Search found 132 matches

by ehelifecycle
3 Mar 2024, 1:02am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: circular route
Replies: 3
Views: 346

Re: circular route

Yes just in the UK, I have an OS subscription, so will use your suggestion, however, I was hoping for a quicker way of doing this. Also, it would be handy when going on a one-way journey to increase the mileage but miss the hills and vice versa if you want a more challenging ride.
by ehelifecycle
2 Mar 2024, 10:27pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: circular route
Replies: 3
Views: 346

circular route

Is there a method for determining the flattest or hilliest route for a door-to-door ride, whether it's a circular or out-and-back route, especially after setting a target distance like approximately 50 miles? I'm aware of Strava's flattest feature, but I don't subscribe to it. I've also come across https://www.flattestroute.com/bike/ and https://brouter.de/brouter-web/#map=7/5 ... 1/standard, which seem to work for finding flatter routes between two points.

If there's a more effective or straightforward method that I might have overlooked, please share your insights.
by ehelifecycle
5 Jul 2023, 1:40am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: I feel so deflated
Replies: 34
Views: 2026

Re: I feel so deflated

I have followed several recommendations on this thread. One suggestion is to replace the tyre.

So firstly, I checked the original tyre that I was getting the punctures with and it has a severe case of vertical play/vertical wobble. I put my wheel on the truing stand and spotted that the rim had no vertical play/vertical wobble but the tyre was creating the problem, not the rim.

I then tried 3 more tyres and they all manifested a similar issue, every tyre appears to sink in one section into the deep channel (see previous image), when at speed this creates a giddy-up feeling to the front of the bike, not good.

I think I need to ditch these rims or stuff the channel!!!

What do you think?
by ehelifecycle
1 Jul 2023, 12:52pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: I feel so deflated
Replies: 34
Views: 2026

Re: I feel so deflated

PT1029 wrote: 28 Jun 2023, 6:43am "I think the internal of the rim, creates a void near the valve where the innertube has no support"

I have seen this often on bikes at work, only on rims with a particularly deep/narrow well. I usually put some rim tape/out tube/rubber shims from light brackets (what ever is to hand) held in place by insulation tape in the section between the valve hole and the first spoke nipple.I then put the rim tape over the top.
Some tubes seem more prone to this than others. I have seen this with new Schwalbe tubes which failed in a few days (until the above shims etc were inserted), where as the previous tube (anon/various) had been in the tyre for some time.
Thanks, I concur.
by ehelifecycle
27 Jun 2023, 10:02pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: I feel so deflated
Replies: 34
Views: 2026

Re: I feel so deflated

rim.jpg
rim.jpg (6.4 KiB) Viewed 262 times
The rim has a deep pocket to it that might be causing the issues.
by ehelifecycle
12 Jun 2023, 1:38pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: I feel so deflated
Replies: 34
Views: 2026

Re: I feel so deflated

531colin wrote: 12 Jun 2023, 12:40pm I'm not absolutely clear if this affects one wheel or both wheels.
However, a split which is aligned with the direction of travel, and on the side of the tube next to the rim in a rim which is deep and narrow (first post) makes me suspect its due to the tube becoming over-stretched in that area as its inflated. (near the valve because that area has even less freedom to move?)
Cure....stretchier tubes ? (dunno how you find that out) but definitely talc on the tube/tyre when you put the tube in.

If you really need to patch it (eg on tour) I would try cutting a Vee in a patch....like a cake with one slice missing
Both, however, the rear has stopped doing what I've outlined in the reply above.
I did try larger innertubes, in my 25mm tires. to be fair I've tried so many things I've lost track of whether that helped I'd have to look inside the rear and as it holding I don't want to touch it for now.
by ehelifecycle
12 Jun 2023, 1:36pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: I feel so deflated
Replies: 34
Views: 2026

Re: I feel so deflated

Jupestar wrote: 12 Jun 2023, 11:33am You could also swap the tires over and see if the punctures occur in the other wheel. Obviously if your swapping a potentially puncture prone tire to the front that would be less tha ideal.

I suspect its tire related and it maybe that you just have to replace the tire.

I forgot to mention that the same issue occurred on the rear tire as well, in an identical manner. Thankfully, I seem to have resolved it so far (hopefully it stays that way in the future) by employing a solution involving multiple layers of electrical tape, rim tape, and a rubber inner tube. I cut the inner tube into a strip and then superglued it in a circular shape, so it's tight enough to hold onto the rim, essentially mimicking rim tape. This combination of materials has helped me address the problem effectively.

I think the internal of the rim, creates a void near the valve where the innertube has no support. I'll try and post a picture of the rim, inside.
by ehelifecycle
11 Jun 2023, 9:03pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: I feel so deflated
Replies: 34
Views: 2026

Re: I feel so deflated

Barrowman wrote: 11 Jun 2023, 8:40pm If you suspect tyre creep, try more pressure first ( having first checked what the tyre manufacturer recommends)
Perhaps mark the tyre where the valve is to start, too.
If it makes you feel better, I still hold our CTC section record for punctures. 8 in a day.
( Returning to the saddle after a lay off, perished tyres) :oops:
And also most bizzare puncture. Ford over a stream (which is generally happy hunting ground in a trike) but it was winter and pretty fierce so decided to use the footbridge. Too narrow for a trike so upside down over my head. Hawthorne bush, caught a wheel and punctured. :oops:
:D Great response, I feel your pain
by ehelifecycle
11 Jun 2023, 9:01pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: I feel so deflated
Replies: 34
Views: 2026

Re: I feel so deflated

rareposter wrote: 11 Jun 2023, 8:00pm
Barrowman wrote: 11 Jun 2023, 7:12pm Sounds like the tyre might be working it's way around the rim and pulling the tube against the valve.
Good point!

OP: when you get these punctures, what angle is the valve sticking out from the rim? Perpendicular (as in 90° from the rim)?
Or sort of at a / or \ angle?

If the latter then what's happening is the tyre is rotating slightly on the wheel as you apply the brakes, creeping round mm by mm and that's pulling the tube and therefore the valve around with it.

That'll then tear the tube at the point where the valve is glued into the rest of the tube.

If that's the case, you need a new tyre that's a slightly tighter fit. Make sure the rim is clean too, there's no soap residue if you've used washing up liquid to get the previous tyre on for example.
I keep it 90°. Just to clarify the puncture is not at the valve base.
by ehelifecycle
11 Jun 2023, 8:58pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: I feel so deflated
Replies: 34
Views: 2026

Re: I feel so deflated

geomannie wrote: 11 Jun 2023, 7:57pm I once had similar, with the same hole shape, and it turned out to be a split in the sidewall, just above the bead. It wasn't at all obvious until you did a detailed inspection, flexing the sidewall all the way around. The cause was a brake block set slightly too high and rubbing most at one point, right through the tyre.

Worth checking for the same.

Good luck.
Every time, I take the tire off I must put it back on in another location, but I'll check this again.
by ehelifecycle
11 Jun 2023, 8:53pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: I feel so deflated
Replies: 34
Views: 2026

Re: I feel so deflated

rjb wrote: 11 Jun 2023, 7:21pm Instead of adding an extra bit of cut inner tube beneath the rim tape put it over the valve of your tube. :wink:
thanks for your reply, done this as well.
by ehelifecycle
11 Jun 2023, 8:49pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: I feel so deflated
Replies: 34
Views: 2026

Re: I feel so deflated

jimlews wrote: 11 Jun 2023, 6:50pm Perhaps check for any sharp edges/burrs inside the rim
Perhaps put a slight chamfer around the circumference of the valve hole.
Address the whole area with fine grit emery paper.
Make sure all sanding deburring debris are cleared away before reassembly.
Thanks for the reply.

Done this, the puncture in the Innertube is too far away from the valve hole and the puncture always happens directly in line with the centre of the rim, (above the spoke holes, which are so well covered that these are not making the puncture) so I don't think the puncture area, which is always in the same location gets close enough to any of the metal parts of the rim, but I will check again.
by ehelifecycle
11 Jun 2023, 6:34pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: I feel so deflated
Replies: 34
Views: 2026

I feel so deflated

Subject: Need Help with Persistent Wheel Puncture Issue

Hello, fellow forum members,

I'm reaching out to this community out of sheer frustration, hoping that someone can offer some assistance.

I've been encountering a persistent problem with my wheels, and it's driving me crazy. Here are the details:

Symptoms: I've been consistently experiencing punctures in a specific location on my wheels, as shown in the attached image. These punctures tend to result in an eye-shaped slit, approximately 3 mm long, aligned with the wheel's rotation. Unfortunately, due to the significant size of the hole and its proximity to the valve, I've been finding it extremely challenging to successfully patch these punctures.

Failed Fixes: I've tried a few solutions that didn't yield the desired results:
  • Double rim tape
  • Rim tape made from an old inner tube, placed beneath the double layer of rim tape
  • Securing a nut on the valve stem outside of the rim
  • Placing a nut on the valve stem on the inside of the rim
  • not using a valve nut
  • I've also tried an innertube for a 28mm tire, It's a 25mm tyre,
Suspected Causes: The wheels in question are alloy rims, fairly old, and possess a slight V-shape with significant narrow internal depth. In an attempt to mitigate any potential issues arising from the tube filling a void, I've experimented with supporting the inner side of the tube.

Initially, I thought that the problem might be due to old and less robust inner tubes. To address this, I replaced the tube with a brand new one, and for a while, everything seemed fine. However, after a few months, I encountered the same issue again.

Current Challenge: I've recently attempted to fix the latest puncture, but unfortunately, the hole is too large and situated too close to the valve. Consequently, I'm experiencing seepage on the valve side of the patch.

I'm at my wit's end and would greatly appreciate any insights, suggestions, or solutions you might have regarding this recurring puncture problem. If anyone has encountered a similar issue or has expertise in dealing with challenging punctures, your input would be invaluable.

Thank you all in advance for your time and assistance.

Best regards,
Ehe

innertube hell.jpg
innertube hell.jpg (7.82 KiB) Viewed 1099 times
by ehelifecycle
28 May 2023, 12:37pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Mechanical Disc Brakes
Replies: 24
Views: 1885

Re: Mechanical Disc Brakes

TheBomber wrote: 28 May 2023, 9:11am Unless your Ultegra STIs are old - ie with exposed loops of gear cable ‘washing lines’ - then I couldn’t recommend Avid BBs. I had mine running with 10 speed 105 levers (which are ‘NSSLR’) and there was a dangerous lack of ‘bite’ to them. After reading some of the threads on this forum where Brucey explained why the mechanics of that setup was wrong I acquired some very old but almost NOS Ultegra levers that were pre NSSLR and the improvement was massive. They’re great brakes with the right levers.

If you do fit them them then yes they can be used with 160 rotors - or any other size that the bike can take. If fact 180s would make up for the errors in mechanical advantage. 140s would be suicidal.

Others may comment on alternative options for you - but I have no direct experience of them. From what I read here all are flawed in some way - typically because the bearings are too small and seize up over time. You may need new levers :(
Thanks for your input, they are ultegra 11 speed, built mid 2018 so I guess if they were a fresh pair, whatever variant was doing the rounds at that point.
by ehelifecycle
27 May 2023, 9:50pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Mechanical Disc Brakes
Replies: 24
Views: 1885

Re: Mechanical Disc Brakes

Thanks for the reply...

They are for a road bike.

The bike in question was built with BB5s and Shimano Ultegra originally by Planet X, The previous owner had it converted as in the picture, but I want to put it back to drops. I have all the original parts that it left the shop with, but, not the BB5 calipers that it came with. Hence my post.
s-l1600.jpg