Reputable Cycling Mechanic

[Ben Knapp]

Anyone know of a very good (and cheap) cycling store/mechanic near Pimlico/Vauxhall or close by? My bike didn't travel so well and the increased dampness here hasn't helped.

I also had 4 punctures on this mornings ride with Horta (95km), lucky we had 4 tubes between us, I am rolling on Conti Attack/Force (which were fantastic in Adelaide, but don't appear to be so here on the lanes), anyone got tips for a better tyre or how they avoid punctures???

Cheers,

Ben

[Deleted]

Try our Todd, he's a dab hand with the wrench.
As for punctures, today was bad due to the rain washing stones in our way (felt like a mountainbike would have been more appropriate), however I have no problems with Michelin tyres but use latex tubes which tend to be more complient to the sharp stuff. You do need to keep pumping them up though.

[Deleted]

benknapp said:

anyone got tips for a better tyre or how they avoid punctures???

Specialized Armadillos are the answer to your problem.

If it's just for training then you want to get some of these bad boys. I haven't had one puncture since October and that includes some wet rides around flint-ridden Hampshire. Also, I went down a nasty pothole on the chaingang and dented my rim without puncturing! Plus, if you can keep up on Armadillos - they're heavy and have loads of rolling resistance - then you'll fly on racing tyres.

[Deleted]

I second the Specialized Armadillo vote. I've just worn a set out - which is amazing becuase they lasted two years, and normally I chuck tyres out every few months because of the cuts from glass shards and the like.

I will also raise the heavyweight-training-effect stakes, by suggesting you also insert the carcass of a set of old tyres inside the Armadillos. This adds atleast a few hundred grams to your wheels (right where it hurts), and means you'll have puncture protection that (in my experience) will survive even a two inch nail.

I heard that folks from up North also fill their their tubes with water - but this can have disasterous effects on your rims in a freezing winter. Should be OK for summer though.

BTW: If you're at all any good, like Cat3 and above, please leave your heavy-weight wheels fitted for racing at CP - I need the break.

R.

[Deleted]

4 punctures on the same wheel? Maybe check the rim tape on the wheels, too.

[Deleted]

Nope, can confirm it weren't rim tape, one of the thorns that we found in the tyre would have taken an adult buffalo out at 200 yards!
Armadillos are good, I'm running Vitoria Roubaixs at the moment, v. good. Keep the pressure up, I run 'em at 120psi.
Mechanics are a real problem. I think you should do most of it yourself, then you know it's right.
The best mechanics I knew were a load of couriers at a now defunct shop in Fulham, but even they left me with a loose crank!

[Deleted]

Go and see Matt at Dial-a-Bike, a tiny shop in Victoria. 30 Strutton Ground. A racing man and a great mechanic.

[Big Blue]

Yep I'd recommend Matt too - rides for the De Laune

[Ben Knapp]

I will give Matt a call, thanks for the tips. See you guys on Thursday if your out.

Cheers.