Hiking in Kern

I always wondered what the older folks used to mean when they said my back, knee or other appendage was stove up. I figured that it meant that that older person simply did not take the best of care of themself and were victims of how they treated themselves while they were younger. Or possibly it was related to not much activity or excercise. When I was younger this was always my presumption based simply on appearance.

Well the closer I get to fifty the more I understand exactly what being stove up is all about! On top of cycling I have also decided to do some hiking too. My son, brother in law and I  have decided to try to hike half dome in Yosemite. David has done it before and said it was relatively tough but easily doable.

I have noticed for the past couple of years that certain muscle groups seem to get real tight despite how much pre-excercise stretching I do. I once thought well I'm not stretching enough pre or post excercise so I made it a point to perform deeper longer stretching. That didn't really help then I thought well maybe I'm not getting enough vitamins or nutrients like potassium, magnesium and etc. So I began drinking more sports drinks pre and post work out. That didn't help so I went to the local vitamin shoppe and bought this special drink that contain everything you could possible need. That didn't work either.

Maybe this is what the old folks er I mean people my age mean when they say they are stove up. I don't know just a thought. But, I sure have been getting stove up lately :)

2011 Motobecane Fantom Trail Review

7/7/2011 - Update: Purchased a set of Neuvation Mountain Max Wheels. Went tubeless with Stan's and 2.1 Nevegal and 2.1 Slant Six. Bike weight 29 lbs!


6/7/2011 - Update: I decided to weigh the bike. It weighs in at 32 lbs in 16" frame.


Of course I did not weigh it before doing upgrades but, the Motobecane website claims around 30lbs. Difference from stock: Kenda 2.35 nevegal front, Kenda 2.35 excavator rear, Avid BB7 Mech discs, Avid speed dial levers, 44t chain ring removed,  stans tubeless and, diamond back BMX pedals, with Sunlight lock on grips, E3 Pro form saddle, SRAM sqwers and bar ends. This is 2lbs lighter than the Motobecane 500ht 17" that my daughter has.


6/8/2011 - Update: I contacted Bikeisland.com and asked a question regarding the bearing type in the hubs for the WTB Cross Country Speed disk that comes on a lot of the Motobecane bikes. Sealed bearing could mean a couple different types as I understand so I wanted to find out exactly what types of bearings are used. 


Here is the response:


Hello and thanks for your interest in our wheel sets. I'm afraid your wheels have regular ball bearing hubs not cartridge. Since all the components are different with cartridge bearings, It would be best to simply upgrade the entire wheel. I like these:

http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=1440

Thanks for your inquiry.

Best regards,

Jeff

www.bikeisland.com

So I get why they use ball bearings because it is proven reliable technology. I have been happy but, like a lot of people I have upgradeitis. I found some neuvation MTB wheels for 99.00 on sale plus shipping and tax.  These are about the same weight but, contain cartridge bearings. Which I think should be smoother rolling in comparison and that is what I'm looking for. I'm not sure but by looking on the neuvation website the rims look just like the WTB speed discs.  I have not received them yet but, expect them tomorrow.

Recently, I purchased the Motobecane Fantom Trail. The bike comes in just at 30lbs and is nicely spec'd in my opinion. Here in Southern California where I live the trails are mostly hardpack with some loose. Because of this I swapped out the original Panaracer Fire pro XC tires for a Kenda slant six up front and a Small block 8 out back also I just wanted to try them out too. I like the small block 8 on the back and am very surprised on what excellent traction it has had so far. These tires are some what specialized for my terrain in my area. A few weeks ago I was in  Fresno and took a trip to Auberry at the foothills of sequoia national forest. I found that the trails consisted of softer dirt and in some areas crushed granite. It was there that I realized how great the Nevegals were (what I run on my windsor cliff). Mostly what I found going down steep switch back was the sb8's did not dig down into the dirt very well during braking and the slant six in that same soil would tend to wash out a bit.

More about the bike the Dart 3 not as bad as everyone says unless you are a reall advanced rider. I have ridden the Suntour and RST entry level models and I can say without a doubt the Dart 3 completely exceeds those as it is plush in comparison and has rebound adustment. I'm 235lbs and the fork has held up so far.

The avid BB5 disc brakes drag regardless of how you adjust them at least this has been my case. I found a blog that describes a way to adjust the brakes and it did stop the dragging but, then the brakes were backed out so far that there was no brakes. I gave the rotors a visual and they do not look warped but, who knows. While they still drag a bit they stop pretty well. On another bike I have Tektro aquila's that squeel real bad when braking but do not drag at all and brake just as well I don't know what that means maybe I expected the Avid BB5's to be leaps and bounds better in comparison. I found some BB7's that I will upgrade too as I have heard both sides of hydraulic versus mechanical debate. Sounds like they compare to the Juicy's in braking and use the same pads so they probably will be good enough for my riding style.

Shifting has been flawless and has not required any adjustment after a few months even with daily rides. I did not know that the SLX rear deraillers did not have an adjustment barrel. The WTB speed disc have held up so far considering my weight and the hard terrain. I recently mounted Kenda Nevegals 2.35's without tubes using stans on them but, that is another story.

The ritchey cockpit components tapered bar, stem and seat post all seem to be of good quality I suppose items could be lighter but, will suit me just fine. As far as the ride the bike feels solid, handles well enough for me and I think it is a good base.

First Windsor Cliff 4700 Review

2011 Windsor Cliff 4700

Assembly

Out of the box it took 20 minutes to assemble. I removed the stock tires (Kenda Kobra 2.1) I opted for Kenda Nevegal 2.35 front and Kenda Excavator 2.35 rear. I was surprised at how tall the 2.35's are! it almost looks like a 29er now:)

* Update I gave this bike to my son and removed the Nevegal and Excavator 2.35's and installed a 2.1 nevegal up front and a small block 8 in the back.

This bike is still lighter than my Fantom Trail by about 2lbs. My son is 6' 2" 275 lbs and alread squashed the stock wheels. We replaced them with the WTB speed Discs that come on the Fantom Trail. They were about 135.00 from Bikeisland.com.

First Impressions:

Weld and paint quality - very good

Preassembly - Very good

Stock tire selection - Poor

Components - Good

Parts fit - Good

The bike feels very solid. I weigh 235lbs and have hopped some curbs and taken some small jumps so far so good. Bike weighs approx 28 lbs

The shifting out of the box was perfect but, with more use and cable stretching I'm sure it will need adjustments.

The disc brakes are confidence inspiring and amazing compared to v-brakes. I needed to adjust them a bit though.

I have taken it on one muddy rocky sandy trail and it seems to be agile and perform well. I will update as I go on more rides.

Windsor Cliff 4700

Commentary:

I did a lot of research on mountain bikes and found there really are only two maybe three main differences that affect cost - frame/frame material and components. Frame geometry is important too depending on how you ride but, I haven't seen it affect cost in my research except the more radical the geometry the more radical the bike due to purpose built full suspension bikes rarely have entry level parts.

You could be riding a race inspired frame, a racing frame or a purpose designed frame. With various levels of components all impacting the cost.

Somebody considering a mountain bike purchase should know the quality of the frame and the level of components to get a good value. Most folks will immediately buy a name brand bike to be safe although this may not always be the best value except when it is sold on Craigs list. Others will go to the large discount stores and buy a inexpensive bike and wonder why they hate riding it.

Various component manufacturers will also have component levels like SRAM, Suntour, Truativ etc. Making things even more confusing and complicated.

Shimano Mountain Bike Component levels

LEVEL 1 (Least expensive usually found on discount stores bikes)

SIS-5 speed/6 speed/7 speed

ALTUS-7 speed

ACERA-7 speed/8 speed

LEVEL 2 (Usually found on name brand entry level bikes)

ALIVO-7 speed/8 speed.

DEORE-9 speed

LEVEL 3 ( Usually found on intermediate bikes)

DEORE LX-9 speed

LEVEL 4 (Usually found on intermediate to advanced bikes)

DEORE XT-9 speed

LEVEL 5 (Usually found on high end bikes)

DEORE XTR-9 speed

Tips:

Know that caged bearings are the cheapest oldest technology and the least expensive.

Look for sealed, cartridge or contact bearings (these will increase the cost!)

Check

•  Hub bearing type

• Bottom bracket bearing type

• Headset bearing type

Use common sense unless you can afford it no really. Just like $200.00 basketball shoes won't make you a professional basketball player a, race bike will not make a beginer a downhill racer. Of course you will look really cool when you crash that expensive bike.

A little tire tech:

What is TPI? Threads per inch

Threads Per Inch this is how much/many fibers of thread are encased in the rubber. The more thread the lighter and more pliable the tire. The less TPI the heavier and less pliable the tire will be. So for example a race tire might have a 320 TPI level and weigh mere grams.

Most mountain bike tires I have seen are 60 to 120 TPI.

Just like other components, tires have various levels too for all levels of biking. The expense will depend on the characteristics you desire from being puncture resistant, grip, weight and tread type.

Riding again

One problem I have found since getting back into cycling again is how life seems to get into the way. It is funny though once you push past those interruptions or make the mental decision it becomes worth it and even more enjoyable.

I stopped cycling in October 2010. I kinda did the same thing the previous year about the same time. This year though it was the 12th to be exact. My family and I had decided to move when our lease was up this year and find another house a bit smaller and more manageable financially and esthetically. The one we found was quite a bit cozier though but, nearly 40 years older than the previous rental. Another factor for moving was us preparing to scale back so my wife who has arthritis could quit work and focus on her health. Our 30th Wedding anniversary also was during this month on the 25th. We decided to have some time away and be alone together. Overall a very busy month.

We spent the next six weeks or so moving a little bit during the evenings and weekends, any spare time I previously had for cycling was gone, then came the holidays and cold weather even more reasons not to ride! Although, I had most of the winter gear needed for winter riding, the thought of freezing my ass off was not appealing. In november during our move my wife needed to make an emergency trip to help out her parents which ended up being more of an ordeal than we originally thought and she was gone through thanksgiving.

On December 23rd my daughter and I received our new mountain bikes. I had been saving up for these for nearly 6 months and this would be our christmas presents. We assembled the bikes then took them out for a spin it was the only day during that week that we did not have any rain. We rode down by the bluffs below panorama drive then on and around the river on the bike path through mud and sand. We both had a blast. The only thing that marred that slightly was her boyfriend and her split up so that was on her mind.

It was at that point that I decided I would start commuting to work again. I thought hell if people in the north east can commute through sub 20 degree wether surely I could commute in sub 40 degree weather here in Cali. I began again on December 30th and made that part of my new years resolution.

One of my biggest concerns was the night riding. Not that it frightens me but, that it is really dark when I leave work and that I would be visible enough so drivers could see me.

One night I left work went a couple blocks and came to a stop light. Up pulled one of my co-workers I looked at her through the car window and she was shaking her finger at me I wondered why? and if it was because of the stupid grin on my face. I have that grin because it is invigorating to ride in cold weather for some reason. She pulls away from the stop light and I wave later to her.

Once I get home I think to myself that was odd why was she shaking her finger at me? The next moring I arrive at work and later receive a call from her. She says Tony this is the mother in me speaking! I say ok wondering what the hell she is talking about. She starts off Black helmet, black hair, black coat, black pants, black socks, black shoes, Orange bike! I'm like what? then she lays into me...I could hardly see you what is wrong with you how do you expect motorists to see you on that thing? I dummy up and mutter uh huh yes ma'am. But, but, I have lights and blinkies! But, you are wearing all black clothing...er you are right...yes ma'am.

I think to myself she probably just saved my life for something I took forgranted. I do have I bright orange cylcling wind breaker I could wear over my coat!

So I have been riding with it on since our discussion er her knocking some sense into me.

Since we have moved I'm now closer to work. One way the bike ride is 1.1 miles. Yes it is cold especially when it is foggy. But, I love it it sharpens me, the cold crisp air stings my lungs and face but, it is invigorating and depending on how fast I ride or not I'm home or to work in under 10 minutes...and having a blast!

Cold weather riding in Bakersfield:

• Insulated gloves quality depending on length of ride
• Skull cap or beany to keep head and/or ears warm
• Good flexible insulated coat depending on length of ride
• At least a 150 lumen front headlight
• Front white blinky led light
• At least 3 led rear tail light
• Rear red blinky led light
• Rear red reflector
• Bright clothing yes even in the day
• Good all season or wet weather wide tires

TIPS:

1. Wear a helmet at all times better to look like a retard than be one due to a brain injury
2. Don't expect that motorists can see you...ever be visible
3. When coming to intersections or cross walks make eye contact if possible with motorist and pedestrians
4. Watch out for pedestrians some people walk as bad as they drive expect that they will walk out in front of you.
5. Follow all traffic laws do not run red lights, stops signs etc...you are on a moving vehicle and must abide as the same laws as automobiles.
6. Give yourself at least two feet on your right when riding past parked cars just in case someone opens a door on you
7. Claim the lane this means if there are multiple lanes take the one on the furthest right this is safer for you and the motorists.
8. Ignore insults from drivers unless you have not followed the rules of the road
9. Do not expect that motorists, pedestrians or other cyclist will give the benefit of the doubt or follow the rules of the road
10. Realize pedestrians always have the right of way...
11. Have fun and be safe!

Motobecane Fantom Cross CX Review

Dig the water bottles?


*** UPDATE TIRE SIZE *** 1/27/11
This bike will fit up to 42mm or 1.65 inch wide tires

In 2007 my family purchased me a Schwinn hybrid from Target I road it and enjoyed it but it was really lacking in performance and handling plus it weighed a ton and I had to always tweak the derailleurs to get it to shift right. I would ride on an off for the next couple of years but nothing real serious.

I decided to purchase the Motobecane in August of 2009 as 2010 model. Previously I had owned other than the Schwinn hybrid three mountain bikes before, all specialized a hard rock, a rock hopper and a stump jumper.

When I was kid before BMX bikes we would setup our Schwinn's stingrays with knobby tires, small seat and short handle bars and do wheelies, jumps (sometimes over our friends) and ride in the dirt. Because of this I think I always favored the mtn bike when I got older. I never had owned a road bike before and that played in my decision to go with a cyclocross bike I think.

I did a lot of online research and found that a cyclocross bike had the same geometry of a road bike but, had canti brakes and could take wide knobby tires but, also had drop bars. I had never used drop bars before nor had I ever wore the tights that I had swore off that I had seen people riding in. But, little did I know there was a purpose for those flashy clothes.

I loved the look of the cyclocross bike also, cyclocross bikes have a longer wheel base then most road bikes and are similar to touring rigs also the advantage of the powerful canti brakes and the clearance for mud. But, I did not realize the beauty of having my cake and being able to eat it too. The cyclocross bike came about through roadies training in the winter at least that is what I read.

The best thing about a cyclocross bike is that it does both ok on road and off. For instance it can be setup to be a pseudo roadbike or pseudo off road bike.

Over the summer I took the kenda kwickers off and got some Continental ultra sport gator skins 700x25s and was amazed at the agility of the bike on the road. I also upgraded the brakes to avid 4 shorties, installed a carbon fiber seat post and an E3 seat. The drop bars were a bit too deep for me so I replaced those with Origin8 Pro pulsion gary-2 drop bars at the same time I installed Look clip in's. My impression was WOW of course I had never ridden a road bike before so I had nothing to compare it to but, it made me want to get a road bike. There is something about clipping along at 20 plus mph that you won't experience (except downhill) on a mountain bike.

The frame is slightly flexy under hard acceleration but, stiff through turns and bumps. I do not know if this is because of my size and weight as I'm around 235 and just shy of 5'11" I'm riding a 56cm frame. The sora STI shifters are really nice IMO and tiagra derailleurs shift almost flawlessly even today after a couple thousand miles. I have done some adjustments after it was new due to cable stretching etc.

Recently, due to winter I have pulled the Ultra sports and put on 700 x 35 conti cyclocross race tires. I'm really amazed at how compliant the ride is with the wider tires. The triple chain ring is good for off road but, the smallest ring is still not as small as a Mountain bikes. The CROMO fork and rigid aluminum frame does soak up some of the bumps but, the tires do most of the absorbing. I have found that it is good for single track that is not too technical, fire roads and hard pack. It is odd riding off road to me with drop bars but, I'm getting more comfortable. The bike is fairly light in comparison to others in this price range at about 19.5 lbs.

Overall I'm very happy with this bike, for me it triples as a road bike, off road bike, touring bike and occasional grocery getter. I have done some touring locally (40 miles round trip non stop) and have had panniers and racks loaded down this bike is very stable and comfortable and the cantis provide excellent stopping power.

The clothes:
Well I used to think that people wore those tight spandex clothes to show off their bodies or to look like the pro's. There is a reason though. When riding on the road the clothes cling to you and assist in making you more aero dynamic also, the materials they use are space age and wick away the moisture from your skin and help your muscles to not fatigue as fast. Plus the shorts and pants can be purchased with padding in the seat portion enhancing comfort on long rides. Another benefit is loose clothes can get caught on the seat, handlebars, trees and branches etc....So now I wear them most of the time and it is not to show off my body because well lets just leave it at that...

TIPS:

• If you have a belly or muffin top purchase bib style shorts or tights otherwise you will get fold over.
• If you are what they call a Clydesdale it may be hard to find items that fit properly since the cool stuff is made for smaller men.
• A Clydesdale is someone who weighs more than 175 or is taller than 6 foot
• Bike Fit in general:
• There are probably 3 sizes that could fit you depending on the style of riding you do, consider this:
• Do you like to stretch out and ride long straights? maybe a bigger size is best for you
• Do you like to ride fast, crank through turns and want the ultimate control and don't mind being scrunched up get a smaller size
• Do you want the best of both worlds get something in between

In my case I ride a 56cm with a 30.5" inseam which is just a hair big for me but, almost perfect with an 80mm stem ( I changed out the 100mm). I could also ride something as small as a 52cm. I like being stretched out a bit so my lungs have plenty of room (belly too) to breath

• The right size also varies because it depends on torso, arm and leg length and what you consider comfortable
• When sizing consider actual body part lengths and style of rider or riding.
• Don't be afraid to try different tires, sizes or types
• Don't be afraid to change out cock pit items to facilitate comfort (i.e. seat, stem handlebars etc)
• Remember although bikes come in different sizes you are unique and the bikes are designed for the general population.
• Maximum PSI is only ideal if you are a heavy rider if you are a light rider using maximum pressure in your tires increases resistance and makes for a bumpy ride.

For example I weigh 235lbs if I do not use the maximum pressure (120lbs in my rear tire) I will get pinch flats but, if you weigh 150lbs using recommended tire pressure (80-100lbs) is fine and your tire will be more compliant and have less rolling resistance at that lower pressure.

BTW just because you wear tights and colorful shirts does not necessarily mean you are more fond of the same sex....but, it could

Continental Cyclocross Race Clinchers Review

Yesterday I pined almost all day whether I would go riding or not. Comparatively it is not that cold here in Kern County but, the shear thought of freezing my ass off is not appealing....or so I thought.

After having breakfast at a fund raiser for my daughters drum-line team and visiting with my brother and his family there, we went home. We invited my brother over afterwards because his wife had other pending business and we wanted to have some coffee and chat. Plus it gave us another opportunity to talk about the green eggs they served.

After my brother left I kept thinking I should go riding, I should go riding but, man the air is cold and moist. I really had nothing to do with myself after fixing one of the brake levers on my cyclocross. I continued thinking... I should go ride I'm all tense and uptight. Then I thought NO no... I need to ride...
Determined, I went and put on two pairs of socks, my Nashbar Mansfield thermal Cycling Tights a Nashbar long sleeve jersey, a Canari Velo Shell , grabbed my Nashbar Gloves, and another coat, helmet, water, tools and loaded the bike on the back of the explorer.
It was 4:30pm and I had finally overcame my procrastination. I don't know why as, I love to cycle...maybe it is the weather or I'm just a big puss.

I had not yet taken my cyclocross off road I have had the bike for nearly two years and been running around on it with street tires and setup street version. That all changed a few weeks ago when I decided to try it off-road and purchase cyclocross tires. I researched tires since I'm also a tire fiend. I decided on a pair of Continental Cyclocross race clinchers This is an enthusiasts review since I'm not a racer.

I decided to take a ride on the paved path way and then venture off on dirt roads along the river. I was surprised to find some single track too. The soil by the river is mostly sandy with some dirt.. Some of the roads are hard-pack and some of the trails off the path are sandy.

The tire does really well on hard pack with some loose soil on-top. It also does well in wet sand. Not so well in dry sand. I also noticed that the wet sand packs into the tire but, the tire does not seem to loose its grip.
The tires seem to roll very well and even-though they are much larger than the ultras I normally use 700 x 25 I really cannot tell a difference.

I was running these tires at 60psi since I was riding between pavement and off road. I absolutely had a blast this day wandering around over some river bed type rocks and dirt and sand. I was amazed at how well this bike road off road nothing I would ever thought. Since I was apprehensive in the riding position. But, all went well surprisingly as aggressive I was riding in some parts around loose turns etc...I never wiped out.
It is my impression that these are good tires at least for the way and where I ride. I would not recommend these for really dry deep sandy areas and found that you will need to keep your momentum up otherwise you will get bogged down and be forced to dismount. This happened to me a couple of times. This was good in my case since I was huffing and puffing and needed a few rest breaks.

Luckily, I brought along some tools since my adjustable stem loosened up on me and required tightening while on the trail. It was getting late and I could not feel my toes anymore. Fortunately, I brought my headlight as it was dark when I got back to the truck. Overall the tires in my opinion performed well. Considering I do not have others to compare them to other than mountain bike tires. I had a blast and feel great. Now why did I not do this sooner?

Stans No Tubes - Review

Recently, I decided to try going tubeless on non-tubless wheels and tires. Everything I read was mostly true on both sides regarding the setup.

Being someone who thinks he knows everything I only briefly read the instructions and got easily bored with the you tube video by Stans. Mistake # 1

After I installed the molded rubber rim strips, mounted the tire and poured in the sealant then pumped the hand pump like a furious little monkey I found that the bead would not seal and with each stroke of the pump handle precious air was escaping.

Ahhh... I thought I read somewhere that an air compressor can be used to seat the tire! that should do it! So I run to the garage through the house like a made scientist with wheel and tire in tow. Find the compressor plug it in and turn it on. Then I realize I do not have a nozzle for the compressor that fits presta valves! Shit I think to myself...hey the quick disconnect fitting has a thingy that keeps air from escaping the hose until something is connected to it...simply press it over the presta valve and bammo inflate the tire no problem right! Wrong!

So I feebly walk back to the front porch which now looks like a work shop with shit every where. Thinking to myself there is no way I'm taking that tire off again it has gotta work. Soap I think I read somewhere you have to baste both sides with soap. Thats it! so I run back into the house on the hunt for something to put soap and water in...My wife asks me what are you doing with my pyrex bowl...sheepishly I reply nothing...She then demands don't even think about it mister! hmmf defeated again I search for something plastic I find a plastic bowl and look at her for approval...yes I think to myself victory!

I swab the tire on both sides with a shit load of soapy water pump furiously to seat the bead. No luck...now I'm thinking Stans product is a piece of shit and how could he sell something so crappy and I was a sucker. As I'm sitting on the porch pouting my wife asks did you read the instructions? Yes of course I did with the look on my face like do I look like a dumb ass ? ( I really hadn't) I tell her well I will read it again maybe I missed something. Mistake # 2

So I read the instructions to the part that says hang the tire (let the tire hang freely on the wheel) I throw the instructions down... Thats it! I shout I had it sitting on the ground I rush over to the wheel and tire and hang it and start pumping like a mad monkey again...SOB... not seating with every stroke of the pump as I hear air escaping...Now I'm really pissed my arms are tired my ego destroyed and my wife looking on. Mistake # 3. If you don't know what you are doing do not have witnesses around.

Begrudgingly I decide to give the instructions another shot. I read further. You might have to apply the Stans tape or rim strip tape like velo to fill the cavity before installing the valve with rubber rim strip piece so the edge goes up to the bead lock of the rim... Mistake #4

Like a crack head I rip the tire off to check the rubber rim strip and bead...not even close...Shit! I take the Stans rubber rim strip off the wheel and check my drawer of bike stuff. Viola, I even have two rolls of Velo 17 mm rim tape. Nice... the world is a wonderful place.

I then install the tape over the existing tape then reinstall the Stans rubber rim strip. I mount the tire rinse my shins and ankles of the sealant I spilled ripping the tire from the rim earlier then remount the tire verify it is in the center of the wheel, soap it up, hang it think about WTF I will do if it does not seat or work, then hook the floor pump to the valve and begin pumping.

Holy shit it is working! I squeeze the tire a little here a little there and get the tire pumped up. I'm da man... this no tubes stuff is for the amateurs! I lay the rim over a box after reading the instructions and have a little mini celebration ha! I did it no problemo. I go get a beer because there is noway I can ride tonight because I have just spent an hour and a half dinking with this one tire! I take a long hard gulp and then notice the tire I just successfully seated is now flat! Damn It!

Okay this product is a piece of shit as I start ranting and raving! My wife goes in the house and I'm alone to contemplate my ignorance...I pick up those damn instructions one more time and I read make sure the rubber strip is evenly placed and spaced in/on the rim. What I think damn must of missed that! Mistake #5.

Before ripping the tire from the rim one more time I decide to fold the tire back and see if I can look at the rubber rim strip, the tire bead and the rim bead lock...uh ho...as I rotate the tire sloshing even more sealant on my ankles shins and shoes I notice that the rubber strip goes to the bead lock in some areas and not others as I rotate the tire and verify each side. Damn I think...the tire needs to come off again!

I noticed as I stretched the rubber rim strip from stans some areas were stretched more than others resulting in air loss and no bead seating...I take one of my tire levers work it under the strip and slide it around the circumferance of the wheel and make sure the strip is evenly installed around the rim. I remount the tire say a little prayer connect the pump, hang the tire and start pumping...wow immediately the tire seat locks and the tire fills up perfectly... I do the little tire sealant shuffle and place it on the box.

Every so often I go over and flip and rotate the tire as I'm drinking my third beer. Hey this thing is holding air. Do I dare try to mount the other? hmm maybe I wait...It is way too late ride anyway. I go to inspect my work and realize that the bead is uneven how the shit did that happen! now I think to myself well I must dismount that tire one more fucking time! Holy shit mother of god! Back to those cursed instructions....Soapy water....soapy water how could I have forgot that! Mistake # 6

I release the air from the tire soap that bastard up one more time pump a little check the bead, soap the tire, bend the tire left or right to help the bead seat correctly, pump more on and on until 40lbs! Ha! I finally got it right! I think...only time will tell.

By now it is almost 10:00 at night I have removed and installed the tire more times than I can remember and drank more beers then I should have. I decide I'm finished for tonight there is no way that I can do the other tire and I don't think this shit works anyways. I clean up my mess and hit the sack.

The next morning I'm afraid to face the tire I spent last night on but, half anticipating that it will be either flatted or not. I get a cup of coffee for courage and go inspect my work. Hey the tire has held most of its air... bonus! I review the instructions one more time and find that it could take 24 hours for the tire to seal completely. I pump it up spin it place it on its side etc...

I sit and stare now at my other tubed tire and wheel. Thinking to myself holy crap I really do not want to spend 4 hours dinking around with the tire to hope it works hmmm. So I grab another cup of coffee and sit a little longer musing over this tubeless thing...

I dismount the tire from my next wheel and go through all the steps which are now embedded in my mind... 30 minutes later I have a seated tire with out a tube...like magic. I think to myself I should have read the instructions more thoroughly. Mistake # 7

I'm chalking it up to too much beer because men do not read instructions until they have to because most of us instinctively know how to do things!