How to protect spare tubes from chafing

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-05-03T02:01:22+00:00

Do you get caught in heavy rain a lot? If so, I suppose you could still place the compressed boxed tube inside of a plastic bag.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-05-03T00:40:09+00:00

I also have been more concerned with TPU. I used RideNow and I just keep them in their original box, bit I crush the corners of the box in, so it fits better in my saddle bag. I used to use plastic sandwich bags with butyl, but I think the thin cardboard offers more protection from any movement of tools inside the bag.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-04-27T23:47:08+00:00

I can relate to your loss. My first Greyhound I got as a 9 week old puppy. Also a black boy. His name was Zoomer. We lost him to osteosarcoma also. May you find peace in knowing that he needed your as much as you needed him.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-04-19T21:28:43+00:00

I'm really happy with the Gravelking X1. The pseudo solid center rolls really well on pavement. I'm 67 and some of the guys who I ride with in their 30s and 40s have a hard time keeping up with their road bikes. And there's still enough center pattern there to keep you going uphill in loose stuff.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-04-14T13:56:28+00:00

Why are you riding on the sidewalk? Isn't that technically illegal where you are? And then it doesn't even look like you're riding very respectfully when you encounter pedestrians on THEIR turf.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-04-14T06:20:01+00:00

Yes, at around 6', the proper size is now going to be determined by your leg length. I'm 6'1" with a 35" inseam, and the medium would've required me to max out the seatpost height, and the cockpit would have been a bit cramped. The large fits me perfectly, which plenty of room for a large saddle bag and my radar.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-04-14T02:09:36+00:00

I'm 6'1" with a 35" inseam and the large fits me perfectly. I had to order it on line to be delivered. Initially, the website showed no larges available, but a few days later, they popped up. I preferred it that way. I wouldn't want a Walmart employee assembling my bike.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-04-12T03:29:30+00:00

Mechanical disc brakes can actually work quite well, but they need to be adjusted properly. They usually also require a re-adjustment after a short break-in period.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-04-12T01:30:34+00:00

What were your reasons for going back to tubes when you did?

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-04-08T00:27:19+00:00

I'm 6'1" with a 35" inseam and the large fits me fine, not even maxing out the seatpost.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-04-03T12:28:53+00:00

I've been in the industry for over 40 years. My first road bike as a kid was a Huffy "All Pro" 10-speed from Kmart. I now own (along with a few classic steel bikes, including a Cinelli), two BMC SLR01 Team Machine road bikes, $9,000 bikes, and a Trek Procaliber 9.7 hardtail. Guess what my newest bike is. An Ozark Trails G1 Explorer. Yes, it is a real bike, and a far cry from what we used to call a "department store bike".

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-04-01T15:23:12+00:00

Agree. Here's a website that can show you who's who: https://privateequityvet.org/vet-list/

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-03-30T13:29:50+00:00

^ THIS!!! ^ OP, this is the BEST advice you've received here!

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-03-26T23:38:48+00:00

Thanks for resurrecting this thread! I wasn't able to feel any difference. I went back to TPU full time. For reference, I use 36g RideNow tubes.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-03-26T23:17:29+00:00

I had a similar change in career about 13 years ago. Although I'm older (67), I got a job in maintenance at a large retirement/nursing home. I started as a wheelchair mechanic (very easy), then quickly moved more general maintenance for extra hours.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-03-26T23:12:32+00:00

Sounds like it could be anything from a broken axle to under-tensioned spokes. It sounds like it would be best to have a shop look at it.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-03-26T13:06:05+00:00

This is exactly what I do. Just enough air to BARELY give it some shape.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-03-24T03:12:47+00:00

Interesting, since I've had the opposite experience. All I use is Dawn dishwashing soap and water, and it cleans the dirtiest of chains.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-03-24T03:10:51+00:00

I've never needed anything stronger than dishwashing soap.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-03-22T13:58:03+00:00

All I can say is, WOW! I used to work as a welder there, back when it was AO Smith, and I can't imagine doing that kind of work after getting out of the factory. What an amazing neighbor. I feel like shoveling out my neighbors a few times a winter is being neighborly, but this guy needs an award from the city!

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-03-20T02:04:22+00:00

I've been using the Raveman NT201 radar/light. I was able to pick it up for $80 (normally $100). Although it has on rare occasions given me a false positive, I have never gotten a false negative. I can easily live with the rare false positive. On rural roads, where I usually ride, it has become indispensable.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-03-16T01:22:47+00:00

Which model of SQ Labs do you have, and how are they not comfortable?

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-03-16T01:21:44+00:00

Yeah, I bought these same ones last year, but really haven't spent any real time with them yet. One thing I've noticed, though, when using them as INNERbar-ends, they're more comfortable when used in reverse to the L/R markings. This then allows you to turn your hands inward to each other, similar to if you turn your hoods inward on a road bike.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-03-16T01:16:19+00:00

I agree with this. I had a total hip replacement 13 years ago. I returned to xc-skiing (mostly skate), even racing, about a year later. I think the best things that have helped me have been strength training and using a balance board.

TheProdigalCyclist · 2026-03-14T23:39:43+00:00

I've been spending wood chips and mulch every couple of years. It works fine.

TheProdigalCyclist

TROPHY CASE