Flat Repair
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Brownfield Texas
Flat Repair
I have a flat on the front tire of my UC. Its a laced spoke wheel. The local dealer wants $82.50 (1 hour service) plus $28 for a tube to fix it. He said if I took the wheel off and brought it in it would be half of the $82.50 and the $28 for the tube. This seems a little steep. He also said they have to replace the tube that they aren't safe to be repaired. Is this true? How hard would it be to replace the tube myself? I know its the same as a bicycle tire but larger. I don't have any tire irons so would large screwdrivers work instead?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
Is the tire flat due to a puncture? If so, replace the tube. Do you have an air compressor? If not, and since you do not have tire irons, the $82.50 quoted sounds pretty fair to me. Personally, I would prefer to replace the tube and tire both if there is a nail or screw in it. If the tire is just low from sitting all winter, I'd pump it up, check the valve for leaks, give it a thorough look-see and proceed from there.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
Never, I repeat, Never patch a tube. You're only on two wheels to begin with, why have one of them be a liability.
Spokes looked good on my RKC, but they're not user friendly.
Now, I carry plugs and a small compressor and I'm ready to go.
Something to think about.
Spokes looked good on my RKC, but they're not user friendly.
Now, I carry plugs and a small compressor and I'm ready to go.
Something to think about.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
Also, PLEASE do not use screwdrivers on the tire to dismount it. At minimum you will scratch up your expensive rim and tear up the bead of the tire. At worst you will slip and stab the hell out of yourself. If you know how to pull the wheel, then pull it and bring it in to them.
The hardest part is getting the brake calipers off. Make sure after you remove the bolts holding them to the forks, you rock the calipers side to side to fully compress the pistons before you remove them off the rotors. You have to go up then roll them outwards to clear the fender. Cover them with a thick rag so you don't tear up the fender paint. Or better yet let the dealer or shop do it.
The hardest part is getting the brake calipers off. Make sure after you remove the bolts holding them to the forks, you rock the calipers side to side to fully compress the pistons before you remove them off the rotors. You have to go up then roll them outwards to clear the fender. Cover them with a thick rag so you don't tear up the fender paint. Or better yet let the dealer or shop do it.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 48
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From: Brownfield Texas
I rode it during the winter. The last time i rode it was a couple of weeks ago and it was fine then. I aired it up last night and was not able to hear any air leaking and there is no nail or screw that I can find in it. I can't even find where one was. I haven't had a chance to check and see if it has gone down again that will happen later when I get home. I'm gonna get some tire irons so I'll have them. I wish it had regular cast wheels with tubeless tires. Its the first bike I've owned with wire spokes.
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Intermediate
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From: Brownfield Texas
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
Did you squirt a little dish soap/water mix on the valve stem? Could be a bad stem valve. I just replaced one on the front last week. It did not leak but the little stem was bent from me adding air no doubt.
Can buy new stem valves and the tool at auto stores for less then $10.00. You can also air up the tire to 40 -45 lbs and spray that mix all over to see where else the leak might be.
Can buy new stem valves and the tool at auto stores for less then $10.00. You can also air up the tire to 40 -45 lbs and spray that mix all over to see where else the leak might be.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 13
From: 501
I forget where at the moment, but I found a tire changing stand for a hundred, and HF has a balancing and truing stand for Fifty. so for the cost of a drive in and out install, you could have the tools to do all your own at home!
That's real near the top of my list now.
$0.02
aka Bob
That's real near the top of my list now.
$0.02
aka Bob