WHEN IT COMES to home improvement projects, I am fairly proficient. But last weekend I was challenged when Hattie wanted me to fix a flat tire on her bike. It has been many, many years since I had to change one, but how hard could it be?
After taking out the old tube, I started wrestling the new tube and tire onto the rim. Half an hour and many colorful expressions later I realized this was going to be a challenge, and perhaps I should read some instructions. The instructions referenced using a special tool and not using a screwdriver to put the tire back on. I didn’t have this special tool, so of course I grabbed a screwdriver. I must have punctured the tube, because when I went to air it up I noticed the air was coming out quicker than I was putting it in.
Not wanting to waste this new tube, I went back to the store to buy a can of that green slime that can fix flats. After I put it in, more of it seemed to be outside the tube than inside, and when I tried airing up the tire again, still no luck.
You know, this weekend maybe I should just take the bike to High Gear and let the professionals do it.
Chris Walker
Editor & Publisher
ZaneRokklyn (anonymous) says...
Buy the special tool while you're there -- it's well worth the money!
January 24, 2009 at 8:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )