Another Tubless Tire Convert

Travis Nichols was kind enough to share the following regarding his new appreciation for Tubeless Tire Technology:

I was soaring down “Will’s Traverse” at Beacon Hill, my big wheels ignoring rubble and my plush suspension eating up small jumps.   The wind was cool but the sun was warming and my smile indicated it was a perfect ride.   In an instant my buzz faded and my stomach sank as I heard the “pppssssssttt” that every cyclist on dirt or tarmac dreads as the life-giving air escapes the carcass of their dying tires. 

 I halted knowing that my ride was delayed if not over.   As I slowed, the escaping pressure became more evident without the noise of breathing and rolling rubber over dirt.  I was watching carefully for evidence of the destruction as I slowed, as the tire rotated to the crest of the revolution I witnessed the fantastic sight of Stans fluid pulsing into the air like blood from a severed artery. 

 I stopped after one more revolution and witnessed the modern miracle of tubeless tires:  coagulation.  Or the latex equivalent there-of.   It was a miracle; my ride was saved as if by divine intervention! In an effort to give thanks to the role of technology in my life my legs redoubled their effort and I cranked away from the incident with thankful haste.

As a “Clydesdale category rider” I’ve had a nasty history of mangled rims, broken spokes and an unending legacy of thorny flats and snakebites.   These ride crushing pauses concluded two years ago when I watched a youtube video, splashed some Stans into my Schwalbe Nobby Nics and pumped like mad to seat the bead.   Within an hour I had a revelation about tires and their role in my cycling life.   Years later after witnessing several self healed gashes, stab wounds and slices on various tires,  I am a firm believer in tubeless technology.  If you are a cyclist who pedals on two wheels…  

You deserve to go tubeless.  Beyond shedding ~half a pound in weight (rotating weight mind you!) riders will enjoy better ground contact from lower tire pressure, faster track times because of the lower pressure, a self healing system that has yet to fail me and an overall smoother and easier ride.   I don’t think there is any reason to use tubes at this point if you use two wheels under human power!

Please consider that my testing has all been in the lower PSI/bar of the MTB world but I guarantee you my next cross or road wheel set will be a tubeless compatible system and will have a tubeless ready tire like the Hutchinson Sector 700x28c or the Schwalbe One 700x25c mounted with a bit of Stans in it.  I’ve also yet to test the technology on a unicycle but I would happily risk a few spills and blunted shins to prove the point.

I encourage any reader interested in reliability and or performance to drop into the shop and see what options are available for your two wheel wonder.

Yes, It Is Supposed to Look Like That

Bruce was kind enough to lend me his Trek Farley for a bit since he has been focusing on road miles for an upcoming event.  I am however focusing on fun, exploration and adventure this year.

 He should have known that I would get it dirty - I say it is supposed to look like that.

 I was fortunate to receive an invitation to play hooky on Friday afternoon to explore the Mt. Spokane Trail system from Fat Bike Dan.  Overall, the trails were rough but surprising little mud. I know from both that I was running too much pressure in the tires as ride quality and traction both suffered.  The other thing I noted was that I did not get that nice pull to the inside of turns when I set the tires on edge.

I also was not running clipless pedals so all power was produced on the down stroke which caused the rear to spin in the mud necessitating a points-robbing stab of the right foot during the ensuing stall.  I must also point-out that Fat Bike Dan cleaned all of the sections and somehow he and his bike repelled the mud.

 

Sporting an aluminum frame, the Farley is one of the lighter fat bikes on the market and has it pretty dialed in terms of components, geometry and ride quality.  I declare fat bikes are here to stay and will enjoy watching the upcoming battles of weight reduction (as if it matters in this class) and price increases as carbon frames, forks and wheels become more available in the market.

In the meantime, I will be working to convince the Chairwoman of the Domestic Finance Committee of the value of investing in this particular bike this year given its year-round capabilities.

Two Wheel Transit - Cycling for Life

Open Sunday 11am - 4pm - A New Era

Two Wheel Transit Bicycles is now open on Sunday from 11am - 4pm for the summer.  Feel free to stop by on your rides for to fill a water bottle, borrow a pump or just say hello!

We Are All In This Together

We believe that bikes make a difference at every level in our world.  Fitness, community, transportation, recreation and now, law enforcement.  That is why we felt it was important to make a couple of Trek Police Bikes available to the Spokane Police Department.

Bikes get officers out in the community in an approachable manner, and help to achieve some of their missions and goals in the process.  These 29 inch wheeled machines are set to roll over anything if they need to get somewhere fast and will easily handle curbs and the Ben Burr Trail.

Be sure to say hello to any patrol members when you see them rolling around the South Perry District.

Just in Time for Bike to Work Week - Construction Update

Last year during Bike to Work Week (BTWW) the shoulder at the US 195 - Cheney-Spokane Road Interchange looked like this:

The shoulder was clearly closed and not safely accessible to commuting cyclists.  I covered some of the information on the project at the time in Where Will All the Bikes Go? and Where Will All the Bikes Go? - Part 2.

This year the shoulders are open and the project is nearing its soft-opening during BTWW.  The existing ramps and shoulders are now paved, but the dedicated bike lanes, ramps and overpass will not be open until May 23 according to the WSDOT project manager on the project.  She also cautioned that even though the shoulders are open, cyclists should exercise caution since vehicles may still be moving about with ongoing construction.

Northbound Shoulder on 5/11 - Might have to slalom a few barrels

The off-ramp looks usable but is officially closed

The on-ramp and segregated bike lane which is 2-way traffic

Segregated Bike Lane which is 2-way traffic

Segregated 2-way lane leading to/from Inland Empire Way

Commuters can use the northbound shoulder and then jog over to the 2-way bike lane leading to Inland Empire Way but still need to exercise caution for moving equipment working on the interchange.

Have a great week bike commuting!

Two Wheel Transit - Cycling for Life

Wow - What a Week!

Great turn-out for the first Wednesday Night Mountain Bike Race of the season.  We saw a lot of familiar and new faces on Wednesday.  Over 150 registered racers set a new record and we had the privilege of sponsoring almost 20 of them - all Juniors.  It was a great event of which to be a part and we wish great success for the entire season.

We grilled some brats and burgers after the race and were able to feed most of the riders though we were not quite fast enough off the grill for everyone.  We have a new strategy for the future involving some serious BTUs.

Geoff with some of the Sponsored Jr. Racers.  Apparently we sponsored a dog too - he turned a 27 minute lap. Photo - Hank Greer

TREK Factory Demo is at Camp Sekani on Saturday, May 10 from 10am - 3pm.  Come and ride the latest from Trek for free.  Just look for the black and white trailer off of Upriver Drive.

Bike to Work Week starts Monday - so look for an update on one of the construction projects that may affect a couple of major cycling routes.

Two Wheel Transit Ladies Night Out is on Monday, May 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.  We will have food, drink and plenty of presentations and specials for everyone.

Looking forward to all the upcoming stuff in the next 10 days for our shop I was reminded of my concerns Bike Commuters with the closure of the northbound shoulder of US 195 due to the construction of the Cheney - Spokane road Interchange. 

First, Here is What is Going-on :

Ride: SHOP RIDE - EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT 5:30 PM

Our weekly Shop Rides have resumed and one way we bring people together on bikes.  Please join us for this weekly ride from our location in Spokane's South Perry District.  This is a social road ride with two routes ranging from 12 - 18 miles for all abilities.

Race: May 7 WEDNESDAY NIGHT MOUNTAIN BIKE RACES - JUNIORS RACE FREE 

Calling all Junior Racers - as sponsor of the opening race this year, Two Wheel Transit is once again paying the entry fees of all Juniors on May 7.  Awesome races on the dirt for all ages and abilities.

We will be grilling burgers and brats after the race and providing the best raffle prizes of the season! Go to: Nomadz Racing for more information and registration.

Demo: Trek Factory Demo - Saturday, May 10th 10AM - 3PM

The Spokane Demo Day will be at Beacon Hill / Camp Sekani MTB Trails and located in the main parking area of Camp Sekani again this year.  Come with your riding gear and try-out some of the best new Road / Mountain / Women Specific Design bikes TREK has to offer.

Perry District Party: LADIES NIGHT OUT - MONDAY, MAY 12 - 6:30-8:30PM

Bring a friend and come hang-with the girls for food, drink, clinics on mechanics, clothing, riding, racing and nutrition, and 15% off of purchase of select clothing and accessories plus free giveaways! 

At 6:30, Debbie Judd, NP-C of the Metabolic Institute will be discussing nutrition and specific challenges for women athletes. 

With Bike to Work Week (BTWW) a week away I noted that the construction of the US 195 Interchange has once again closed the shoulders which will be a danger to northbound cyclists.  The project was supposed to be completed this past fall and looks to be about a year behind schedule. 

The good news is that they are currently paving the northbound shoulder, off/on ramps and the segregated bike lanes - hence the closed shoulders. 

Given the pace of paving, I would be very surprised if it were completed in time for BTWW so please plan an alternate route just-in-case.  As of Sunday, May 4th, the weather looks to be clear for the kick-off breakfast on May 12th though we are more accustom to monsoon-like weather.

Two Wheel Transit - Cycling for Life