2 questions from newbie

kwok3d · 08-20-2007, 04:27 PM

1) I found that sometime I'm having trouble knowing what gear I'm on. Am I just an idiot or it happens to everyone? Is it good to get one of those gear indicator?

2) I don't have flat tire experience yet but I have heard that flat should not be repair and re-use after flatting (except for the trip to the shop). Is this true?

Thanks!

S3aturnR · 08-20-2007, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwok3d

1) I found that sometime I'm having trouble knowing what gear I'm on. Am I just an idiot or it happens to everyone? Is it good to get one of those gear indicator?

2) I don't have flat tire experience yet but I have heard that flat should not be repair and re-use after flatting (except for the trip to the shop). Is this true?

Thanks!

HOLY SHIT! I'M NOT ALONE HERE!!! i've found myself counting like i'm retarded to keep track of what gear i'm in. i'm getting better at determining this from rpm-mph comparisons, but i've still tried to shift to 7th gear on a fairly regular occasion. also, i've gotten into the habit of sorta "double-tapping" the shifter when i'm going from what i think is second to first while i'm slowing down for a light. most of the time it only clicks once, but every once-in-awhile i find i'm really not in second gear like i thought.

about the flat: i've had one of them, too. my rear tire got cut bad on a piece of debris in the road while i was in morning rush hour traffic. it wasn't so bad, but i found that i get nervous about it whenever i feel the back end squirm around a little. all i had to do was put on my four-ways and use smooth inputs until i got to the side of the road. i actually had to ride it for about 1/4 mile more than i normally would have because i had absolutely nowhere to pull over safely. not sure how a front tire would be if that went flat, tho.

as far as repairs? the way i understand it is that your tire is z-speed rated and might not hold a repair or plug very well when it's spinning that fast. it might be different if you're only tooling around town, but i would replace the whole tire if there's even a slight chance of seeing some open road or freeway...

s3aturnr

lemosley01 · 08-20-2007, 04:52 PM

That is normal - we all probably went through that. You even go through it when you get a different bike.

I use the fell of the bike and the sound along with the speed and RPM to tell me what gear I'm in. My bike has a gear indicator, but I don't use it much.

Anthonyd5189 · 08-20-2007, 05:20 PM

1) Dont worry about what gear your in. It doesn't really matter. Just make sure that your RPMs are high enough for the speed you are riding. When you're slowing down you'll eventually not be able to shift down anymore.

2) Dont worry about that either because chances of you getting a flat are VERY slim. If you get a flat, stop and call someone who can come pick up your bike and take it to a shop for you.

smakawhat · 08-20-2007, 05:24 PM

You'll get the idea eventually, determine how fast you are going and how much rpm (engine noise) is being made. Listen really listen, but while you are learning count the gears out, repeat them as you are riding.. and before you know it you'll associate that sound with the gear you are in... takes time.

and you get the next bike and have to practice it again.

Aero540T · 08-20-2007, 06:17 PM

I usually get to 6th gear as quickly as I can to keep rpms low around town and especially in neighborhoods...that's right isn't it? I understand changing gears while slowing to keep the rpms with the speed, but is it necessary to be in a lower gear if I'm going maybe 30? I usually want to keep noise down. I only change gears if the bike is telling me to, as in lurching because I'm going too slow for that gear.
Hopefully I'm not thread jacking...

kwok3d · 08-20-2007, 07:44 PM

thanks a lot, guys.

1) I'm getting better at it than my first week. I ride everyday and I only use gear 1,3 and 6. sometime gear 2 in slow traffic. But sometimes, When I had to slow down for traffic and wasn't very focusing. I totally lost count and had to go all the way down to gear 1 and raise it back up to 3 in order not to embarrass myself. I felt so stupid.

2) I don't have a friends who has a pickup truck. I probrably be on my own when i get flat tire. That's why I like to know what to do, and even thought i had the tire repaired with the kit and made it home... should i still get a new tire?

Fargin_Bastige · 08-20-2007, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwok3d

1) I found that sometime I'm having trouble knowing what gear I'm on. Am I just an idiot or it happens to everyone? Is it good to get one of those gear indicator?

2) I don't have flat tire experience yet but I have heard that flat should not be repair and re-use after flatting (except for the trip to the shop). Is this true?

Thanks!

1. You'll get used to it. Folks made it years without gear indicators, I never look at mine. Just get used to counting and after a while, it will become natural.

2. You can repair a flat, in some cases, although your tires are bias ply and historically don't hold up well to patches.

Best advice on that? Check with the tire manufacturers.

RayOSV · 08-21-2007, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aero540T

I usually get to 6th gear as quickly as I can to keep rpms low around town and especially in neighborhoods...that's right isn't it? I understand changing gears while slowing to keep the rpms with the speed, but is it necessary to be in a lower gear if I'm going maybe 30? I usually want to keep noise down. I only change gears if the bike is telling me to, as in lurching because I'm going too slow for that gear.
Hopefully I'm not thread jacking...

If your engine is bucking because it's running at too low of an rpm for your speed, it's really too low. On your bike, running the engine below about 3,500-4,000 rpm (except in 1st) is probably too low to have proper throttle response. Don't worry about the noise unless you have a really loud pipe.

To OP - use the repair kit to fix the flat out on the road and get you home or to a shop. Those plugs aren't made for long term use in a bike tire. Find a shop that will safely put in a mushroom plug/patch from the inside of the tire or get a new tire.

djeddiebear · 08-21-2007, 12:59 AM

Ever consider this: http://www.mtstowing.com/

I heard it's good.

itch808 · 08-21-2007, 05:33 AM

I paid the extra $9/year with progressive for their "Roadside Assistance" which covers free towing. The only "catch" is you need comprehensive coverage. Just something to consider adding to your policy if you happen to have progressive as your insurance company.

GConn · 08-21-2007, 05:58 AM

Its a prob that most of us face when new to riding or when changing to different kind of bikes.
Its completely normal for some time
For the flats? I have no idea, but I would probably change the tire if I knew it was damaged in any way

MwKid19 · 08-21-2007, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itch808

I paid the extra $9/year with progressive for their "Roadside Assistance" which covers free towing. The only "catch" is you need comprehensive coverage. Just something to consider adding to your policy if you happen to have progressive as your insurance company.

That is what I have as well. I will be getting a truck shortly too.