This week's edition is how to Maximise your tyre's lifespan.
Tip 1. Run your tyres near to or at their recommended maximum inflation.
Tyres without enough pressure in them create rolling resistance (which slows you down), makes you more susceptible to pinch flats (because it is easier to compress the tyre) and puts more of the tyre in contact with the ground* (more tyre on the ground = more tyre wearing away).
*While some may argue that more tyre on the ground = more grip, QUONLo is a fast hot mix track that is so smooth that extra grip is not required (unless your name is Michael 'Hard as Nails' Bulters who could lap that track at the speed of sound if only he had equipment to stand up to his power)
Tip 2. 'Clean' your tyres while riding and regularly check your tyres for embedded debris.
If you ride through broken glass and manage to survive those few moments of terror when listening for the dreaded sound of a rapidly deflating tyre, chances are that you will have picked up tiny pieces of glass. To prevent these small tyre terrorists from downing your steed, run a gloved hand lightly over your wheels while riding to dislodge any stowaways before they can work their way through the tyre. Be careful while doing this to avoid jamming your hand between your frame and the tyre - not only is it amusing to others and usually creates chaos in the bunch, but you will most likely lock your wheel up (causing a dreaded skid - refer to tip 3) and badly bruise your hand in the process.
After your ride take the time to inspect your tyres - check any small cuts in the rubber for embedded slivers of road trash and dig these out with a small flat head screwdriver or something of the like. This dramatically reduces the amount of punctures you are likely to encounter and will increase the life of your tyres by preventing these small cuts from turning into gaping rips.
Tip 3. Skidding causes massive friction between the road surface and your tyre, and your tyre wears down quicker than the road.
Skids may be fun on your BMX as a kid, but skids on a training ride state one of two things: either a) you don't pay for your tyres and your mum picks you up if you get a flat or b) you are an idiot and like walking home in your cycling shoes. For those unfamiliar with what a skid does to a tyre please refer to the image below. This is very much a case of situation A.
So fellow cyclists - Best of luck with your tyre wear and remember if your mate gets a flat while out in the bunch, signal before you swing off so you don't take the bunch out (despite what you may see those culture clubbers doing!)
Happy riding
Team QUON Cycling Tips for Team Riders who are in a Team.
2 comments:
that was a carefully timed and perfectly executed puncture/swing off maneuver to avoid the inevitable death turn up kuringa drive.
Your a friggin wanker Sparkles.
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