Repairs and Upgrades

[Alex L]

Okay, some of you may have read my previous threads. I now am asking for your advice on a few things.

The bike I have is this: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165710

After a lot of careful measuring, I think the wheel is mostly round and can't see any fault in the shape of the tyre. I believe the problem was that the inner tube wasn't seated correctly which is why the tyre came off, jammed on the breaks and threw me off. This resulted in the handlebar bending, damage to the seat and front reflector.

The only thing I want them to do is fix the handlebars. The other faults I'm not bothered about. The pre-check was not done well other than the tube/tyre problem as there was a chip in the paintwork and I was not asked about any fitting/adjustments ect. The paperwork states these should have been checked, however I did have to sign it so my argument using this approach would probably be classed as invalid.

I did also take out the 1 Year Adult care but no idea what this entitles me to.


I would like to replace the tyres from the standard Kenda ones and fit some mudguards. I'm after something quality that lasts but not over the top. My parents don't know what to get me for Christmas so was thinking of suggesting them this.

I've done some research on tyres and although a bit pricey (for me anyway) these seem to be good.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-ult ... 5300002585

I've heard for commuting it might be better to get slightly wider tyres but don't know what my bike can take. As for mudguards I have no idea about fitted ones. The ones on my MTB just attach to the seatpost.

Thanks in advance, Alex.

[531colin]

Hi Alex
Sorry to hear you have had an "off".
You need to tell us exactly what happened....just the facts.....if you already did, I can't find it.
Here are some facts which are intended to be helpful;
the wheel is a fixed size, obviously
the wire "bead" of the tyre is a fixed size
the tyre bead needs to be correctly seated in the rim, so its even all the way round
the pumped up tyre must not wobble when you spin the wheel....if it does, don't ride it like that
if the rim and tyre are the correct size (ie.within manufacturing tolerances), the tyre is undamaged, and correctly seated on the rim, then correct pressure in the tube can't push it off.

sorry to be so brief, I have to go to work!

[MikewsMITH2]

The Gatorskins a great tyres, light fast and with good p•nct•re resistance. My son and I have been using them for a couple of years. But for commuting I would use classic Schwalbe Marathons http://www.wiggle.co.uk/schwalbe-marathon-original-greenguard-rigid-road-city-tyre/. They are bomb proof IME. 700x25 will be fine for commuting and should fit on your road bike with mudguards. SKS are the best guards http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sks-chromoplastic-road-mudguard-set. Provided your bike has mudguard eyes on the dropouts and are straightforward if a little fiddly to fit.

[Alex L]

When first riding the bike I thought it was a bit rough but then I just thought it was because it was a road bike. A few uses in I noticed that it was bumping on every revolution. I went to Halfords to book in the 6 week service and they asked me if there was anything in particular that needed looking at. I mentioned the chain coming of when changing up and that the rear tyre felt uneven. So this *should* be logged on their system. Riding back from Halfords I turned left and as I leaned, the bike jerked and I fell off. I looked at the bike to find that the tyre was wedged into the breaks (and the fact the handlebar was bent inwards). I had a look at it when I got back and pumped up the inner tube on its own which had a bulge in it. I thought that was the problem so bought a Specialized on, which did the same thing. After realising that was normal, I put it back together (with the new inner) and I easily got the tyre on and it was all sealed and riding smooth. So by this, I assume that when they throw the bikes together they must have just missed this?

I'm no expert though, my guess may be wrong.

[gaz]

.

[Alex L]

Sorry for the confusion, the 6 week check hasn't been done yet, I've booked it in and am taking it in tomorrow if that makes sense.

There are eyelets on the back but not on the front unless they attach to the same place at the breaks. How thin are mudguards from a Bike Radar review it suggests they can be added by I don't see how they'll fit.

[gaz]

.

[Alex L]

The guy did look at it when I went in, but as I had lowered the pressure a bit, it didn't look as bad, it looked like a budge rather than the tyre was going to come out. Anyway, I went for a long(ish) ride in the morning so I could see if there were any problems I hadn't listed. Cycled to Portishead, then back through Bristol near the end of my route near to Halfords is a big hill I have to climb up daily. On that bike I usually have to drop to the lowest gear early on. So as I was cycling up I was dropping down until I could no further. I thought it was a lot harder, and was about to stop when I realised I was still on the big chainring managed to fly up the hill in a higher gear than normal. Very happy with myself.

Anyway, got to Halfords and they had no record of it getting booked in. I told them the problem, they didn't seem too happy about it first saying it would damage it by bending it back, but then another member of staff came along and said they would replace the component if they needed to.

Thanks Halfords You've made up to me for your flaws.