Saturday, December 15, 2018

bike tubes


BIKE TUBES
Whenever one of you say to yourself, “Self,  I wish Jim would cover more day to day minutia on living frugal or off grid”, remember this article that you probably have no interest in.  You should.  I mean, more than likely, high probability, you’ll end up on your bicycle, like it or not.  I would actually feel comfortable betting any one of you a jelly filled donut that in my lifetime you’ll be full time biking.  And before any of you blurt out “We’re Fracking Fags And We’re Here To Stay”, as you wave your solid brown colored solidarity flag, NO!  Just, No.
*
The brown colored flag is because your head is up your ass, by the way.  No matter what color you started out with, it turns brown.  The Fracking Miracle Of Energy Independence is not retarded in the way Pro Gore Warmers are.  You can actually prove anti-fracking propaganda, unlike trying to prove no sun spots equals Anthro-Warming.  I merely wish you to close your eyes and remember the Seventies Oil Issues.  Now flip the math.  As in, now we have the lesser amount of oil produced locally and the larger amount imported.
*
As bad as the 70’s were, what you see next is Krakatoa compared to St. Helens.  Back then, we started getting free oil from the Saudi’s ( PetroDollar standard ).  Next, we lose the Oil For Nothing And Your Chicks For Free.  Oh, and don’t forget most commutes are longer now.  You cannot pretend anything will work out well at all.  If you don’t have a bicycle now, Bad Minion!  You don’t even have to ride it, you lazy hump.  Keep fresh tires and tubes in storage, not on the bike, and lube up what needs to be.  I use motor oil for the chain.
*
And have axle grease.  Most new bikes have cheaper factory oil on the bearings so you’ll need to fix that right away.  And used bikes probably never had any added at all.  You know how I feel about mountain bikes.  They are ten speeds with fat tires.  I am nobodies idea of a handyman, so I swear by single speeds ( beach cruisers ) to avoid 80% of unnecessary mechanic work or parts replacement.  Yes, I have to get off the bike and push it up the hill.  And it is totally worth it.
*
Although good luck finding a single speed bike, used.  All the crappiest crap with junk parts are for sale.  I would get a $20 mountain bike with 26 inch tires and turn it into a cruiser.  My old geared bike and my new single speed have the same interior space between the back forks ( if you aren’t sure, go to Wally with a tape measure and get a base measurement from their beach cruiser ).  I can easily slap on a coaster brake wheel and throw away the derailer and hand brakes.  Now you have a cheap single speed.
*
Okay, it isn’t exactly that easy.  There is the issue of the crank assembly and the front tire is a weird non-slip-off type.  And it might just be cheaper to buy a Wal-Mart crap bike and have better replacement parts ready for it.  Although that doubles the price of the bike.  You could just stick with geared bikes-but I hate hand brakes in the rain.  I’ll just say that after a bit over twenty years biking, the issues of geared bikes mechanically and price wise don’t pay for the ease of getting up hills, at least for me.
*
Let me try to put this in perspective.  Let’s say you bought an AR-15 because everyone else has one.  You’ll find parts from now til your grandson dies of old age. But imagine if every single one of those AR’s was a $279 polymer AR.  They were all equally useless, even if they were universal.  That is how I look at mountain bikes.  You’re better off going proprietary and stocking deep.  But however you do it, you need bikes and bike accessories stockpiled NOW.  Once everyone needs one the supply disappears magically overnight ( and if you have a bike junk yard, you are sitting on gold ).
*
Which brings me to the only damn reason I’m writing this article, bike tubes.  I only use the thick Green Goop tires ( goat head stickers every-damn-where ): 
You can get them at Wally, but I don’t think they are as well made, even for the same brand ( but this could just be my paranoia ).  Even the better quality Amazon ones are not as good as they used to be ( less liquid?  Thinner? ).  If you want super cheap, but thin tubes, here is the bulk product:
*
Either way, I’ve mentioned an extra super deluxe cheap way to patch tubes I saw on YouTube ( I used to always replace the tube rather than patch it, given the distances I rode.  Until I saw this ).  Blow up the tube to find the leak.  Mark with chalk.  Let enough air out so there is no pressure.  Put Super Glue around and on the hole and immediately place your paper patch on it.  It should dry in far less than a minute.  You can use paper or cardboard.  I like paper shopping bags.  Make sure the paper is absorbent, not slick. 
*
And that is it.  Blow the tube back up.  You are done.  Just like what a Green Goop tire USED to do, seal up to small nail size holes.  I only still use those because the tire is thicker and will still resist SOME thorns and stickers.  With a $2 tube you might be patching much more often.  To me, the $7.50 tube is worth the potential of far less repairs.  But the patch itself?  I was VERY impressed.  I torture tested the crap out it to be sure before I wrote this. 
*
See, this is why I am Baby Jesus’ Mostest Favorite.  I place myself in the maw of danger, risking being stranded miles from a spare tube, to test out to see if a patch is a good idea.  Yes, I could carry a spare.  Rather, I carry a car size can of Fix A Flat.  And ever since I’ve started carrying it, it is a Voodu powerful Juju instrument against the Merry Prankster gods such as Coyote or Loki.  I’ve yet to get a flat any distance from the town house or the B-POD ( knock on mo-fo’en wood! ).
*
Of course, those backpack size air pumps are a curse.  It takes ten times as much pumping as a two foot tall floor version.  And it is all hand held.  That sucker wears you out.  That is why I don’t look forward to an en route tube leak.  Not for the effort of changing or patching, but because of the effort using that stupid ass puny pump ( one of these days I’ll figure out a clamping system for a full size pump ).  I simply lose my wind far too easy nowadays.  Steady pedaling, no trouble.  Up a slight incline, I lose my breath.
*
Walk all day, no problem.  Go up ten stairs, lose my breath.  And that damn air pump kicks my ass.  But I was bound and determined to defy the gods and throw caution to the wind and test the Super Glue Patch.  Going to my B-POD is a four mile round trip over pretty bad washboard dirt roads ( and another eight pavement ).  I did that twice.  AND let it sit for two weeks without using it ( I cheated one week and took the Jeep, as the snow made the bike rather dangerous ). 
*
I think we can say the patch worked.  One caution, however.  Do NOT use Wal-Mart generic brand Super Glue.  The tiniest hole on the top, NOT squeezing the bottle, and the glue flowed like water.  It was a waste of glue, a lot pouring down the side of the tube. I need to experiment with other types.  Of course, the next time I went to Wally, they only had the expensive $3.50-$5 containers ( paying for the brand name ).  So this will be a work in progress trying to ID the best value in glue.  We know the crap glue works, we just need one a bit thicker.
( .Y. )
( today's related link here )
*
note: free book.  Zombies here .  
*
note: yes, yes, I KNOW the thing is an impossible Grrrlz Power fantasy, but "Peppermint" was actually a well done movie.  Certainly better than the Death Wish remake which just embarrassed Bruce.  Out on Redbox.
*
note: KU books.  I love this author here .  
*
Please support Bison by buying through the Amazon ad graphics at the top of the page ( or from www.bisonbulk.blogspot.com ). Or PayPal www.paypal.me/jimd303 

*** Unless you are in extreme poverty, spend a buck a month here, by the above donation methods ( I get 4% of the Amazon sale, so you need to buy $25 worth for me to get my $1 ) or mail me some cash/check/money order or buy a book ( web site for free books, Amazon to pay just as a donation vehicle ).
*** My e-mail is: jimd303@reagan.com  My address is: James M Dakin, 181 W Bullion Rd #12, Elko NV 89801-4184 ***E-Mail me if you want your name added to the weekly e-newsletter subscriber list.
*** Pay your author-no one works for free.  I’m nice enough to publish for barely above Mere Book Money, so do your part.*** junk land under a grand *  Lord Bison* my bio & biblio*   my web site is www.bisonprepper.com *** Wal-Mart wheat***Amazon Author Page
* By the by, all my writing is copyrighted. For the obtuse out there

30 comments:

  1. Harbor Freight has the thick superglue that doesn't run, and inexpensive too. I use it all the time for woodworking purposes. Always have a couple dozen tubes on hand. Seems to be mostly single use tubes as every time I try to use one that's already been opened it's dried out.

    Unfortunately a single speed bike will get little use around here. I live in a county named Brown, and the tourist nick name is "Hills O' Brown". A single speed will be pushed more than rode so what's the point.

    Derailleurs ain't complicated at all. It is simply a lever with a bearing that urges the chain to and fro with one adjustment for the cable. Once adjusted and cinched down tight it never needs touched again unless you have some sort of major rear end collision.

    That paper patch trick sounds interesting but why wouldn't a patch made from a plastic shopping bag be better?

    I saw a bike at wally awhile back that had big fat tires, looked pretty stable and safe. I see used bikes for cheap or free on craigslist all the time. Always have a pocket gun when dealing with craigslist ads. You've been warned.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The biggest problem I always had on my multi-speed was the derailer. I have no idea why, but it was a Jap part. I would not use slick paper or plastic as a patch. If the glue soaked into porous paper, wouldn't it have a stronger bond? Just ask for "paper" rather than "plastic" when you go to the fancy store a few times and those bags will last a lifetime of patches. Ha! on the Craig's List transactions :)

      Delete
  2. Minions take heed, Jim is right about bikes. I use history as study examples. In nations at war, blockaded, or occupied, fuel (all forms) is the first item to be tightened up. Even 'Merica had rationing forcing many folks to park and store cars. Bicycles made a resurgence and was a large percentage of transport modes. If you use a vehicle in an extreme fuel shortage environment for non critical errands, expect it to be taken down like a fat cow by hyennas and vultures. Destitute folks won't be forgiving of those with obscene displays of largess. Have at least two like kind, serviceable running bikes in secure storage. Tubes and tires in bulk is as important as wheat and ammo to stockpile. Double bag the tubes to mitigate dry rotting the rubber. Tires can be wrapped with those rolls of pallet wrapping plastic in a couple layers. Proper storage and safeguards are as important as just buying and stacking. Consider the little luggage racks, saddle bags, robust locks and chains, lighting as required by "laws" to keep cops of your back, etc. Practice riding for skills, balance and exercise so as to not look like a dork first time out post collapse. Ride your A.O. for familiarity, difficulty assessment, expected timing of trips, weather gear assessments, etc. Good luck with that collapse thing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you are expecting ( and hoping! ) a backlash against the scumbag liberal PC power-elite, they will be the fat cats staying plump and driving while the 90% get leaner as we bike and walk. If your plans include driving at that point, you might be targeted as a 1%'er. Just saying.

      Delete
    2. Good. All I need is a reason. We have 3 vehicles (all 3 together cost less than $10k) and we drive less than 2k per year, so no largess here. But if I do drive some where and an asshole wants to act all up in my grill he'll get some grill alright, or maybe some buckshot. For waaay too long a lot of people have been thinking they have some sort of magical right over others in that they get to dictate stuff. fukemded In my world you only get 1 chance to prove yourself an asshole or a decent human being.

      Think about it. If a bike rider doesn't like your vehicle, then couldn't a walker not like your bicycle? Like I said, 1 chance.

      Delete
    3. True that on pedestrian envy. Not like anyone will need an excuse once The Purge starts.

      Delete
  3. Good points Jim. Does any Minions have knowledge or experience of some form of liners that go in the tire between tube and tire to reinforce or shield from punctures? The solid foam crap is a no go as discussed. Filling tube with slime, but not preventing a hole in first place seems like asking for a butt hump experience. Any 26×1.95+ tire brands super duper reinforced for like competitors or milspec type use? Seems tires, tubes are the weak link more so than on vehicle units.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know why liners are so narrow-they miss half protecting half the tube. I'd like to know if a extra thick tube is made, myself.

      Delete
    2. “Does any Minions have knowledge or experience of some form of liners that go in the tire between tube and tire to reinforce or shield from punctures?”


      I do. And while I don’t have them in front of me, since they’re currently in my bike, I seem to recall that in addition to being rather thick, they are not too narrow, and go up the side of the tube a good portion, to provide more than adequate protection. Yeah, they’re $20 a pair (on edit: it looks like they have dropped in price to $10 at the time of this post) but I don’t see why they wouldn’t last for many, many, years, if not a lifetime, as they’re sealed from outside elements within the bike tire. I’ve never had a flat, but in the interest of fair disclosure, I also try to avoid riding where I think that there will be goat heads (In other words, I try to avoid riding over grassy areas).

      These are the one’s that I got. Bear in mind that these particular liners are for the 29” tires.

      https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CJVDB8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

      Delete
    3. Any "cut to fit" kevlar sheets available?
      Maybe kevlar paint? Paint the inside of the tire.

      Here's an idea: ballistic bike tires. Like that ballistic armor on tanks. When you run over a nail the tire goes "BA-WOOM" and that nasty nail is no more. Near-by nefarious ne'er do wells will be layin rubber in heavily soiled britches.

      Course, if you contact-glued your tires to the rims and got used to riding with no air at all this whole subject becomes moot.

      Delete
    4. I looked at those tire liners, take a look at the reviews, some interesting info. I put em on my wish list, if I get a bike I might get em.

      Jim, I was half jesting about the flat tires. I think you can do it but, it's been about 30 years since I was on anything with 2 wheels so I don't really remember riding on a flat tire. I think its kinda wobbly.

      Delete
    5. Sorry, sometimes I'm oblivious to jokes. Yeah, I chuckle hilariously over Chuck Norris sniping video, but don't get the sarcasm on flat tires. :)

      Delete
    6. Okay, I hate to be “that guy”, but I checked out that Chuck Norris sniping video, and don’t get the significance behind it? Is it basically suggesting that society and people suck so bad, that you could pick off anyone out of a crowd, and you’d be doing society a favor? I could see how it has the potential to be funny, but I must be missing something?

      Delete
    7. No, you are over analysing it. It was funny simple because it was so stupid. Like an elephant joke.

      Delete
    8. I see. Thanks for the explanation. Generally, I’m not above low brow humor, but I couldn’t even get through the entire 3 minute video.

      Delete
    9. You could have just not been in the mood. People claim Mel Brooks is funny but I couldn't stand Blazing Saddles when it first came out. I might actually like it now, just having been a bad hair day when first viewed, but I haven't seen the point in subjecting myself to it again.

      Delete
    10. I hear ya. I never got the fascination with Robin Williams, and thought that the dude was painfully unfunny, but apparently I’m alone on that one. I guess you could say that that über stupid Mork and Mindy show sealed the deal for me :D Was there ever a show more stupid than that one! I guess Gilligan’s Island, and My Mother The Car were pretty far down on the list. But at least Gilligan’s Island offered up some eye candy.

      Delete
    11. Williams wasn't too bad-he seems to have spent his career trying to make up for being Mork. But I usually liked one out of three of his movies.

      Delete
  4. Thorn proof tubes can be had but they are very heavy and increase rolling resistance. I tried them and it was like I added 30 lbs to the bike. Not worth the added effort for me and I'm back to standard tubes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, I know, there is a reason we are still using regular tubes after 100+ years.

      Delete
  5. I like multi speed bikes! I have the same chain and gears for almost 30 years. The trick is to spin and not strain the chain. I can carry 100 pounds on it. The super glue tip is true but requires thick tr "thorn proof" tubes to work. Yeah they're heavy but hey less flats. Another thing to consider is thick tires. I use the thickest tire I can get right now its a kenda 833.I have almost 1/2 inch of rubble on the road. Flats are rare. But I also carry a patch kit with a spare tube and micro pump. On the pumos it's better to get a name brand with a warranty. Topeak and Blackburn "airstick are good. Many decades of use.

    Stevelo

    ReplyDelete
  6. re:
    Recipes?

    Since goathead stickers are seeds, could they be sprouted to increase their nutrition?

    Pulsed in the blender to make flour?

    * * * * *

    re:
    Bicycle transfer-agents

    We live near the outskirts of bike-thief central == Eugene Oregon. Walking the Ew campus, we see bits of snipped security cables everyplace. After acquisition, the transfer-agents strip the bike, then scrap the components at the metal-recyclers. Tubes and tires are a handicap... as are carbon-fiber frames. A two-thousand dollar (or a forty-buck) bike is worth a couple Federal Reserve Promissory Notes at the scrap-yard.

    Goofballs squatting on the neighbors' property manage to accumulate a pile of bike frames the size of my truck... nightly. Yes, they are dope-fiends, extremely focused and motivated. However, few are lazy.

    24/7, they constantly consistently examine everything you == temporarily == possess for any lapse in your diligence. There is no defense; there is only offense.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds like a job for Bike Vigilante.

      Delete
    2. I’ve already proposed the perfect solution just recently here in the comments, but here it is again. You invite these guys into your neighborhood and let them clean it up for you :D

      INSANE BAIT BIKE ON FIRE PRANK IN THE HOOD - SOCIAL EXPERIMENT - 2016

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVeeOM2fzBE&app=desktop

      Delete
    3. Okay, I remember that now-toot hilarious!

      Delete
    4. Connect a 30,000 volt capacitor to that cable lock.

      Delete
  7. Selling my car & commuting to work via push bike is how I saved enough money as a deposit on my house that repayments are less than rent. Never mind I then had to buy a car which negates the difference between rent & repayment

    /sad trombone

    ReplyDelete
  8. I used to make extra money buying frames off eBay and building bikes from scratch for sale so I have a little experience in this arena. GS is right the derraliur on geared bikes is pretty simple to adjust with a little experience. Continental makes a bike tire called Gatoskin that is extremely puncture resistant. I rode 120 to 140 miles a week in my younger years and they very rarely let me down. Carry spare tubes with u and patch once your at ur destination. Use a full frame pump (not the shortys). Been thinking of acquiring a three wheel bike with a basket. The ultimate apocalypse vehicle. 2:48

    ReplyDelete

COMMENTS HAVE BEEN CLOSED