike is unrideable after doing whatever is needed as it will only be a display piece.
I'm restoring a Benotto 850 that I found abandoned. I don't intend to ride it, as its not my size, and the frame is known for breaking at the seat tube / bottom bracket weld.
I do want however to make it shine, as I intend to display it on a wall at my home office.
The wall in question is quite high, and I can't easily reach it, so I was wondering what can I do with the tires to avoid having to pump them up every couple of months to keep them looking good. I know there are solid tires, but I've been unable to find one that has the size I need.
Any idea? I don't care if the bike is unrideable after doing whatever is needed as it will only be a display piece.
01-04-22, 08:15 AM
#20
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01-04-22, 09:38 AM
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What, can't one link an electric pump to an app these days? "Alexa, pump up my tires"
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