My New Dream Commuter Bike -- MEC Chance
09-16-12, 04:39 PM
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My New Dream Commuter Bike -- MEC Chance
I just settled on my dream commuter bike. Its the 'Chance' from Mountain Equipment Co-Op. I originally wanted a Nexus or Alfine IGH with a belt drive but all my LBS had to special order them, no fitting and non-refundable. This bike has the Alfine 11 IGH and standard chain. I've ridden it about 400 KM so far and its performed well. Nice thing about Mountain Equipment Co-Op is that they let you swap out parts if you don't like what the bike came with. I let them keep the pedals and got store credit, I swapped out the tires and grips for better ones. Only downside of the bike is the Fizik Nisene saddle it came with--its the worst saddle I've ever used. I'm going to return it for store credit. https://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Cycling/Bikes/PRD~5024-502/mec-chance-bicycle-unisex.jsp
Last night after 400 KM I got my first flat on the rear tire. I've been watching the tires for glass and punctures but hadn't seen anything, and it doesn't look like any spokes were sticking through the rim tape. What I did notice once I re-inflated the tube is that it has all kinds of bulges and looks like its been twisted. I found the hole and it is right along one of the 'twist lines' that can be seen in the second zoomed in picture. Also, when inflated the valve sticks almost sideways instead of straight down. Is this just a defective tube or a really sloppy install?
Last night after 400 KM I got my first flat on the rear tire. I've been watching the tires for glass and punctures but hadn't seen anything, and it doesn't look like any spokes were sticking through the rim tape. What I did notice once I re-inflated the tube is that it has all kinds of bulges and looks like its been twisted. I found the hole and it is right along one of the 'twist lines' that can be seen in the second zoomed in picture. Also, when inflated the valve sticks almost sideways instead of straight down. Is this just a defective tube or a really sloppy install?
Last edited by cycle.stig; 09-16-12 at 04:44 PM. Reason: add info
09-17-12, 12:17 AM
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Hrumph!
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Bikes: 2007 Dahon Cadenza w/ Alfine IGH11, modified MEC Desire w/Alfine IGH8,+ 2 ebikes: Bionx PL350 & 36V eZee FHB/Tidalforce frames.
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Nice bike! After looking for a new frame to replace my previous commuter and coming up with bupkis I bought an MEC Desire (same frame) and swapped my wheel-set (Handspun Pavement series 2 Shimano IGH rear and dynohub up front) and various commuter bits over. Very happy with my choice.
That innertube on the other hand... yikes!
That innertube on the other hand... yikes!
09-17-12, 12:47 AM
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Looks like a very bad tube installation ... next time try a little talcum powder when seating the tube in the tire 
09-17-12, 12:32 PM
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Agreed, a very bad install. Wasn't me though. That's how it came brand new from the shop. I'm gonna take the tube in and ask for a new one. It's not like there expensive, it's just the principle of it.
09-17-12, 06:41 PM
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Nice ride! Love the trekking bars, too! Run a cotton ball through the inside of the tire to look for slivers of glass, etc. before installing new tube.
09-18-12, 07:25 AM
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Yes, that's a proper commuter...with a whole lotta handlebar! I like it!
I'd probably go with a full coverage front fender myself, though.
I'd probably go with a full coverage front fender myself, though.
