I fought the law of averages, and the law of averages won
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Washington County, Vermont, USA
Posts: 3,778
Bikes: 1966 Dawes Double Blue, 1976 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1975 Raleigh Sprite 27, 1980 Univega Viva Sport, 1971 Gitane Tour de France, 1984 Lotus Classique, 1976 Motobecane Grand Record
Mentioned: 77 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 765 Post(s)
Liked 660 Times
in
351 Posts
I fought the law of averages, and the law of averages won
I have always been pretty conscientious about bringing a spare tube, pump, and a few tools when I go for a ride. But I have started to get lazy, and sometimes don't bother when I'm going on a short ride--if, for example, the bike I'm going to ride is already on the porch, and my flat-kit seat bag is on another bike in the shed.
Today I finally got caught out. My friend Mark and I met on the road for a socially-distanced 10 mile out-and-back, the outbound leg of which is almost all uphill and the return almost all downhill. Partway through the downhill leg I felt that familiar flup-flup-flup of the back tire.
Mark had a pump and an extra tube, but because he was riding this absurd bikepacking-type bike--not sure what you'd even call such a thing--his gigantic tube was of no use to me. I would have like to scold him for not having a patch kit, but felt that I was in no position to do so.
We'd left our separate cars back in Marshfield village, and he offered to come and pick me up, but in the light of maintaining our distance I said I'd just walk and sent him on his way. I actually had a very pleasant two-mile walk, wheeling my bike along with the early evening sun in my face, when--with a mile and a half still to go--my wife appeared in our other car, Mark having called her to explain that I'd be late.
I apologized for having her come out, and said that she hadn't needed to bother. But she was in good spirits, since it was the first time she had been off our hill in about two weeks. Also, I found a fairly good-quality 9/16" combination wrench a few hundred yards before she met me. So it all ended well. Lesson learned.
If anyone wants a 9/16" combination wrench (Chinese-made, not Snap-on or anything like that), it's yours for the cost of postage.
Today I finally got caught out. My friend Mark and I met on the road for a socially-distanced 10 mile out-and-back, the outbound leg of which is almost all uphill and the return almost all downhill. Partway through the downhill leg I felt that familiar flup-flup-flup of the back tire.
Mark had a pump and an extra tube, but because he was riding this absurd bikepacking-type bike--not sure what you'd even call such a thing--his gigantic tube was of no use to me. I would have like to scold him for not having a patch kit, but felt that I was in no position to do so.
We'd left our separate cars back in Marshfield village, and he offered to come and pick me up, but in the light of maintaining our distance I said I'd just walk and sent him on his way. I actually had a very pleasant two-mile walk, wheeling my bike along with the early evening sun in my face, when--with a mile and a half still to go--my wife appeared in our other car, Mark having called her to explain that I'd be late.
I apologized for having her come out, and said that she hadn't needed to bother. But she was in good spirits, since it was the first time she had been off our hill in about two weeks. Also, I found a fairly good-quality 9/16" combination wrench a few hundred yards before she met me. So it all ended well. Lesson learned.
If anyone wants a 9/16" combination wrench (Chinese-made, not Snap-on or anything like that), it's yours for the cost of postage.
__________________
www.redclovercomponents.com
"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long."
--Ogden Nash
www.redclovercomponents.com
"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long."
--Ogden Nash
Likes For jonwvara:
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,159
Mentioned: 481 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3811 Post(s)
Liked 6,715 Times
in
2,613 Posts
Glad you didn’t get eaten by hungry Vermont wolves, Jon.
Likes For nlerner:
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Washington County, Vermont, USA
Posts: 3,778
Bikes: 1966 Dawes Double Blue, 1976 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1975 Raleigh Sprite 27, 1980 Univega Viva Sport, 1971 Gitane Tour de France, 1984 Lotus Classique, 1976 Motobecane Grand Record
Mentioned: 77 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 765 Post(s)
Liked 660 Times
in
351 Posts
Yeah, that was another way in which I lucked out.
By the way, I was riding my Gran Sport with the Model 99 crank that you provided. Thanks again! Great gearing that some around here would would no doubt find laughably low--46-32 chainrings and a 14-17-21-24-28-34 Ultra 6 freewheel.
By the way, I was riding my Gran Sport with the Model 99 crank that you provided. Thanks again! Great gearing that some around here would would no doubt find laughably low--46-32 chainrings and a 14-17-21-24-28-34 Ultra 6 freewheel.
__________________
www.redclovercomponents.com
"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long."
--Ogden Nash
www.redclovercomponents.com
"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long."
--Ogden Nash
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,552
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,585 Times
in
2,344 Posts
Wonder if there’s a way to mcgiver a fix for that like tie a cpl knots in the tube or something
#5
Quidam Bike Super Hero
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Stone Mountain, GA (Metro Atlanta, East)
Posts: 1,135
Bikes: 1995 Trek 800 Sport, aka, "CamelTrek"
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 331 Post(s)
Liked 415 Times
in
282 Posts
I think you locate the hole and tie the tube to place the hole within the knot (air would not reach it ofc). Then pump the tube. Supposedly little to no effect to rolling. I haven't tried it, though....
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 996
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 457 Post(s)
Liked 462 Times
in
270 Posts
I have 2 seat bags with tubes and patch kits and C02, but I have 4 bikes, and I too end up out the door quick at times realizing that I don't have flat repair capacity with me, this thread is a good reminder to not do that!
#7
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 6,625
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3890 Post(s)
Liked 6,488 Times
in
3,211 Posts
Sounds about right. My big saddle bag stays on one bike. The second biggest stays in a drawer, and the remaining four bikes usually share two cheap little bags, like these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bicycle-Bik...PSYIkcRtBfJAzw
It's just for a patch kit, key, and thin wallet. Have to wear a jersey with pockets to add a phone or spare tube.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bicycle-Bik...PSYIkcRtBfJAzw
It's just for a patch kit, key, and thin wallet. Have to wear a jersey with pockets to add a phone or spare tube.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Fredericksburg, Va
Posts: 9,579
Bikes: '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, '94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster, Tern Link D8
Mentioned: 73 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1609 Post(s)
Liked 2,216 Times
in
1,103 Posts
I try to keep common repair items in a plastic bag by the helmet/shoes or gloves. All of which I try to keep together in one place. Tubes are stored on the bike somewhere, bag or storage bottle in the extra water bottle cage. Still.....
__________________
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
#9
Quidam Bike Super Hero
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Stone Mountain, GA (Metro Atlanta, East)
Posts: 1,135
Bikes: 1995 Trek 800 Sport, aka, "CamelTrek"
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 331 Post(s)
Liked 415 Times
in
282 Posts
One bike makes it easier:
several tools for tightening and flats,
two tubes for when nails find them,
one medium topeak to rule them all,
and in the darkness bind them....
Merde! Just realized, I need a flashlight....
several tools for tightening and flats,
two tubes for when nails find them,
one medium topeak to rule them all,
and in the darkness bind them....
Merde! Just realized, I need a flashlight....
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,516
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3241 Post(s)
Liked 2,512 Times
in
1,510 Posts
You don't want to "clash" with the law. The law will always win the fight.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 996
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 457 Post(s)
Liked 462 Times
in
270 Posts
Sounds about right. My big saddle bag stays on one bike. The second biggest stays in a drawer, and the remaining four bikes usually share two cheap little bags, like these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bicycle-Bik...PSYIkcRtBfJAzw
It's just for a patch kit, key, and thin wallet. Have to wear a jersey with pockets to add a phone or spare tube.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bicycle-Bik...PSYIkcRtBfJAzw
It's just for a patch kit, key, and thin wallet. Have to wear a jersey with pockets to add a phone or spare tube.
Likes For jackbombay:
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,847
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2338 Post(s)
Liked 2,827 Times
in
1,543 Posts
the Clash-ic
the big hit every one remembers bobby fuller
original Crickets without buddy holly
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Last edited by squirtdad; 04-08-20 at 01:00 PM.
Likes For squirtdad:
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Washington County, Vermont, USA
Posts: 3,778
Bikes: 1966 Dawes Double Blue, 1976 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1975 Raleigh Sprite 27, 1980 Univega Viva Sport, 1971 Gitane Tour de France, 1984 Lotus Classique, 1976 Motobecane Grand Record
Mentioned: 77 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 765 Post(s)
Liked 660 Times
in
351 Posts
Thanks for that--I was starting to wonder if I was the only one who remembered that song. Or if maybe I'd just imagined that it was a song.
__________________
www.redclovercomponents.com
"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long."
--Ogden Nash
www.redclovercomponents.com
"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long."
--Ogden Nash
Likes For jonwvara:
#15
Junior Member
It’s always the short ‘I don’t need tools for this’ rides that will get you. Last week, introducing my daughter to mountain biking I fell victim myself. I did pack a tube and pump but left the tool pack behind. Not far into the ride as I pulled up on the bar to wheelie over something I felt the handlebar slip in it mounts. As I twisted it back into place I thought well that felt too easy. I managed to finish the ride without alerting my daughter and riding pretty carefully, and I won’t make that mistake again. Until of course I forget this experience and do ; )
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Posts: 11,674
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1372 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,752 Times
in
939 Posts
Tools, these days, look a lot like a cell phone. I do, however, carry tire levers, a patch kit(used to carry a spare inner tube, but a patch is just as good and takes up very little storage space), a six in adjustable wrench, three allen wrenches, a pocket knife in Canada or a machete in Jamaica, a lighter and, of course my pump.. I also keep a short length of rope with me...
That said, many a time have I had to walk home, particularly in Jamaica. Two of those walks, one about 5km, the other 7km, put the finishing touches on my SPD shoes. They, and my worn out padded half gloves, stayed in Jamaica when my wife and I made a run for it with hopes of being safer from the virus...
That said, many a time have I had to walk home, particularly in Jamaica. Two of those walks, one about 5km, the other 7km, put the finishing touches on my SPD shoes. They, and my worn out padded half gloves, stayed in Jamaica when my wife and I made a run for it with hopes of being safer from the virus...
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Hotel CA / DFW
Posts: 1,733
Bikes: 83 Colnago Super, 87 50th Daccordi, 79 & 87 Guerciotti's, 90s DB/GT Mtn Bikes, 90s Colnago Master and Titanio, 96 Serotta Colorado TG, 95/05 Colnago C40/C50, 06 DbyLS TI, 08 Lemond Filmore FG SS, 12 Cervelo R3, 20/15 Surly Stragler & Steamroller
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 601 Post(s)
Liked 781 Times
in
498 Posts
I have always been pretty conscientious about bringing a spare tube, pump, and a few tools when I go for a ride. But I have started to get lazy, and sometimes don't bother when I'm going on a short ride--if, for example, the bike I'm going to ride is already on the porch, and my flat-kit seat bag is on another bike in the shed.
Today I finally got caught out. My friend Mark and I met on the road for a socially-distanced 10 mile out-and-back, the outbound leg of which is almost all uphill and the return almost all downhill. Partway through the downhill leg I felt that familiar flup-flup-flup of the back tire.
Mark had a pump and an extra tube, but because he was riding this absurd bikepacking-type bike--not sure what you'd even call such a thing--his gigantic tube was of no use to me. I would have like to scold him for not having a patch kit, but felt that I was in no position to do so.
We'd left our separate cars back in Marshfield village, and he offered to come and pick me up, but in the light of maintaining our distance I said I'd just walk and sent him on his way. I actually had a very pleasant two-mile walk, wheeling my bike along with the early evening sun in my face, when--with a mile and a half still to go--my wife appeared in our other car, Mark having called her to explain that I'd be late.
I apologized for having her come out, and said that she hadn't needed to bother. But she was in good spirits, since it was the first time she had been off our hill in about two weeks. Also, I found a fairly good-quality 9/16" combination wrench a few hundred yards before she met me. So it all ended well. Lesson learned.
If anyone wants a 9/16" combination wrench (Chinese-made, not Snap-on or anything like that), it's yours for the cost of postage.
Today I finally got caught out. My friend Mark and I met on the road for a socially-distanced 10 mile out-and-back, the outbound leg of which is almost all uphill and the return almost all downhill. Partway through the downhill leg I felt that familiar flup-flup-flup of the back tire.
Mark had a pump and an extra tube, but because he was riding this absurd bikepacking-type bike--not sure what you'd even call such a thing--his gigantic tube was of no use to me. I would have like to scold him for not having a patch kit, but felt that I was in no position to do so.
We'd left our separate cars back in Marshfield village, and he offered to come and pick me up, but in the light of maintaining our distance I said I'd just walk and sent him on his way. I actually had a very pleasant two-mile walk, wheeling my bike along with the early evening sun in my face, when--with a mile and a half still to go--my wife appeared in our other car, Mark having called her to explain that I'd be late.
I apologized for having her come out, and said that she hadn't needed to bother. But she was in good spirits, since it was the first time she had been off our hill in about two weeks. Also, I found a fairly good-quality 9/16" combination wrench a few hundred yards before she met me. So it all ended well. Lesson learned.
If anyone wants a 9/16" combination wrench (Chinese-made, not Snap-on or anything like that), it's yours for the cost of postage.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,159
Mentioned: 481 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3811 Post(s)
Liked 6,715 Times
in
2,613 Posts
Many years ago I was out on a ride on a local MUP, probably about 10 miles from home, when my rear tire went flat. Well, no problem, as I had a spare tube, pump, and tire levers. What I didn’t realize was that my spare tube had a faulty valve (who checks their spare tube?), and I didn’t have a patch kit. It was a long walk home.
#19
Freewheel Medic
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Posts: 12,885
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1453 Post(s)
Liked 2,196 Times
in
963 Posts
I've also decided to carry a can of Vittoria Pit Stop, along with a tube, patch kit, pump and tools. Weighs just a few ounces and takes up about the same amount of space as a CO2 inflator.
One saved my bacon just last week.
One saved my bacon just last week.
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Madison, WI USA
Posts: 6,157
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2364 Post(s)
Liked 1,751 Times
in
1,193 Posts
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: location location
Posts: 3,035
Bikes: MBK Super Mirage 1991, CAAD10, Yuba Mundo Lux, and a Cannondale Criterium Single Speed
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 344 Post(s)
Liked 297 Times
in
207 Posts
And now every time I get home from a ride where I forgot my pump I'll be singing
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,847
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2338 Post(s)
Liked 2,827 Times
in
1,543 Posts
Many years ago I was out on a ride on a local MUP, probably about 10 miles from home, when my rear tire went flat. Well, no problem, as I had a spare tube, pump, and tire levers. What I didn’t realize was that my spare tube had a faulty valve (who checks their spare tube?), and I didn’t have a patch kit. It was a long walk home.
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Schwenksville, Pa
Posts: 2,772
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 276 Post(s)
Liked 339 Times
in
179 Posts
Nothing more sad than to see someone walking a bike. I did the walk of shame when I was a half mile from my house when I got a flat and figured it was easier to fix it at home. As everyone is looking at me, I felt like screaming "Yes I know how to fix a bike!".
__________________
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
Likes For Kobe:
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,847
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2338 Post(s)
Liked 2,827 Times
in
1,543 Posts
And now every time I get home from a ride where I forgot my pump I'll be singing The Dead Kennedys
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: socal
Posts: 4,266
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 883 Post(s)
Liked 824 Times
in
623 Posts
I did the walk with a flat close to home, so that makes at least two different reasons. Someone should start a thread on the WOS. AIR, Bobby Fuller's career was taking off when he was found shot dead in his car in LA. Unsolved AFAIK.