Don't laugh...be kind.

[bootsiebee]

So, I had my first experience today with switching out tires on my own. I put WTB Slickasaurus' (thank you JJ) on my mtb for my upcoming commute debut.
:crazybanana:

Question...

How can I be sure that I didn't pinch the tube between the wheel and tire? I tried my best to poke my fingers in there as I was fitting the tire onto the wheel to make sure the tube was nice and snug up against the tire, but with all the maneuvering I'm not certain I didn't get it pinched... any suggestions?:confused:

[AndrewMay]

Did you have some air in the tube when you were fitting it onto the rim?
That always helps keep the tube in place.

[setzep]

Like Andrew said, a little air in the tube while fitting it up works like a charm.

I seem to have good luck airing it up a little past recommended pressure and back down to almost nothing a couple times to get the tire seated a little better also. I'll do this if I notice the tire seems out of round after I spin it for the first time.

[daviebee]

Congrats to taking things into your own hands ;) and nice choice on the slicks (I just love my WTB Slicks!). You definately need to get one of these (http://www.rei.com/product/627610?vcat=REI_SEARCH)for very quick tire on/off (I can usually mount most tires by hand but this tool makes it very fast!).

I usually pre-inflate the tire a bit (just enough to get it to firm up) and set it into the tire (hint place the stem of the tube near a letter/symbol on the tire so that if you do get a flat you can relate the tube hole to where it is in the tire and also check the tire for rip/object that still be in the tire and could wreck another tube) making sure that tire does not fold any to "fit" into tire. I then set one side of the tire into the rim all around and then finish by setting the other side by either 1. hands at 11 and 3 o'clock position rolling tire edge inside the rim edge (with the tool, once this is set I run it around in a circle to finish setting the tire onto the rim). 2. start inflating, pump, pump, pump paying attention so that there are no bulges forming at the rim edge and the tire is setting onto the rim.

Some, will just set the un-inflated tube into the tire and then set it onto the rim (can be difficult if you have the tube too inflated to set on rim) and then inflate. Either way, I have not had any problems with pinch flats, etc.

Hey bootsie, you do have a pump and patch kit right?? If not i recommend this pump (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=19333&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Show%20All%20Products) from Nasbar which may be cheaper than REI with your discount!

Good work!

[bootsiebee]

Thanks everyone for the tips!

Yeah, I was reading the directions on the back of the tube box (I know... some of us actually need to read that!) and it said something about seating the tube... I had no idea what that meant. I did however inflate my tube so that it took shape and wasn't limp. I was able to figure everything else out as far as getting the old tire out (thanks Dan V for the tool) and getting the new one in. I did have a minor set back when I didn't realize I needed to change my pump parts due to the different type of nozzle (?) on the tube. I struggled with that for longer than I'd like to admit...

I guess my biggest question was - is there a way to know whether or not I've pinched the tube before I head out on my 45 minute commute? It sounds like I won't know until I ride. Guess I'll do a mock ride first.

Let me just say... working on my bike and getting dirty with the tunes cranked was too much fun. :banana: I'm ready for my next project - guess we'll see how my tubes hold up first.!;)

One last Q - recommended PSI for road riding? (WTB Slickasaurus' 1.5 - wt.105lb.)

[berrywise]

I did however inflate my tube so that it took shape and wasn't limp.

:crazy2:

[Slimpee]

T

Let me just say... working on my bike and getting dirty with the tunes cranked was too much fun. :banana: I'm ready for my next project - guess we'll see how my tubes hold up first.!;)


Beers. You forgot the beers. :jumpy:

Working on your own bike is a pretty sweet feeling. That reminds me; I have a pile of parts and a frame hanging from the rafters waiting to be put back together...

[bootsiebee]

:crazy2:

Wow, yeah I guess I did write that. Way to capitalize.

Beers. You forgot the beers. :jumpy:

Working on your own bike is a pretty sweet feeling. That reminds me; I have a pile of parts and a frame hanging from the rafters waiting to be put back together...

Slimpee... dude, give a girl a break man! Lets not forget my safety is at hand here! I need to have a clear and sober mind when I'm doing such complicated things such as changing a tire. :etard:

[bigwheel]

Katie, +1 on everyone's recommendation about having some air in the tube before putting it together.

Right now, let out a bunch (but not all) of air to the point where you can push the bead away from the rim with your fingers. Then, go around the tire (both sides), and push the tire away from the rim. If it is pinched (and has not already popped), the pinch will be removed. Then, fill the tire again.

In general, if you have the time, it is a good practice when putting a tire together to fill it, then let the air out then fill it again. This helps distribute the inner tube around the rim, rather than getting stretched spots and bunched spots.

[Slimpee]

Slimpee... dude, give a girl a break man! Lets not forget my safety is at hand here! I need to have a clear and sober mind when I'm doing such complicated things such as changing a tire. :etard:

Haha, good point. My problem is that i'm not a bike mechanic by any stretch of the imagination so combining ineptitude w/ inebriation probably isn't the best idea...

[dvo1]

;) 2345

[bootsiebee]

In general, if you have the time, it is a good practice when putting a tire together to fill it, then let the air out then fill it again. This helps distribute the inner tube around the rim, rather than getting stretched spots and bunched spots.

Is this what is referred to as "seating the tube"?

[soupboy]

A tire bead can be seated. There is not seating of a tube.

I've never, ever filled, emptied and refilled a tire. I'm a big fan of pouring a bit of baby powder inside the tire and rotating it before mounting with tube. Superstition or not, I very rarely flat a tire as the powder appears to provide enough lube for the tube to move and avoid hot spots.

Is this what is referred to as "seating the tube"?

[daviebee]

Is this what is referred to as "seating the tube"?

I meant seat instead of set in my previous posts...

[Ish]

I would enlist John Lundell, he is the resident expert on tire changing. :D

ditto on the baby powder.

[daviebee]

http://www.hiawathacyclery.com/cart/images/bananabunker.jpg (http://www.hiawathacyclery.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=125&zenid=4a2b23e9a811d3a9589a1e14ed7efe34)

pic is also link

[Pandl]

Everybuddy needs a good banana bunker.

[daviebee]

I'm heading over there for lunch to look at Xtracycles and I may just get one (:banana: bunker that is)

[bootsiebee]

what's a banana bunker?

[Pandl]

what's a banana bunker?
Those neat things in David's picture a couple of posts down.

The actual website: http://bananabunker.com/ Hey, and they are cheaper online, but shipping...

[bootsiebee]

http://www.hiawathacyclery.com/cart/images/bananabunker.jpg (http://www.hiawathacyclery.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=125&zenid=4a2b23e9a811d3a9589a1e14ed7efe34)

pic is also link

how did we get from tubes/tires to banana armour ?:nono:
plus, I like to eat my banana's slightly before they are ripe - so the peel is still firm and protective. anyway - just use some tin foil for a little structure.

just because we can doesn't mean we should.

[daviebee]

how did we get from tubes/tires to banana armour ?:nono:
plus, I like to eat my banana's slightly before they are ripe - so the peel is still firm and protective. anyway - just use some tin foil for a little structure.

just because we can doesn't mean we should.

I believe this thread is :deadhorse:

[OCary]

I believe this thread is :deadhorse:

Well stop posting! Sheesh.

[Paul Swenson]

just use some tin foil for a little structure.


For some reason the airport scene in Spinal Tap comes to mind.

[bootsiebee]

For some reason the airport scene in Spinal Tap comes to mind.

i haven't seen that.:confused:

[OCary]

When you do see it, crank it up to 11.

[Slimpee]

For some reason the airport scene in Spinal Tap comes to mind.

What's wrong w/ being sexy?

[bootsiebee]

ok... lets suspend jokes re: Spinal Tap until I've seen it... then we can all play. :D

ok, so where's this thread going next? :popcorn::beerme: cuz I'm bored.

[Slimpee]

ok... lets suspend jokes re: Spinal Tap until I've seen it... then we can all play. :D

ok, so where's this thread going next? :popcorn::beerme: cuz I'm bored.

You need to see that movie. It's hilarious.

[daviebee]

Well stop posting! Sheesh.

O'Cary shut the trap before I punch you in the kidneys:fool:

by the way I installed new 1.5 tubes and the tires on both rims this weekend and placed needed spacers and cogs on new wheel. It will be sweet when the headset comes in...

[bootsiebee]

You need to see that movie. It's hilarious.

noted.

O'Cary shut the trap before I punch you in the kidneys:fool:

by the way I installed new 1.5 tubes and the tires on both rims this weekend and placed needed spacers and cogs on new wheel. It will be sweet when the headset comes in...

hey o'cary... just a friendly fyi - it's always wise to have someone take a look at your bike between the time db has had his hands on it and the time you ride it... i'm just sayin.

[OCary]

Katy, I have ridden (and climbed) with DB many times; I know all about doublechecking gear to make sure everything is in working order and nothing is missing after he has had his grubby little paws all over everything. :D


On topic of original post: When I changing a tire, I inflate tube slightly so it has shape, put on the tire, kneed the bead all the way around before inflating at all, inflate to 20psi or so, then kneed the bead again. Never had a tire seat out-of-round or had a pinched tube at install time.

[bootsiebee]

kneed the bead all the way around before inflating at all, inflate to 20psi or so, then kneed the bead again.

Is the bead the little flap around the inside the tire that sits inside the rim? Now, what do yo mean by knead? (FYI - I'm totally being serious - this is all new to me.)

[OCary]

Yes, the bead is the thing that holds the tire in rim once inflated.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_bead

And by knead, I just mean push the tire (i.e. bead) away from the rim a bit with your thumbs (grab tire and squeeze it), and roll it away from you a bit. Provided you don't have much pressure in the tire (hence, the 20psi) you will be able to easily move the bead away from the rim and see that the tube is not between the bead an the rim wall.

[bootsiebee]

Yes, the bead is the thing that holds the tire in rim once inflated.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_bead

And by knead, I just mean push the tire (i.e. bead) away from the rim a bit with your thumbs (grab tire and squeeze it), and roll it away from you a bit. Provided you don't have much pressure in the tire (hence, the 20psi) you will be able to easily move the bead away from the rim and see that the tube is not between the bead an the rim wall.

Gotcha. Ok, yeah, I did pretty much do that. Just seemed like a natural thing to do as your fitting the bead into the rim. I might have had a tad bit too much air bc I wasn't able to move the bead away from the rim enough to see where the tube was sitting. Good to know I was on the right track...

Well, after a quick ride tonight - we're a go for my debut commute tomorrow. Wish me luck. Worst part will be getting up that early. I tend to like my snooze button.

[Pandl]

Good luck Katy! Have fun!

[bootsiebee]

Good luck Katy! Have fun!

Thanks Paul!

[daviebee]

Is the bead the little flap around the inside the tire that sits inside the rim? Now, what do yo mean by knead? (FYI - I'm totally being serious - this is all new to me.)

i believe I covered this in post #4:
I then seat one side of the tire into the rim all around and then finish by seating the other side by either 1. hands at 11 and 3 o'clock position rolling tire edge inside the rim edge (with the tool, once this is set I run it around in a circle to finish setting the tire onto the rim). 2. start inflating, pump, pump, pump paying attention so that there are no bulges forming at the rim edge and the tire is setting onto the rim.

still no faith I know what I know huh:incazzato::incazzato::incazzato:, even about silly tires could change when I was 10;)

[bootsiebee]

i believe I covered this in post #4:


still no faith I know what I know huh:incazzato::incazzato::incazzato:, even about silly tires could change when I was 10;)

1. There was no description of "bead" in post #4.
2. I was tying my own shoes at age 2... so there (ask my mom).
3. Step away from the Blackberry...:incazzato:

[OCary]

DB, remember you didn't have faith in my assessment that my cassette was indeed stuck. Just sayin.

My 'kneading' process is done after any tire lever type tool is done being used, and having watched you put on tires our processes are different.

Katy, you have motivated me and I think I might ride in to work tomorrow.

[bootsiebee]

DB, remember you didn't have faith in my assessment that my cassette was indeed stuck. Just sayin.

My 'kneading' process is done after any tire lever type tool is done being used, and having watched you put on tires our processes are different.

Katy, you have motivated me and I think I might ride in to work tomorrow.

Sweet! :banana:What's your route? Mine's from 494/Nicollet area to 394/100 - should be nice - get to go around 3 lakes on the way (the weather looks good too).

[daviebee]

DB, remember you didn't have faith in my assessment that my cassette was indeed stuck. Just sayin.

My 'kneading' process is done after any tire lever type tool is done being used, and having watched you put on tires our processes are different.

Katy, you have motivated me and I think I might ride in to work tomorrow.

Yeah, but I never expected it would foil two of us wrenching on it with a small torch (it's a inside thing between bootsie and me anyway:D, no hard feelings). And come on I have climbed with you and with those girlie arms you have.....I'm just sayin.:etard:

[bootsiebee]

Yeah, but I never expected it would foil two of us wrenching on it with a small torch (it's a inside thing between bootsie and me anyway:D, no hard feelings). And come on I have climbed with you and with those girlie arms you have.....I'm just sayin.:etard:


yeah, but it is...
Commute: 1 and David: 0... just sayin.:etard::etard::etard:

:D

[daviebee]

yeah, but it is...
Commute: 1 and David: 0... just sayin.:etard::etard::etard:

:D

One never expects new expensive pannier bags to break on maiden voyage (but then again remember the Titanic).

Hope nothing similar happens, as you have a much further commute than me to have to deal with S#$& in the AM.

I vote bootsie will hit the snooze too many a time and we will see a post to similiar to this tomorrow:p J/K

[OCary]

394/100?! Seriously?! That is my end destination as well, but I am coming from the north via the full length of Theo Wirth parkway. An awesome commute, especially when the trails are dry and I hit singletrack on the way home

[bootsiebee]

I vote bootsie will hit the snooze too many a time and we will see a post to similiar to this tomorrow:p J/K

...and, now I have more motivation!

394/100?! Seriously?! That is my end destination as well, but I am coming from the north via the full length of Theo Wirth parkway. An awesome commute, especially when the trails are dry and I hit singletrack on the way home

Funny. I'm off of Xenia Ave (Liberty Mutual). Happy commuting:) No singletrack on my route. :cryin:

[BikerKitty]

i haven't seen that.:confused:

WHA?????

We may need to have a MORC Movie Sunday next time it rains like it did yesterday.

[BikerKitty]

Is the bead the little flap around the inside the tire that sits inside the rim? Now, what do yo mean by knead? (FYI - I'm totally being serious - this is all new to me.)

Apparently, after we're done watching Spinal Tap, we knead (har har) to have a massage and bread-making clinic as well.

[BikerKitty]

No singletrack on my route. :cryin:

Yeah, there is...you just don't know it yet. ;)

[bootsiebee]

*tail between her legs*

ok - so bootsie did not make the commute this morning... Thanks to Red and Disaster! Cheers to dippin' in the sauce on a Monday night.

Hey O'Cary, how bout you? Did you make the commute this morning?

This weeks weather keeps changing - looks like crap for the rest of the week now. arghhhhh.:banghead:

[OCary]

No 2 wheeled commute for me either. Stupid snooze button and not being able to fall asleep until well after 2am. Alarm clock buzzer was worked into royally messed up dreams.

Perhaps tomorrow.

[Pandl]

Bummer bootsie! :cryin: Better luck next time.

I made it, but I only have a 4 mile commute to the bus. Almost didn't, cause I got someplace to be tonite(No, not the Board meeting, but Nitrox scuba diving class) so I didn't think I could get home in time, but taking a different bus, and gonna push it. sure hope we get in the water before classroom training....

[bootsiebee]

Bummer bootsie! :cryin: Better luck next time.

I made it, but I only have a 4 mile commute to the bus. Almost didn't, cause I got someplace to be tonite(No, not the Board meeting, but Nitrox scuba diving class) so I didn't think I could get home in time, but taking a different bus, and gonna push it. sure hope we get in the water before classroom training....

Way to REPRESENT Paul! Have fun at Scuba tonight and don't get the B.E.N.D.S!:crazy2:

[Pandl]

Way to REPRESENT Paul! Have fun at Scuba tonight and don't get the B.E.N.D.S!:crazy2:
Thanks. Nope, no bending tonite, but in 32 days, anything is possible.

[OCary]

Katy, the current commuter is making it's way towards the door. Tires are holding air. Light batteries are charging. Weather tomorrow looks good. In the morning there shall be a battle of wits between my groggy self and the snooze button.

[Pandl]

Today is supposed to be a great day. Near or at 50F! Did ya make it in on your bikes?

I did.

I hate that battle with the snooze button every morning. Getting the work clothes, bike clothes, lunch packed, and backpack ready the night before, really helps the battle for me in the morning. I could get like 20 extra minutes of sleep if I just drove to the bus stop. Sounds silly when I say it out loud now, but in the am, it is a VERY big deal!!

[bootsiebee]

Katy, the current commuter is making it's way towards the door. Tires are holding air. Light batteries are charging. Weather tomorrow looks good. In the morning there shall be a battle of wits between my groggy self and the snooze button.

So, what's your story morning glory? Who won the battle?

Bootsiebee was half awake for her first mile:zzz:... but she made it in a little over an hour :banana:(had to stop and re-attach my rear brake due to my lock knocking it around:banghead: (actually contemplated leaving it:nono:) and had a very minor setback trying to find Calhoun Pkwy from E. Harriet Pkwy). Was a little chilly, and am still trying to warm up, but feel great and ready to do it all again this eve!

I definitely need to go to a back pack as opposed to a messenger bag. My bag was probably about 10 -15 lbs and it kept shifting, nearly causing me to swirve and crash! :jumpy:
:banana:

Happy Commuting!

[bootsiebee]

Today is supposed to be a great day. Near or at 50F! Did ya make it in on your bikes?

I did.

I hate that battle with the snooze button every morning. Getting the work clothes, bike clothes, lunch packed, and backpack ready the night before, really helps the battle for me in the morning. I could get like 20 extra minutes of sleep if I just drove to the bus stop. Sounds silly when I say it out loud now, but in the am, it is a VERY big deal!!

extra sleep time (be it 20 minutes or 5 minutes) is never silly!

[Slimpee]

Good work to all you bike commuters w/ longer commutes!

My ride is only 2 miles...

[Pandl]

CONGRATULATIONS KATY!!! :banana:
Learning is always so much fun! Specially in something like this. Hope the warm up happens. Hmmm, wonder if you will be able to find a store that has backpacks.... I do agree, backpacks are better than messenger bags.

U R A COMMUTER!! :jumpy:

[OCary]

I won the battle, but the snooze button put up a good fight; it was aided a lot by me seeing the clock flip 2am again.

The ride in was good. A bit chilly as I did not grab the helmet liner.

I highly recommend a rack and panniers for commuting; I prefer them greatly to a backpack. And figure out what you can leave at the office (eg: shoes) Plus my panniers are super sexy 70's bright red panniers.

[bootsiebee]

I won the battle, but the snooze button put up a good fight; it was aided a lot by me seeing the clock flip 2am again.

The ride in was good. A bit chilly as I did not grab the helmet liner.

I highly recommend a rack and panniers for commuting; I prefer them greatly to a backpack. And figure out what you can leave at the office (eg: shoes) Plus my panniers are super sexy 70's bright red panniers.

Yeah - I'll probably go that route once I actually commit to commuting (rack/panniers) and get a road/commuter bike. Right now I'm just riding my mtn bike with slicks... and trust me my panniers will be equally aesthetically pleasing!


Yeah - everyone made the commute this morning!:banana:

[OCary]

So, bootsie, are you going to cowperson-up (YAY! politically correct!) and commute tomorrow given the threat of snow on the way home?

(talk about thread drift... wow)

[bootsiebee]

So, bootsie, are you going to cowperson-up (YAY! politically correct!) and commute tomorrow given the threat of snow on the way home?

(talk about thread drift... wow)

O'Cary, lets not push it. Bootsie is falling asleep at her desk as she types this. :zzz::zzz::zzz:Plus Bootsie has two meetings tomorrow that she needs to be bright eyed and bushy tailed for.:shocked::shocked::shocked: Maybe Friday though... haven't ck'd the weather yet.

Yeah... Thread Drift and Hijacking are inevitable here in MORCland.

[biking_stickman]

My bag was probably about 10 -15 lbs and it kept shifting, nearly causing me to swirve and crash! :jumpy:


http://www.tombihn.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=59&stc=1&d=1168903686

If you have a Timbuk2 Bag...or another similar bag, the "cross strap" takes care of the bag shifting issue.

[bootsiebee]

http://www.tombihn.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=59&stc=1&d=1168903686

If you have a Timbuk2 Bag...or another similar bag, the "cross strap" takes care of the bag shifting issue.

Thanks! There was also the issue of the weight of a small child digging into my left shoulder from the one strap - would be nice to have the weight more evenly distributed. Honestly, I'm hoping my bag won't be that heavy all the time since I'm able to leave my shower stuff there.

[Pandl]

shower stuff
funny.

So, shampoo, condition, razor, shaving cream, lotion, hairdryer, defuser, makeup, brush, comb, special brush, mirror, towel, soap, special soap, and stuff like that.

[bootsiebee]

funny.

So, shampoo, condition, razor, shaving cream, lotion, hairdryer, defuser, makeup, brush, comb, special brush, mirror, towel, soap, special soap, and stuff like that.

I'm not THAT high maintenance geez Paul! Did you just think of all the "girly" items you could think of and throw them in there? A Difuser? I believe that's for curly hair my friend.

shampoo
conditioner
lotion
soap
loofa
hair dryer
makeup (which consists of maybe 5 small items)
*could only fit a hand towel in... :( - yeah, that sucked.

[TML]

I highly recommend a rack and panniers for commuting; I prefer them greatly to a backpack. And figure out what you can leave at the office (eg: shoes) Plus my panniers are super sexy 70's bright red panniers.

Glad to see I'm not the only one sporting that vintage and hue. :D

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/500/RagnarokSetup.JPG


Nice job on the commutes everyone. I haven't yet this season, but then again, I carpool with my wife, so still don't drive much.

[Pandl]

I knew I forgot something. Dang loofa. Well, it has been a while, maybe you went curly?

Have a GREAT ride home. Heading out now. I am pretty sure I ain't riding tomorrow. gotta bring the laptop and stuff in, and backpack ain't that big. Oh well, I made it 7 work days straight! All of April, so far.

[batjerk]

I knew I forgot something. Dang loofa. Well, it has been a while, maybe you went curly?

Have a GREAT ride home. Heading out now. I am pretty sure I ain't riding tomorrow. gotta bring the laptop and stuff in, and backpack ain't that big. Oh well, I made it 7 work days straight! All of April, so far.Ditto! Well, more than all of April for me. I'm thinkin' I may have to switch back to the old MTB for tomorrow's ride. Maybe even put the studs back on.:banghead: *shudder*

Don't worry, Bootsie, you won't be falling asleep at your desk due to the commute on two wheels before long, then it'll just be from sheer boredom. Of course, one can always check one's pulse rate during the boring times.:etard:

[DMonkey]

Bootsie actually commuted a day!

I doubt you will want to do tomorrow or Friday.. 1" of snow by the end of the day Thursday & 3" to 6" overnight/Friday.

Sucks!

I'm hoping we get a warm up next week, going to shoot for a day next week.
May also get a new bike by then.. Thinking a CX bike - like the Lemond Poprad or the Trek Portland..
Thoughts on either of these as a commuter?

Katy, You should look at the Novara Big Buz..

[bootsiebee]

Bootsie actually commuted a day!

I doubt you will want to do tomorrow or Friday.. 1" of snow by the end of the day Thursday & 3" to 6" overnight/Friday.

Sucks!

I'm hoping we get a warm up next week, going to shoot for a day next week.
May also get a new bike by then.. Thinking a CX bike - like the Lemond Poprad or the Trek Portland..
Thoughts on either of these as a commuter?

Katy, You should look at the Novara Big Buz..

Hey thanks Dirky Lurky for your confidence in me... geeeez!:eyeroll:

Yeah, I was contemplating the Big Buzz, but the smallest frame size is a small which is still too big :banghead:

I'm now leaning towards the youth road bike that Novara makes. We'll see. I want to know that I'll be committed to commuting before I buy a bike.

[Pandl]

I heard, Tuesday next week I think, in the 70s!!! :banana::banana:

I don't think we are going to end up with any snow after tomorrow, looking at the line they showed on the 6 pm news. but, then again, I am south, you northsiders might get something.

[DMonkey]

I heard, Tuesday next week I think, in the 70s!!! :banana::banana:

I don't think we are going to end up with any snow after tomorrow, looking at the line they showed on the 6 pm news. but, then again, I am south, you northsiders might get something.


I heard that (of course them predicting the weather that far in advance is more of gamble than since!) - hoping to commute a day or 2 next week my self!

[bootsiebee]

With my luck we'll hit the 70's right as I'm leavin' on a jet plane to Chicago for the last week of April for a work conference :banghead::banghead::banghead:

[bootsiebee]

Hey, quick Q (since this thread has become an "All Things Commuting" thread.

My eyes hurt bad all day yesterday (like eye strain) - I didn't wear any eye protection on my ride - do you guys every experience this?

[lostboy]

I don't have eye strain but without eye protection my eyes are terribly blood shot during the morning. I assume it's from the cold air. I also noticed bombing down hills with no eye protection in the morning makes my eyes water. I now wear protection ;)

[OCary]

I wear glasses, and when riding two wheeled goodness, I wear some Cocoons over glasses sunglasses. (http://www.cocoonseyewear.com/) I receive flak about "nice blue blockers" and other comments about their less than stellar aesthetics, but I have yet to take a rock or bug in the eye.

[Pandl]

Nope. But, new to commuting, you might have overworked your eyes on the first trip. Looking for cars, rocks, babies, other bikes, walkers, trucks, motorcycles, road signs, stop signs, cops, trees, hills, puddles, clothing stores, dogs, kids behind bushes, curbs, cracks, people on crack with squirt guns, bathrooms, spare loofas, or beer, and put a big strain on your eyes.

Oh o, hope this isn't your 'out'...

How are they today?

And, most mornings I am protectionless. And, the eyes do water gong down the hills. Afternoons I pull out the sunglasses.

[BikerKitty]

Katy, I used to try to get away without wearing any eye protection, and I suffered through what you had yesterday. My eyes just dry out too much in the wind without something in front of them. Plus, as someone else mentioned, it's nice not to worry about bugs in the eyes, and when the gnats come out around Cedar Lake, oh my GOD you will want something over your eyes. They're so nasty.

I bought the most awesome pair of Smiths at REI. I LOVE THEM! I can't even feel them on my face they're so light. They came with interchangeable lenses (I wouldn't have gotten anything without them), but it seems like I usually wear the clear ones, because they provide UV protection, too, and are usually enough even in bright sun. I've worn all 3 colors at various times though, and love them ALL!

As far as a pack goes, I've tried everything...panniers (I still use my panniers if I go grocery shopping or to Target or whatever - they're the Novara Round Town panniers from REI and work great), messenger bags, cheap packs, expensive packs, packs that stay off your back, packs with 8000 straps, etc. I now ride with an Osprey Stratos 24. It's bright orange! I love love love it. Everything I need fits in it, it has multiple adjustments for everything, and as far as packs go for women, it fits the best on my shoulders - the straps are nice and padded and never dig in anywhere. Mine is a size small, but I think they make extra small, too. Some people think it rides too high for biking, but it doesn't bother me. It was expensive, but sooo worth it. I like it better than panniers for my day-to-day stuff, 'cause for some reason, I always feel like panniers are weighing down the a$$-end of the bike so much. I like the weight in the middle with me. And it's sort of like the sunglasses - so light that I barely feel it...most of that is due to the multiple adjustments and the ability to focus the weight on either your shoulders or hips, whichever you prefer. I prefer hips.

I think I got that at REI, too. No wonder my dividend check was so sweet this year. :)

[batjerk]

Eye protection is a necessity, IMO. There's still a lot of salt in the air being kicked up by cars, so if you're on or near a road, your eyes'll be being assaulted constantly by it. The extra airflow around them will dry them out as well. Could be eye strain, but it would be more likely in a car due to the higher speeds. Almost assuredly, it's due to the extra exposure to wind and contaminants.

I got some glasses from Performance Bike with the three lenses. Clear in the morning before sunrise, amber for cloudy to overcast, and smoke for sunny days. Very light, protect well, but unfortunately, there's the whole fogging problem at stops...

[dvo1]

Well there is a raisin I have so many pairs of glasses, I can handle being deaf, being blind on the other hand,.....

[Slimpee]

When it's really cold I wear ski goggles but when that's overkill I wear a simple pair of Nike sunglasses and all is well.

[batjerk]

Well there is a raisin I have so many pairs of glasses, I can handle being deaf, being blind on the other hand,.....
A raisin, huh? :D Mmm, raisins... Doesn't everyone like dried grapes?

[bootsiebee]

A raisin, huh? :D Mmm, raisins... Doesn't everyone like dried grapes?

yogurt covered raisins!

[daviebee]

Stopped over to see Jim at Hiawatha Cycles (http://hiawathacyclery.com/cart/) to pick up a banjo brother market pannier and I got one...
http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/512/thumbs/100_0012.JPG

Go get one and support the lbs!

[OCary]

Stopped over to see Jim at Hiawatha Cycles to pick up a banjo brother market pannier and I got one...

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/I%20wanted%20to%20be%20the%20first%20kid%20on%20my %20block%20to%20have%20ahttp://www.morcmtb.org/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=277439

David, you need a remedial course in forum posting..... awesome.

[bootsiebee]

David, you need a remedial course in forum posting..... awesome.

LOL! the fact that the link brought you to "reply to thread" is even more hysterical - just setting one's self up for ridicule!

:etard:

[daviebee]

David, you need a remedial course in forum posting..... awesome.

Umm so what is the problem....I certaintly don't see you heading out in te snow in a few minutes. Buck up before posting insults in a "commuting" forum:fool:

[daviebee]

David, you need a remedial course in forum posting..... awesome.

Umm so what is the problem....I certainly don't see you heading out in the snow in a few minutes. Buck up before posting insults in a "commuting" forum:fool:

[OCary]

Umm.. you realize you double posted that? :D


I'm going to go outside in about an hour, into the snow, dash across the street, and find my way onto a stationary bike. Does that count for anything?

[dvo1]

I will leave work, ride home, change clothes, go for night ride, weather be damned.

[daviebee]

Umm.. you realize you double posted that? :D


I'm going to go outside in about an hour, into the snow, dash across the street, and find my way onto a stationary bike. Does that count for anything?

Sweet, going to look at all the fine ladies working out in your upperclass lifetime?:nono:

commute home was wet but good. I rode around for a bit just because:jumpy:

[batjerk]

Yeah, the ride was good. I spent a good deal of my hour and a quarter laughing. Silly frozen rain. Unfortunately, my shoes are still really wet, so riding in today didn't happen.

[Slimpee]

I didn't ride in today. I thought about it but I don't have proper rain gear so I have to wear snowpants. They work great in the snow but when it's "warm" like this it's too hot even for my 2 mile ride.

[bootsiebee]

No commuting for me the last too days. :( I don't like the cold.

Monday's looking decent thought - mid 40's and partly cloudy.

The rest of the week looks warm but wet. I don't mind the rain as long as it's warmer - will give me a chance to test out my new Marmot that looks so pretty in my closet!:eyeroll:

[batjerk]

Mmmm... indeed. I don't like the cold either. Makes me wonder why I continue to live here.

Ah well, there's got to be better weather ahead. One would hope so anyway.

[bootsiebee]

Yeah, the ride was good. I spent a good deal of my hour and a quarter laughing. Silly frozen rain. Unfortunately, my shoes are still really wet, so riding in today didn't happen.

singing is fun too. :crazy: i plan to have my iPod next time and sing the whole way... that is if my lungs can handle the multitasking... which, who am i kidding, they probably can't.

[Pandl]

Oh no, iPod while biking. That might be a no no. Howwill you hear the fingers being shown to you, and the cars creeping up, or the people yelling out their window? Or, some ofthe cool people giving you a thumbs up sign, and the sounds of nature?