No fun!

[Max]

Just when you think you're the hardest mofo on your block, when the temperature's dropping lower, and lower each day, Mother Nature pulls a fast one on you. Oh, mild, drizzle, and mid-30's! What is this you Bee-aatch! Are you beat? Keep it coming!

Actually, we should thank her for the break. However, I started to notice some rusty spots forming on the 'ol Bridgestone. Stagnent water, the enemy of cyclists and brewers alike. What does one expect? My bike, she and I are out in all weathers riding, laughing, and spinning through the chill. Now, my bike, she suffers from rust, no. I think might have to add a new rear hub in the spring. What to do, what to do?

[DirtRagArt]

The weather was deceiving this morning, and I almost rode here wearing shorts-thankfully logic prevailed and I threw on some leg warmers. Things were good until I crossed the tracks into Etna and I felt a sharp pang rifle up my rear wheel, through the frame and up my backbone... I knew I pinched it, but I pressed on. About a quarter mile up Saxonburg I decided it was time to do the deed only to find I was ill equipped... no tire levers! That's when I recalled the advice of one Shannon Burns: When it's under 65 bring everything you've got.

I fought with all I had, but to no avail, and even tried calling for a ride, but my cell phone didn't work in the Little Pine Creek valley. So I resigned to stopping every quarter mile and pumping about 80 strokes of air in my tire. It was kinda cool, though, since I got my upper body workout as well... he he he

So, folks, what's a good substitute for tire levers, should I get caught without em' again?

[Max]

Hard lines Jeff! That's awful. Good advice from Burns, though. I usually don't carry much with to work, other than an Aliene tool, only because theres a LBS along the way. I should start, however. Were you riding the Schwinn? That sucks, man. Oh well. Are you riding home from DR that you didn't ride in with? i.e. tubes, levers, etc.?

[DirtRagArt]

Well, actually I probably could have figured out a way to get the tires off, but I ran out of patience. I wasn't wearing my winter shoes and I was standing in the slush/snow alongside Saxonburg... Anyhow, I just need to get another pair of levers from Kraynick and stash em in my bag alongside my Jethro Tule, tube & pump.

[aredee]

Skewers can make damn fine levers in a pinch.:D

Walking sucks.

[INTENSEe]

I used to worry about rust and scratches and so on... but even though I shouldn't have bought the ultimate bike I did! I love my merlin and i ride the Ti steed every day. I know that commuters are suppose to ride old beater bikes but I figured If im going to ride everyday I should get something that lasts and lasts (i have a really good lock). I love my bike. I know what you mean about the weather getting better i like to see people complaining about the walk from their cars and then i get to say " man I rode my bike" smile!
Have fun guys and girls!
See ya
Erik Carlson