Classes begin 

April through August - every Tuesday at 6:30

 Learn all you'll ever need to know about changing a flat. This is a hands on class, bring your own wheel, or one can be supplied.

Learn how to diagnose the problems you are having. Adjust your derailleur, clean and lube your chain, and spot wear on drivetrain. This is not a hands on class. Call ahead if you would like your bicycle to be used as a demo.

Repair Schedule for June / July  2010

June 29th Drivetrain Maintenance

July 6th Flat Tire Maintenance

July 13th Flat Tire Maintenance

July 20th Drivetrain Maintenance

July 27th Flat Tire Maintenance

 

Pneumatics (flat repair)  synopsis

Determine, if possible, cause of leak

  • Remove offending wheel

  • Release remaining air.

  • Remove tire/tube from rim.  Note orientation of tube to tire to rim.

  • Found hole?  If not, inflate tube while it remains in tire, look for leak.

  • Found cause yet?   Remove tube completely and search for enemy carefully.

  • If hole in tire is of sufficient size, repair it.  Otherwise continue.

  • Examine rim.  Did spoke or other object cause puncture from inside?

  • Check rim for dents.

  • Correct the placement of rimstrip or replace if needed.

  • Marvel at gyroscopic effect!

  • Partially inflate new tube and install into corrected, perfectly clear tire.

  • Install valve through rimstrip and then first side of tire onto rim using no tools.

  • Situate tube on rim and continue with tire.  You will regret tool use.

  • Partially inflate to check tire seat and valve orientation.

Beware tire escaping rim. A large noise will result.

  • Repeat.

  • Fully inflate.

  • Curse nail.

  • Re-install wheel.

If desired: patch perforated tube; wait 24 hours to check airworthiness in water; use as spare next time.