I am often rather annoyed with Facebook ads. However, nothing comes for free and all that. Nonethless, a few weeks ago, I saw an ad on Facebook for a bike tool that promised to make it easier to put tires on rims without damaging the inner tube.
More than a year ago, I was frustrated in my attempts to put my favourite tires on Justin Thyme. I tried several times, but I always ended up piercing the inner tube. Consequently, I had put the serviceable but not notably puncture resistant tires Justin came with back on.
While the tool did seem a shade expensive, it looked like a good idea, so I ordered one. I have bought more expensive and less useful things during the Pandemic. When I went out for a walk around the block this afternoon, it was in my mailbox.
As the day was sunny and lousy weather is expected over the next three days, I decided to try the device after work. Armed with tool bag, pump and tires, I made my way down the front stairs to the sidewalk.
As luck would have it, a neighbour just setting off on a "whee" bike asked me if he might borrow my pump as he wanted to put an extra 15 PSI in his rear tire. As it was easy for me to do so while social distancing, I said: "Sure." While I was working, three of my fellow condo owners and the girlfriend of one of them came out and we chatted at appropriate distances in the warm afternoon sunshine.
Even with the tool, it was not easy to put the tires on the rim. It took a worrisome amount of force each time. However, after the last snap, the tire was on and the inner tube inflated. So, alls well. Justin Thyme now has the narrower, tougher tire that I like. *Touch wood.*
All good. Bike fixed and chatting as a bonus.
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