Not dead yet!

[triadruid]

So this morning I decided to ride my new* bike to the store, since we only needed one thing (kitty food). So I oiled up the chain and gears which badly needed it, checked the tires (only a little low), and set out.

Wow. Not only does this town lack continuous sidewalks, bike lanes, or drivers who know what a bicycle is when they see it (ahh, there's the root word of the problem, see), the gas station air pumps are apparently not designed to interface with bicycle valve stems anymore?? My 50¢ only let the air out of my tires, without being helpful in any way.

Bleh. At least I made it there and back without dying of either cars or heat, and the cat is no longer wasting away to nothing.

* Okay, garage-sale re-issue for $5.

P.S. Anybody got an old bike air pump they're not using anymore?

Comments

[ysabel.livejournal.com]

There are two kinds of bike tire stems, you may have the one that isn't like car tire stems. I believe there's an adapter you can get...

That said, if you're looking for a bike pump, make sure you get one that can do the one you have, or can do both. If you can't come up with one locally, let me know, I might could scrounge one for you. (I usually just use my compressor, and I have a little one for with-the-bike, so anything I have in between is potentially available.)

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

I had no idea there were two types. The nozzle and screwcap looked normal, how do you discern the difference?

[ysabel.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I don't know. One is common on road bikes and is narrower than the 'normal' kind. Um...let's ask Google.

There are two types of valves in bicycle tubes today: Schrader and Presta. Schrader valves are a North American standardized system in which the air pressure from a pump will force the needle into the valve stem, allowing air to get into the tube. Presta valves are a European version with a barrel adjuster on the top of the stem (The stem is unscrewed to allow air into the tube.) Both systems work well. Many road and XC tubes are Presta valve, while a majority of DH, some XC, and most small tubes (for children's bikes) are Schrader. (from here)

Google for the win.

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

Ahh. No, it's a Schrader valve, like normal, it just didn't work with that air pump. I'm going to lean toward chainwoman's suggestion below that it was that compressor valve...

Hee

[opaljax.livejournal.com]

I actually have an old one that fits the tires on the Boy's bike, and would probably work for you. I bought a new-fangled one that I can also use for my air mattress. Um, I'm going to Gaia next weekend, and I can bring it if you'd like.

Thanks!

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

Next weekend as in two days ago, or five days from now? I'll wait if you've still got it...

I know what you mean...

[wildnsquirrelly.livejournal.com]

I never even bothered to get a drivers license until I was 20. Up 'till then I lived in Jax Beach & most of the time it was easier to ride anywhere than it was to drive. Between the huge paved shoulders & actually observant (no lie, really!) motorists it was a great place to ride. Thanks to that my bum was voted Best Around back in HS. Had to start driving when I moved to the Redneck Riviera though. Way too dangerous here. Most of the time they don't see you, but when they do they're just as likely to throw stuff! Good luck with the tires. If all else fails you might also pay Wallyworld a visit & get different inner-tubes.

Re: I know what you mean...

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

Yeah, really I want to see if it needs new tubes or not before I go investing in a specialized pump. It held a partial charge of air the day I bought it, and was decently aired-up enough to GET to the store with no problem....

I know what you mean; I sold my old bike when I left Iowa, and it was no trouble to ride my bike 40, 50, 60% of the time there. Here, it's likely going to be for short grocery runs and the library/movie theater that's right there. The main road we live off of is too narrow and unsidewalked, though it'll be nice for the park trails.

[chainwoman.livejournal.com]

It had to be the gas station you went to. Quick Trip by my mom's has an air pump that does bike tires.

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

Huh, maybe.

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

Looks like you were right; see above.

[brandy22kc.livejournal.com]

how's the belly doing?

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

S'okay, by which I mean it's about the same as it usually is. I have something like IBS so it trashes on me every few days for no obvious reason, but that night was just...exceptional

[brandy22kc.livejournal.com]

my mom has that it sucks a whole lot,