One drawback to flippin' your bike for roadside repair.

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lungimsam

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Jan 26, 2015, 5:49:03 PM1/26/15
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Scratches your leather saddle to turn the bike upside down.

In light of the Blog post about this, I figured I would ask you leather users how you prevent the scratching from happening. Any convenient ideas?


RJM

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Jan 26, 2015, 5:58:08 PM1/26/15
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When I get a flat I generally flip the bike but I don't do anything to prevent scratches to the brooks saddle. Once it's scratched, the fear of scratching it goes away. I suppose putting a towel down would help, or flip it in the grass.

Steve Palincsar

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Jan 26, 2015, 6:01:38 PM1/26/15
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You simply don't turn your bike upside down. "Pasadena style --
fuggedabout it."

I don't know about "racer style" -- if I'm doing it, "racer anything"
doesn't enter into it -- but it's no big deal to remove a wheel without
turning the bike upside down. As for an hour's worth of instruction
sort of thing, I've been doing this for over 40 years, long enough to
have gotten it to where I don't need Cliff Notes.




cyclot...@gmail.com

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Jan 26, 2015, 6:01:45 PM1/26/15
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Always bring a towel.

Daniel D.

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Jan 26, 2015, 6:06:33 PM1/26/15
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Lay the bike on it's side.

Ron Mc

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Jan 26, 2015, 6:09:13 PM1/26/15
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double kickstands are wonderful - whichever wheel is off is automatically up in the air

Allingham II, Thomas J

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Jan 26, 2015, 6:11:16 PM1/26/15
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In lieu of towel, try Riv-style large bandanna.  Saves mission-critical grams!

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Patrick Moore

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Jan 26, 2015, 6:24:32 PM1/26/15
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I carry cheap seat covers with me both for rain (fat chance!) or for protecting the saddle when doing repairs. Tho' come to think of it, in a decade or more of doing this, I've never used one ....

On Mon, Jan 26, 2015 at 3:49 PM, lungimsam <john1...@gmail.com> wrote:
Scratches your leather saddle to turn the bike upside down.

In light of the Blog post about this, I figured I would ask you leather users how you prevent the scratching from happening. Any convenient ideas?


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Eric Norris

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Jan 26, 2015, 6:44:45 PM1/26/15
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I carry my tools, tube, etc., rolled up in a piece of canvas. I don’t usually turn the bike upside down, but if I did I would put the canvas on the ground under the seat.

Rivendell used to sell canvas squares, but I don’t see them on the web site now. I bought some old canvas mailbags at the UC Davis surplus store a couple of years ago, and I’m still well-supplied with great, used canvas.


John Phillips

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Jan 26, 2015, 6:54:10 PM1/26/15
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You're not scratching your saddle, you're creating beausage, the patina of love and use!

Or you can strip and spread your shirt down on the ground to spare your loved one any discomfort.

Bonus points for each 10 degree drop in wind chill below 32F/0C, extra bonus points if you use your pants!

Demerits if you drag your bike across the ground seat side down, or if you change the tire in the mud, or a mess of cow patties.

I'd say, "Ready, set go!", but that would be racing.

John 

dougP

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Jan 26, 2015, 8:04:07 PM1/26/15
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Looks like the saddle question has been covered, so don't forget that whatever's on the handlebars (computer, light, bell) will also come into contact with the ground.  Any bags need to be shut tight so the contents don't escape (I rarely fasten the flap on my handlebar bag) and water bottles tend to lose their contents, albeit gradually. 

If you can remember to deal with all that in the heat of whatever repair you are doing, go for it.  I just take off whatever wheel wants attention & lay the bike down.  I'm a big fan of kickstands but it's been said that a bike lying on the ground can't fall over. 

dougP


On Monday, January 26, 2015 at 2:49:03 PM UTC-8, lungimsam wrote:

Doug Williams

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Jan 26, 2015, 8:09:31 PM1/26/15
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Every Douglas Adams fan knows that:

“A towel, [The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy] says, is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have. Partly it has great practical value. You can wrap it around you for warmth as you bound across the cold moons of Jaglan Beta; you can lie on it on the brilliant marble-sanded beaches of Santraginus V, inhaling the heady sea vapors; you can sleep under it beneath the stars which shine so redly on the desert world of Kakrafoon; use it to sail a miniraft down the slow heavy River Moth; wet it for use in hand-to-hand-combat; wrap it round your head to ward off noxious fumes or avoid the gaze of the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal (such a mind-boggingly stupid animal, it assumes that if you can't see it, it can't see you); you can wave your towel in emergencies as a distress signal, and of course dry yourself off with it if it still seems to be clean enough.”

I always carry a small micro-fiber backpacking towel for all emergencies. In addition to the above, it cleans greasy hands after touching the chain, saves Brooks saddle during tire changes, and works as a bandage for any wounds incurred.

Doug Williams
Don't Panic, and keep your towel handy.

Doug Williams

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Jan 26, 2015, 8:25:28 PM1/26/15
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Of course, if your bike has a double kickstand (one of mine does), none of this is necessary because you can just leave the bike on the kickstand and change either wheel. If the rear wheel is flat and the rear of the bike is heavily loaded, you might have to toss some stuff on the handlebars to weigh them down. For most everyday loads, just removing a wheel is enough to change the balance to the other wheel. Nothing could be easier.

Doug

Joe Bunik

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Jan 26, 2015, 8:49:03 PM1/26/15
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Another reason why this is, in my book, a faux pas (sorry Willard!)
is- if you're running retrogrouch-approved non-aero brakes, you'll put
that awful crimp in the cables.

A notable example of this crime-in-progress from BITD appears on the
cover of Richard's Bicycle Book, IIRC!
=- Joe Bunik
Walnut Creek, CA

BSWP

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Jan 26, 2015, 9:06:22 PM1/26/15
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Not if you run M-bars or Albastaches...or anything besides drops with non-aero levers. Just saying...

- Andrew, Berkeley

cyclotourist

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Jan 26, 2015, 9:07:40 PM1/26/15
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Wait, y'all flip your bikes upside down to change a tire?

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James Warren

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Jan 26, 2015, 9:28:18 PM1/26/15
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Wow, I've always been a bike flipper. Since long before I heard of Bridgestone. And here yet again, is a Riv Blug telling me, "hey, you're OK." (I actually never knew there was a possible controversy. I've been a bike nerd all this time and haven't known it!)
"Go P-style and relax." Nice, relaxing quote for the day.

James Warren

- 700x33






cyclotourist

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Jan 26, 2015, 9:32:04 PM1/26/15
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Oh yes, there is quite the flipper/layer-downer cleavage in the bike community.

Deacon Patrick

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Jan 26, 2015, 9:32:33 PM1/26/15
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Uh, no. I put the world on top of my seat. Phew! That's why I'm so glad I don't have flats!

With abandon,
Patrick

ascpgh

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Jan 26, 2015, 9:58:30 PM1/26/15
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I keep a round bootlace in my kit, actually tying the waxed canvas wrap for my tools to prevent rattling. If roadside repair is needed, I tie it in a loop and snag something to suspend my bike by the saddle nose with it. Amazing what you'll com e up with and the peculiarity of scale that actually works;  a fence, a mailbox, the lowest foot peg on a utility pole (or even the nailed-on plate identifying the pole's providence).

Andy Cheatham
Pittsburgh

cyclotourist

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Jan 26, 2015, 10:03:16 PM1/26/15
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Typical road-side repair: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclotourist/14137916598

Road-side repair with option bike repair stand: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclotourist/8649157039

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Meade Anderson

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Jan 26, 2015, 10:57:59 PM1/26/15
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A stretched out old sock (or two) works wonders...can be stretched over the seat, used as a glove for putting a chain back on, loose tools can be dropped into it to keep them together and from rattling.  I usually have one with me and always have a couple for padding with my Bike Friday when packing and traveling.  (Cheap cotton gloves also help deal with greasy chains when pulling wheels, etc...

meade


On Monday, 26 January 2015 17:49:03 UTC-5, lungimsam wrote:

stonehog

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Jan 27, 2015, 1:06:16 AM1/27/15
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That's what the kickstand is for.  Use it and lean the bike against something.  The front wheel and kickstand hold the bike upright at an angle, but give you room to remove the rear tire - that's the one that always gets the flat, right??

Brian
Seattle, WA


On Monday, January 26, 2015 at 2:49:03 PM UTC-8, lungimsam wrote:

Matt Beebe

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Jan 27, 2015, 6:10:54 AM1/27/15
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When shifting to the big 22t cog on my quickbeam, I do this.    Like James, I guess I've been a bike flipper since childhood, but then the other people i know do it this way too.   I usually flip it in dirt, leaves, or grass, but sometimes not and don't find that the saddle has scratched much anyway.   

I also do this for rear flats on my old sequoia which has non-aero levers... if you open the brake quick releases, the cables won't get kinked.  I think it's easier to avoid touching the chain if you just flip your bike when removing the rear wheel-  you can just use your tire lever and you don't even have to bother shifting onto to the smallest cog.



On Monday, January 26, 2015 at 5:49:03 PM UTC-5, lungimsam wrote:

Ron Mc

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Jan 27, 2015, 7:44:33 AM1/27/15
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not me, the only time I've ever flipped my bike has been indoors on the carpet

Steve Palincsar

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Jan 27, 2015, 8:52:15 AM1/27/15
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On 01/26/2015 10:57 PM, Meade Anderson wrote:
> A stretched out old sock (or two) works wonders...can be stretched
> over the seat, used as a glove for putting a chain back on, loose
> tools can be dropped into it to keep them together and from rattling.
> I usually have one with me and always have a couple for padding with
> my Bike Friday when packing and traveling. (Cheap cotton gloves also
> help deal with greasy chains when pulling wheels, etc...
>

I'm sure it will. However, it won't protect the computer mounted on
your stem or handlebars, and it won't keep your brifter hoods from being
messed up either (not an issue for either one of us, but a big problem
for many riders). Sure, you could carry a blanket with you to protect
the entire handlebar area -- and it'd come in right handy for picnics,
too -- but all in all, it's easier to learn how to remove wheels without

Deacon Patrick

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Jan 27, 2015, 9:32:18 AM1/27/15
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Ha! Thanks, Matt. I'd forgotten that I also do this when using the flip hub on the QB (like you going to my 22).

With abandon,
Patrick

Geoffrey

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Jan 27, 2015, 9:34:14 AM1/27/15
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No need to flip a bike IMO

EGNolan

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Jan 27, 2015, 10:39:10 AM1/27/15
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I haven't changed a flat of my own for a while...knock on the wood, but when in the city (the bulk of my rides) I use a kickstand + pedal on the curb combo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericgnolan/8053813850/
 
Best,
Eric

Joe Bernard

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Jan 27, 2015, 11:29:32 AM1/27/15
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I think it's safe to say bike-flipping for the average owner of a pretty-nice-bike is not a viable option. The folks at Riv have an almost militant disinterest in caring about scratches and whatnot on their beautiful bicycles, but dropping a nice saddle/grips/tape/levers/bars on the ground would...well, I just don't think I could talk myself into it.

Joe Bernard
Vallejo, CA.

Mark Reimer

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Jan 27, 2015, 12:06:55 PM1/27/15
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Find patch of grass or comparable soft ground

Flip bike

Repair flat

Ride

Steve Palincsar

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Jan 27, 2015, 12:13:27 PM1/27/15
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On 01/27/2015 12:06 PM, Mark Reimer wrote:
Find patch of grass or comparable soft ground

Flip bike

Repair flat

Ride

On Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 10:29:32 AM UTC-6, Joe Bernard wrote:
I think it's safe to say bike-flipping for the average owner of a pretty-nice-bike is not a viable option.

Resting the weight of a bike on top of a computer or cell phone or GPS unit simply isn't a viable option whether it's on grass or dirt.   


Mark Reimer

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Jan 27, 2015, 12:15:47 PM1/27/15
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Huh? Am I missing something? Who suggested resting your bike on a cell phone?!

I flip all my bikes, and they are all very nice. It doesn't hurt anything if you're careful and don't rest your nice leather saddles on something overly abrasive. I never thought it was weird to flip your bike - seems like everyone I know does it that way.

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Chris Lampe 2

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Jan 27, 2015, 12:21:23 PM1/27/15
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I've always been a flipper and it only takes about 10 seconds total to remove and reinstall light and computer.  I actually have come to prefer a scuffed up and used bike.  Gives it character.  I will note that I don't ride expensive leather saddles.  That might give me pause. 

Steve Palincsar

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Jan 27, 2015, 12:28:23 PM1/27/15
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On 01/27/2015 12:15 PM, Mark Reimer wrote:
Huh? Am I missing something? Who suggested resting your bike on a cell phone?!

You are missing all the people who mount their cell phones on top of their stems and use them instead of GPS units or computers for navigation, like this:





Brian Campbell

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Jan 27, 2015, 12:29:12 PM1/27/15
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A flipped bike can fall over if its windy or on an uneven surface, potentially causing more damage. A bike lying on its non-drive side is already on the ground.

John Phillips

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Jan 27, 2015, 12:36:11 PM1/27/15
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Please people, if this method won't work for your bike, or if you can't remember to remove electronics from your handle bars, or if you can't find a good place to flip your bike, just don't flip the bike!

No one says you have to do it!

Nuff said!

It's a good video, and I believe Grant thinks people are smart enough not to flip when it's not a good idea!

John

Mark Reimer

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Jan 27, 2015, 12:40:33 PM1/27/15
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Yes, what John said, yeesh!!

Jim Bronson

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Jan 27, 2015, 3:41:03 PM1/27/15
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I'll flip my bike over any day and twice on Sunday. I just put
something under the saddle so it doesn't get scratched up.

That being said, many times on brevets someone just holds it while you
change the tire, I have done that recently for a fellow Rivendell
owner as well.
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Keep the metal side up and the rubber side down!

Jim M.

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Jan 27, 2015, 4:00:11 PM1/27/15
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But what if you have a child in a bike seat? If you turn the bike over, you'll give the kid a concussion.

I blame winter storm Juno.

jim m
wc ca 

Steve Palincsar

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Jan 27, 2015, 4:06:04 PM1/27/15
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On 01/27/2015 04:00 PM, Jim M. wrote:
> But what if you have a child in a bike seat? If you turn the bike
> over, you'll give the kid a concussion.

You'd think you'd notice the presence of the child when you were
dismounting...


Tim Gavin

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Jan 27, 2015, 4:07:38 PM1/27/15
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I was gonna say "ask the child to hold up the bike while you change the wheel".  But, a child small enough to put in a seat on the bike is probably unreliable as a maintenance assistant.

:)

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RJM

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Jan 27, 2015, 4:26:23 PM1/27/15
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Those quarter turn garmin units are so easy to take off and put back on. ;)
 
I still flip though about half the time...the other half I lay the bike down on the side.
 
 
But I never lay the bike down on the drive side. I learned that after having bent a derailer hangar.

Jim Bronson

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Jan 27, 2015, 4:30:47 PM1/27/15
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If you want to lay the bike on the side, having a large saddlebag such
as I have on my Custom (Nelson Longflap) also helps because it seems
that the bike will balance itself on it's side between the bag, pedals
and handlebars holding it up. This approach works better on uneven
ground.

Otherwise, I'll refer to my prior answer.
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Richard Rios

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Jan 27, 2015, 7:17:01 PM1/27/15
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When a problem comes along you must flip it...flip it good..da Da Da da dunt dun dun. Now flip good!

Devos's advice has always worked for me.

but all the other ideas seem good too, as long as the flat gets fixed...

pb

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Jan 28, 2015, 2:26:58 AM1/28/15
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Flipping a bike over makes it much harder and clumsier to remove the rear wheel, which is the only wheel that is pertinent, since if it's the front wheel, it's easy to figure out how to manage the bike without flipping it.  I can have a wheel out, and the tube out, before you can finish even flipping the bike over and fiddling the wheel out the wrong direction. 

Dropping a nice bike upside down onto its saddle and levers and bar tape gives me chills and shakes.  Yuck.  I can almost always find a sign, or a fence, or a branch to hook my saddle onto, or a bush to lean the bike against.  If none of the above, then I remove the wheel, and gently lay the bike on its non-drive side.  Upside down?  Eww.  Suitable for Stingrays and eleven-year-olds, forty-six years ago.

~Peter

       

David Yu Greenblatt

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Jan 28, 2015, 3:16:24 AM1/28/15
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I like to hang my bikes from trees, 
to make repairs, 
and to bait monkeys.


- David G in San Diego
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