Spare Tyre and (Double) Chin Strap

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Nick Puffin
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Joined: 21 Jul 2018, 4:55pm

Spare Tyre and (Double) Chin Strap

Post by Nick Puffin »

The subject line of this post may have given the merest hint of the direction of my post. I have a friend who may be a few pounds overweight. OK, I'll be honest, it's me and I'm rather a lot overweight - a smidgen over 24 stone. I know, I know, don't beat me up - in any event you couldn't say worse that I have said to myself. I need help - not so much with the weight as I'm working on that. I need help about bikes really.

I love cycling and it is one physical exercise - apart from swimming - I can do. A few weeks ago, I started to ride the 18 mile round trip to and from work. And I'm already feeling the benefit to my health and fitness. But, I'm having a problem with my bike.

Checking the bike over earlier today - after feeling it was a little unstable at the back on the homeward journey yesterday, I have found the back wheel looks a bit buckled and kind of wobbly. And, it looks like the rim of the wheel is cutting into the tyre.

My guess is that the bike is struggling to cope with the load it is carrying. (The frame of my last 2 bikes broke in the end but this one remains intact).

I'd appreciate any advice that will help to keep me on the road. Should I replace the wheel and tyre? If so, with what? Do I need a different bike? Ideally, thoughts which mean I don't have to stop cycling until I lose weight.

It's a fairly standard town bike I have - I think it is an Ammaco Headland. Thank you!
Vorpal
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Re: Spare Tyre and (Double) Chin Strap

Post by Vorpal »

Welcome to the forum.

Is it possible that the tyre just isn't seated properly? Can you post pictures?
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reohn2
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Re: Spare Tyre and (Double) Chin Strap

Post by reohn2 »

Looking at the make and model of bike you're riding,it seems a robust hybrid,however I'd suggest you're possibly riding with the tyres underinflated which could be causing the rim to bite into the tyre,this chart may help:- https://www.google.co.uk/search?num=10& ... NwExjl-QBM:

If the wheel is out of true, it needs truing up an spokes retensioning by someone who knows what they're stuff,your local bike shop should be able to assist with this.
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foxyrider
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Re: Spare Tyre and (Double) Chin Strap

Post by foxyrider »

A squidgy back end ( :lol: ) can have many causes. I'd check the following;

Wheel for true
Tyre for damage
And of course tyre pressure
But don't rule out a broken frame either.

From your description with the tyre, low pressure would be my first stop - of course check that the tyre isn't damaged by the rim 'cutting into it'.

Clearly heavier riders do put more stress on bikes and especially the rear wheel so you really do need to keep on top of maintenance in that area, I would run the tyres at the top of the marked range - possibly even a few psi over in the rear (don't worry they are tested far higher than that!)

Good luck and enjoy your riding :D
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Eyebrox
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Re: Spare Tyre and (Double) Chin Strap

Post by Eyebrox »

Take the bike to your local bike shop and ask them what's up with it. Get a quote for repairs. Book it in for the work to be done or, if you aren't in funds, ask other cyclists (on here even) for DIY advice or search through YouTube for appropriate videos. Well done on taking up your weight loss initiative. Understanding more about your bike will encourage you further.
eileithyia
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Re: Spare Tyre and (Double) Chin Strap

Post by eileithyia »

Eyebrox wrote:Take the bike to your local bike shop and ask them what's up with it. Get a quote for repairs. Book it in for the work to be done or, if you aren't in funds, ask other cyclists (on here even) for DIY advice or search through YouTube for appropriate videos. Well done on taking up your weight loss initiative. Understanding more about your bike will encourage you further.



Agreed and welcome to the forum. Make friends with your local bikeshop (LBS) It might be that the wheel is slightly out of true... can happen if you hit a bump of some sort, a spoke has broken (also hitting a bump or just happens with time and strain... I'm a third of your weight and have broken spokes), tyre has a failed / worn area and is bulging (again not weight related), need more air in the tyre etc.....

Ask the LBS to show you what the problem is and what the fix is.... ie don't accept that you need a new wheel unless they talk you through why you need a new wheel (if that is advised). Years ago I wanted a new rim built on an in use hub.... LBS advised against it as the hub had some hair line cracks around the spoke holes... having the tension taken off and then put back on could have caused the hub to fail at some stage in the future.

Good Luck, Welcome to the forum and well done on recognising you need to take your weight and lifestyle in hand.
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random37
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Re: Spare Tyre and (Double) Chin Strap

Post by random37 »

Nick, firstly don't apologise for your weight. It doesn't matter what you weigh, really, that's just a figure. You aren't fat, you have fat. You have toes. You don't go around telling people you are toes, do you?

I am not as heavy as you, but not far off. I am really knowledgeable about bikes and cycling, but I stopped, and put all the weight on. I know a lot about bikes, and have faced the same problem for you.

I reckon the back wheel of that bike is not fit for a man as stately as you. Big guys need something stronger.

Most bike shops won't be able to help, so I would think about getting a rear wheel built, myself. This will be expensive, and many bike shops won't be able to do it, or they might try to guide you towards the parts they have in stock which aren't likely to be suitable. You really need a specialist wheelbuilder.

I would go for a hub like this:

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/hubs-casset ... k-48-hole/

laced to a rim like this:

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/rims-tape/4 ... sta-black/

The wheel build and spokes will be another £50-£60. I imagine SJS Cycles could build you a great wheel!

If your bike has 21 gears, you will need a 7 speed cassette and a spacer. If it has 18, you need new gear levers.

The back wheel will then be tandem strength, nearly. If two fit cyclists mashing away on the pedals won't break those, I reckon you won't, either.
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