Jason’s Blog

Being new to a bicycle and not really having a manufacturers recommended service schedule as you do with a car, knowing when to replace components can be a little tricky at times.  I had noticed that my rear tire seemed to have a odd bulge in it.  Upon further inspection, a colleague showed me stretch marks in the tire and told me that a blowout was imminent.

Unlike a car, when you have  blowout, there are not 3 other wheels.  While the more dangerous one for both a car and bike are the wheels that do the steering, it is still very scary and shocking when a wheel blows much like the surprise you get when a balloon pops, only you are riding on the balloon!

Getting replacement parts

Normally I am a bargain shopper, getting the best product I can find at the best price.  This normally means online retailers with free shipping and no tax as opposed to retail stores with retail pricing and tax on top.  I usually can wait a few days or a week since I plan ahead and usually have spares on hand.  In this case I could not wait and did not have a spare on hand.  With anything rubber and flexible, you don’t want to store it and then expect it to be in perfect condition unless you can keep it from the air in a vacuum.  A good example would be expiration dates on those little “safe” devices us grownups use :)  Though they are sealed..perhaps that is a gimmick in itself.

I trotted down to the local bike shop, there are many in a big city which is nice, trying to find a specific tire.  No such luck, but definitely many choices and leave it to an expert to help me choose.  I ended up with a Continental Grand Prix 4000s.  I had heard about these and after recommendations, took the plunge and spent the $60, minus WABA member discount on it.  My plan was to order another when I got home for the front wheel which was not in nearly as bad shape, but my bike was dangerous to ride.

While I was at it..

While I was taking apart my bike, I decided to do a few more things which made me feel like I was giving my bike a good overhaul, though I really did not replace many of the parts at all.

• Replaced Tire
• Saved the thorn proof tube and installed a lighter one for speed :)
• Cleaned the bike since I had the wheels off.
• Lubed the drive chain (Well “waxed” with White Lightening)
• Replaced the rear brake pads, since I had the wheel off and I use them more than I should, I have been told.
• Replaced the sweaty nasty padding in my helmet.  Mine came with an extra set.
• Picked up my gloves that were special ordered for me. I had lost a glove about 3 weeks ago and they finally came in to the local shop.

So…when I rode in to work it was nice having a comfy helmet, 2 gloves, a near silent drive train, and a new tire which was not going to blow out on me at any moment.

No manuals

As you can see, the things I did were totally based on my riding and would be different for everyone.  I would recommend checking your breaks and certainly your tires.  If you leave your bike outside, there are quite a few things you need to check.  It is better that you don’t leave it outside if possible and definitely not when it’s raining to prolong the life of your bike components.

• Tires for Sun Rot
• Chain and Drive Train for Rust and Binding.  You will want to lube your chain often.

Happy Riding!

Spring is finally here it seems in DC.  The weather today is like yesterday, supposed to get up into the mid 60s, and with the sun, that means shorts and t-shirts!!!!!

We all know what that means….time to start tanning!  In my case I live with a “farmers” tan in the summer and become a ghost in the winter.  I imagine my ghostly appearance yesterday as I commuted home likely blinded a few drivers, but kept me safe on my bike.   :)

For those if you close to the equator, you are not allowed to comment.  Those north of DC, sorry, but if you want warmer weather, you need to move south :)  I am from Upstate NY originally and they have a high of 52.  Glad I don’t live in Ankorage, Alaska…. 13 degrees and partly cloudy.

Have a great day!  Think Spring!

I was just about to stop at my apartment and within a split second… was on the ground. 

I did notice some water on the ground and while it was wet, did not appear to be frozen.  It did not feel like it was cold enough outside, but when coming inside after, noticed that the current temperature was 32 degrees.  I had just changed my tires a few weeks ago and this was the first time I had ridden in wet conditions.  The tires I purchased were Hutchison Equinox which promised good grip in wintery conditions.  Not to blame the tires, but with over 2000 miles on the OEM bike tire without a problem, I am a little skeptical.  

As I laid on the ground with pain in my leg and arm, I was thankful that I had long pants and 3 long sleeved shirts on.  My fear was to crash with a lot of exposed skin and scraping along the ground picking up stones and other debris under the skin.  At quick glance I did not have any holes in my clothes and did no notice any bleeding.  My ankles seemed to be okay and my Crank Brothers cleats and pedals separated as expected and I was thankful I did not have any broken bones.  

Initially I was a little in shock….I think I blacked out for a brief moment as I focused my eyes and checked out the scene.  My leg was a bit stiff and seemed quite painful along with my arm.  I finally got myself up and limped into my building.  I was trying to walk off the accident.

Upon inspection I noticed a hole in my bottom long sleeved layer and a scrape on my arm and under my pants and shorts which were not torn, a large bruise and a few scrapes on my leg.  It is very sore to the touch and hoping that by tomorrow I will be walking normally :)

So…..I had been afraid of falling off my bike and envisioned it would involve a flat tire, broken chain, frame….something that failed and did not expect to fall on a small patch of water.

Since mid April 2008 I have been riding my bicycle almost exclusively.  Besides a cold or vacation, I have ridden every day.  My motivation was 3 fold….

1. Save time on way to work….. Georgetown University, in response to complaints by rich stay at home residents, changed the bus route from direct one to one that utilized major roadways and not a side street.  It did not seem logical to me, nor did I want to get up earlier.  It takes me less time to ride from my apt to work than the bus ride alone!
2. Save money…. my part time job was in Friendship Heights immediately following my main job and it was necessary to take public transportation to make it in time.
3. Save time on way to volunteer activities.  There are bike racks in the parking garage at the Air and Space Museum and one near the entrance of the National Zoo.  Again, saving metrofare.
4. Vehicle for fun.  If I ever do get a chance, there are lots of beautiful trails to go on in the Greater Metro Area.  My partner got one as well.
5. Exercise – More of a side effect, but certainly a benefit.