5102 Miles: Slow Leaking Front Tire

I had a slow leaking front tire. I would fill it to 100 psi and in 4 to 5 days it would be down to less than 30 psi.

When I removed the tube and checked it in water, I did not see a leak. It must be really small.

I replaced it with a CST 700 x 18/25 model 29117193 made in China that I had purchased from Price Point. I always have 2 or 3 spares.

The last flat I had was also the front at 2808 miles. So I got 2294 miles from that tube. I still have not replaced the back tube yet!

2808 Miles: Slow Front Tire Leak

I noticed over the last few weeks that I had a slow leak on my front tire and I had to keep pumping it up about once a week. I decided to change out the front tube today.

I suspected that the valve was leaking since it was very slow. I did not think I would be able to find the leak since it was so slow but I was wrong. There was an easily identifiable leak. It was about 5 1/2 inched from the valve on a seam. The leak was on the side facing the rim not the outer tread. I did not see any foreign material that could have caused the leak. The seam is probably just the weak point and will fail first. I can't complain-- this is the original tube having 2808 miles of service and almost 2 years.

The tube was a Kenda 28-U-021. There was a stamp "13", perhaps the inspector and a number 1115650806 stamped on it. I replaced it with a tube I got from PricePoint.

2580 Miles 2 year maintenance

Today I worked on getting the Raleigh Grand Prix in shape for the good weather riding. I ride year round so I figured it would be good to do this work when spring starts. I will be able to start my morning fitness rides on April 13 when civil twilight will be at about 6:00 am.

Anyway, I have over 2500 miles on the bike so I decided to replace the chain, all cables and the brake pads. I also removed and greased every bolt on the bike. I also took apart the derailleur sprocket wheels and greased them. The lower wheel was really dry and rusty in the bearing hosing and was making a squeaking noise.

I first took off everything on the bike like lights, computer etc.

I then replaced the chain. I purchased the chain from Nashbar for $11.99. It comes with a quick link which will make it easier to degrease my chain in the future.

I then replaced all 4 cables ( 2 gear and 2 brake). I used Alligator PTFE Stainless Cables from PricePoint at $4.98 each.

The old brakes were pretty worn.

I then replaced the brake pads. I actually had to replace the whole cartridge pad assembly because the original Tektro brake pads were not the cartridge type. I use Alligator Road Cartridge Brake Shoes from PricePoint at $8.98 each set.

All during the work I washed the bike with an orange spray cleaner.

I then took the bike for a 18 mile test ride. Everything worked really smoothly. I did have to do a minor adjustment on the rear derailleur to get rid of some chain noise when in the largest wheel sprocket.

1907 miles IRC Red Storm Tires: Too Cheap

A few days ago I noticed that my front tire is starting to open up on the tread on the right side of the tire. Also it is apparent that the tread is not really symmetrical. In other words the right side tread is closer to the center of the tire width.


The tire was the IRC Red Storm 700 X 23mm that I purchased at PricePoint for $25 for a pair. The tire is only 6 weeks old with about less than 300 miles. If you recall I also swapped out the rear Red Storm Tire on August 05 because of a "kink" in it. I will never buy cheap tires again.

So today I replaced the IRC Red Storm tire with the Vitorria Zaffiro tire that I saved. So essentially all that I have done is rotate the original tires. Sheldon Brown does not recommend rotating tires. Basically what he is saying is that you should have good tread on your front tire for control. The rear tire wears faster and should not be used on the front.

When I do my overhaul this winter I will at least get a new front tire. Maybe I will replace both.

1713 miles Rear Tire Swap

I noticed that my rear tire would "thump" with each revolution. The wheel seemed true but there was still this "thumping" feel. It looked like one point of the tire had a kink in it and was the cause of the thumping.

The kink is between the white caulk marks in the picture on the left. The IRC Red Storm Street tires were pretty cheap at only two for $25. I will contact PricePoint to test out the customer service. I can probably use the tire for the front and not feel the thump if they don't give me a replacement.



While the tire was off I took the opportunity to true the wheel since the new spokes could have relaxed a bit. I took some time and got the wheel right on true.

I used the old Vittoria Zaffiro front tire on the rear. There is plenty of tread.

I also reset the Cateye Computer back to 2105 tire circumference for the 700 x 25 mm tire.

The bike rides very smooth now.