Mechanical Woes

First, I seem to have an issue with the seat post on my new Karate Monkey. After finally tightening the crap out of the collar bolt, it still slipped down about an inch on my last ride. It was only 11 miles, and while it was gravel, it should never move. I posted it to the LHT and CC Google group, looking for anyone who may have had a similar experience, and I did learn of others having such problems on other bikes. There was a case where the same thing happened with a LHT, and Surly came to the table and ended up sending a new replacement frame. Good on ya Surly. I need to measure my seat post and make sure that it is the correct diameter. If not, I’ll head to my LBS where I bought the bike and see if we might be able to try a few sizes of seat posts. Hopefully one slightly larger size will do the trick. If not….hhmmm…..I hope to be able to get a new frame to change out. That’s the worst case scenario, and I’d rather not think about that.

Second, not such a big deal, just flat tires. First one was about 3 weeks ago on my LHT. I rode it to work after lunch as I always do, same old route, and when I went to leave that evening, the front tire was completely airless. As I was changing the tube, I was careful to remember where on the wheel the flat happened so I could inspect the wheel and indeed there was something in there that was suspect to me. I forget what that was though. I remember thinking that I’ll just wait and see if I get another flat and then I’ll know I’ll have to deal with whatever the possible cause was. Well, yesterday, that other flat came. Now I really wish I remembered what the suspect cause was. I guess I’ll find out when I take the wheel off.

Third was after lunch today. I drove my truck to work this morning (shame shame shame) and picked up the LHT. (I could change the flat at work, but I’m a wuss and by far prefer working on a stand if I have any choice at all) and was planning on riding my fixie back to work. Went to put on my race blade fenders to help keep the water from jumping up at me. What do I find? A flat rear tire! Argh. I go from having no flats in 3 years, to 3 flats in 3 weeks. Frustrating. Kind of makes me want to just run out and buy some of the toughest most flat-resistant tires I can find (think Schwalbe marathons). Before, while running any tire, even tires I found for free at the recycling yard, I’ve never had a flat. Now, these three. Oh well, I guess we all have to deal with our share of mechanical headaches. I just don’t know why I got all of mine in one lump sum.

Smoothing out the rough stuff

When I bought my fixie wheel set, they came with a cheapo set of 23s. After skidding and skidding and skidding (especially riding in Fresno with no brakes) the rear became very flat. Not flat like no air, but flat like not round. I figured I was getting close to the end of their use, and after 2 years of faithful, puncture free service, they were ready to re-tire. (oh, bad joke)

I figured since the roads were so nasty in Fresno, I'd try some 28s instead of the 23s. Why did I not do that sooner? Just some cheap Continental Ultra Sports, but man do they ever make a difference on bad urban roads. On all roads for that matter.

I've know this in theory, but this is the first bike I've ever actually change the tire width significantly on. I can't say I noticed any difference in my speed, but the road buzz, and harshness of cracks was definitely reduced. They still skid well too.

Matching vehicles

Hey, look at this, when I don't wash my truck, the dirt matches the lettering on my MTB!! Custom truck and bike combo!

Neato!

I decided to ride this bike to work today because it's got the fattest tires and once I left a large amount of air out of the tires, I actually had quite good traction on the freshly fallen snow. Just a fair bit more work grunting around town with flat tires. Oh well. Good work out.

On that subject, if anyone has a Pugsley or has ridden a Pugsly, would you be so kind as to leave a comment on your thoughts? I am thinking that it might be a great little (not really) bike for winter commuting. Any input would be most appreciated.

Cheers,

Jerome