I've had 4 bicycle flats in the past 2 days. I got a flat tire before I started riding my bike on Monday morning. Then, I got 3 flats on my way home Tuesday evening. I think they're pinch flats. I also had to fix my aero bar, because the metal part supporting the armrests broke off. A while ago, the left side broke off, and I had to get it welded. Now, the right side broke off, and I went back to the welders again. This time, one of the guys didn't do a good job of welding. He didn't leave the metal smooth, but he left it with these bumps on it from the molten metal. Now, my armrests are a tiny bit uneven. I can't even put my cycle computer there anymore but have to put it the right of my right armrest, which is an awkward position.
I'm going to have to pass on the triathlon for this year, because of all the bad luck I've been having with my bike. The L.A. Triathlon is on September 9. I was going to enter it, but after all the flats and aero bars breaking, I'm going to hold off for now. I plan on training more to get ready for next year's batch of triathlons.
Now, I'm hearing squeaking sounds coming from my crank or rear gears. I think the rough L.A. roads and potholes are taking its toll on my bike.
Hopefully, getting new heavy duty tires will help prevent getting all these flats. I'm still riding on the original Continental Ultra Sport tires that came with the bike. I put about 2,500 miles on it in my estimation and it looks pretty worn already. I have to estimate my mileage because my wireless Topeak cycle computer doesn't always work. It's weird. Well, I plan on getting a new cycle computer with a heart rate monitor and a cadence monitor to help me even more with my training, but those are very expensive.
The problem with getting heavy duty tires and tubes is that they're heavier than my superlight tires. My Motobecane Nemesis triathlon bike is very light, about 15.5 to 17 lbs. With more weight comes slower speeds, because I would need more energy to pedal the heavier weight. And slower speeds suck. I would need to increase my leg's horsepower a lot more to overcome the weight disadvantage.
4 comments:
Awwww. I feel so bad that you won't be able to participate in the triathlon. :( Is this the first year you won't be in it biking like a maniac?
Well, it will be the 33rd year that I won't be in a triathlon. Hahahaha! I've been mountain biking before. Now, after getting my triathlon bike and liking it a lot, I decided to do triathlons.
it's too bad about this year, but i'm sure you will be more than ready come 2008! after reading about all your adventures on the bike, and some others who were getting out there riding, i finally pulled my old bike out of my mom's basement. wouldn't you know the tires are dry rotted! evidently it's not as nice a bike as i thought anyway, according to my husband. oh well..
Portia,
Good for you! Go out there and have fun! Tires are cheap, so don't worry about replacing them. Well, if the bike is not in good shape, then you might want to get a new one. Having a nice bike totally changes your level of enjoyment in riding.
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