Newbie question
Discussion
I've returned to cycling after an absence of over 10 years and have decided that I have to prove myself for a few months before buying a shiny new bike, so have dusted off my (very) old Carlton racer. I did all the usual stuff and fitted new inner tubes and can't get my head around the valves, what happened? Why are they different sizes and types and what's with the new fangled pumps? Can anyone explain what is going on, I really am confused, they used to be universal with a nice flexi cord from the pump?
Two main types of valve:
- Schrader : fat ones like on your car, mostly on mountain bike wheels
- Presta : skinny ones used on road (700) wheels
Lots of mini pumps will have accommodate both valves, sometimes you have to turn around an internal rubber seal. They tend not to have flexible hoses these days, which can and does lead to broken valves especially Presta due to the force required to pump up road tyres. I have a lovely mini Lezyne pump with a flexible hose.
Track pumps use flexible hoses.
- Schrader : fat ones like on your car, mostly on mountain bike wheels
- Presta : skinny ones used on road (700) wheels
Lots of mini pumps will have accommodate both valves, sometimes you have to turn around an internal rubber seal. They tend not to have flexible hoses these days, which can and does lead to broken valves especially Presta due to the force required to pump up road tyres. I have a lovely mini Lezyne pump with a flexible hose.
Track pumps use flexible hoses.
burriana said:
Just how much "over" ten years is over? 
Not that many, I've had the bike for over 25 years though, but last used it around 10 years ago, it was never a serious pastime and this latest 'fad' is an attempt to shed some timber. Back on topic, are these new fangled valves progress?Magic919 said:
The new valves don't undo when you use a lolly stick to make the bike sound like a motorbike. That's progress in my book.
PH, where one simple question begets another. Given my 'absence' from the sport for (at least) 10 years, are the said lolly sticks an essential accessory if one is to 'fit in' with the current craze, or should I earn my spurs before indulging in a 'set'?Blue62 said:
PH, where one simple question begets another. Given my 'absence' from the sport for (at least) 10 years, are the said lolly sticks an essential accessory if one is to 'fit in' with the current craze, or should I earn my spurs before indulging in a 'set'?
You can crack on right from the get-go - though you may find a playing card is easier to manage as a beginner.IroningMan said:
You can crack on right from the get-go - though you may find a playing card is easier to manage as a beginner.
It depends a little on how many spokes he has, and his average speed. For instance if you're quite quick and have 36 spokes, a playing card sounds like a moped buzzing. In that respect something more substantial than a playing card is required to get the "large four" sound of high revs, but larger displacement, therefore a bit lower sound...louiebaby said:
IroningMan said:
You can crack on right from the get-go - though you may find a playing card is easier to manage as a beginner.
It depends a little on how many spokes he has, and his average speed. For instance if you're quite quick and have 36 spokes, a playing card sounds like a moped buzzing. In that respect something more substantial than a playing card is required to get the "large four" sound of high revs, but larger displacement, therefore a bit lower sound...I had a fight with my new pump the other day - I swear they have changed how they work?!
It always used to be, flick lever on the pump out, place pump on valve, lock lever down and start pumping. Now that seems to be reversed and the lever needs to be up in order for the pump to work?! Where is the logic in that?
It always used to be, flick lever on the pump out, place pump on valve, lock lever down and start pumping. Now that seems to be reversed and the lever needs to be up in order for the pump to work?! Where is the logic in that?
ali4390 said:
I had a fight with my new pump the other day - I swear they have changed how they work?!
It always used to be, flick lever on the pump out, place pump on valve, lock lever down and start pumping. Now that seems to be reversed and the lever needs to be up in order for the pump to work?! Where is the logic in that?
It seems I am not alone, well not quite alone.It always used to be, flick lever on the pump out, place pump on valve, lock lever down and start pumping. Now that seems to be reversed and the lever needs to be up in order for the pump to work?! Where is the logic in that?
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