Bicycle help/advice needed [Archive]

View Full Version : Bicycle help/advice needed

jenafl

07-22-2009, 08:05 PM

I hope if there is an answer someone here has it,though the answer may just be time.I was dx in 9/08 T2,since then I have dutifully jumped on the exersize bandwagon :o .Though I am within site of my #100 lbs lost mark (4 more)I'm still at a hefty,267lbs.I got a new 24in (pink) lol...mountain bike,and try to ride everyday.Not that far at the moment but I still try.I do 10 miles on the stationary recumbent bike though everyday,and hit the heavy bag for 15-20 min.I just can't seem to keep air in my tires for more than 2 days without having to pump them up.Is it just because of the weight forcing the air out,and it will get better as I get lighter.OR is there something I can do now?.Thanks for any input

Ronin

07-23-2009, 12:29 PM

Hi Jena!

Nope, it isn't your weight -- the reason is that the tubes and valves do leak a little.

As a very avid rider (I ride on the roads) I top-off my tires every day.

Congratulations on stepping up to the daily exercise challenge. I do hope that you enjoy riding the bike because if you enjoy something you will continue to do it.

jenafl

07-23-2009, 03:51 PM

Ronin,Thanks for taking the time to respond.I do enjoy riding...though still a little rusty (been along time since this grandma road one!) LOL But I'm getting it.I will top off then.Take careHi Jena!

Nope, it isn't your weight -- the reason is that the tubes and valves do leak a little.

As a very avid rider (I ride on the roads) I top-off my tires every day.

Congratulations on stepping up to the daily exercise challenge. I do hope that you enjoy riding the bike because if you enjoy something you will continue to do it.

Gordonm

07-23-2009, 05:24 PM

I agree with Ronin. I pump my tires up every ride. Even if it is the next day I will top them off. The lower pressure tires will hold a little better but I'd still top them off.

I am always amazed at the casual rider and the lack of air pressure. The bikes ride and pedal so much better with the tires properly inflated.

owlyn

07-23-2009, 07:42 PM

It's a percentage thing. You lose air from your car tires, too, but there are two big dfferences. The volume of the car tires is much greater, so when, say, 1000 molecules of air leak out, it's only 1/1000th of the total air in the tire. When 1000 molecules leak out of a bike tire, it represents 1/10th of the total air in the tires.

Then, you have pressure. The bike tire pressure is 2-3 times higher than the car tires. More pressure means more leakage given the same constraining materials (pourous rubber, valves, etc.)

Once you understand this, you go buy a decent hand pump.

jenafl

07-23-2009, 08:52 PM

Thanks for all your replies...going shopping for a pump tomorrow.And you pals are the first to hear.....I hit my 100lb mark this am...Whooo-Hooo.Took 3yrs but I did it.I see my endo this coming Weds..wish me luck!

Granny Shanny

07-23-2009, 11:02 PM