I did it all by myself!
As you may recall, the two times I’ve flatted a tire, I’ve taken the wheel over to Towner’s where I had them put in Mr. Tuffy tire liners and thorn-resistant heavy-duty tubes. Later, when the factory rubber band tires developed eggs, I replaced them with Specialized Armadillo Infinity kevlar-belted tires.
I hate flat tires. These three lines of defense have kept me flat-free and happy for 2,000 miles so far.
As a result, I’ve never learned how to change a tire. I know the theory, and I’ve watched it done once, but I’ve not done it myself. Plus, I’ve never purchased tire levers. But they say tire levers aren’t usually required on until you get to the ultra skinny road tires, or the ultra heavy off-road tires. In between, there’s enough flex in the tire they’re not required. Turns out, they’re right.
At 7:00 this evening, I hoisted the bike up on the coffee table and took off the front wheel. By 7:30, I was done and lifted the bike down and prepared for a test ride on my Nokian Hakkapeliitta W106 studded snow tires that had been waiting patiently in a corner of the living room since early October. ($50 at Speedgoat.com)
The whole process went easily enough. I sat on the couch with the wheel in my lap and worked my way around. Then I removed the summer tire, pulled out the tube and Mr. Tuffy, then reversed the process with the snow tire. Repeat for the rear wheel. Used only my own fingers except to let the air out and pump it back in. My half-hour time even includes re-adjusting the fenders because the snows required a little more clearance.
Then I took a half-hour ride to be sure I wasn’t going to get any pinch flats. All seems well.
I’m totally pleased with myself that it went easily and it went well.
I’m also pleased to report that of all the cuts I’ve found and the glass I’ve dug out of my summer tires, only one piece made it through the kevlar belt. And Mr. Tuffy stopped that.
It’s far too early to report anything useful about the snow tires. First, all tires still have a light coating of mold release on them. It’s basically a non-stick coating to keep them from adhering to the machinery when they’re made. It makes them a little slippery and it has to be worn off before you can judge the stickiness of the tire. Second, all studded tires have to be broken-in to seat the studs. Studs are inserted last in manufacturing process. Thirty miles (50 km) of gentle riding is recommended by Nokian.
These last two things explain why tonight, when it’s 65°F (19°C) and dry (after a record-high day), that I’m installing my snow tires. I want the mold release worn off and the studs seated by the time the snow arrives on Friday.
That said, they ride awfully nice. I was afraid they’d be on the stiff and harsh side. They don’t seem to be. There is a bit of vibration from the tread. It manfests itself as a buzzing feel in the bars and saddle. It doesn’t seem bothersome, just different. And of course, the studs make a bit of noise, especially on chip sealed streets. They’re quieter on regular asphalt. Still, there will be no more sneaking up on people.
