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gator skins and slime


PeterM

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After having had a great Saturday club ride, I just had to do a longer Sunday ride. Got up early to a cold but clear Sunday morning, waited till the sun was up and then headed out towards cape point.

 

At <?: prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Kalk Bay I heard a bubbling sound from the front wheel, which surprised me as my ?training wheels? had slime filled Gator Skins. <?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Stopped and saw the yellow fluid leaking. Straight away turned the wheel to point the hole down so all the slime can seal it. But all it did was form a growing yellow puddle on the road. Other cyclists stopped to check it out and offer help.

I think, the last drop must have sealed it as there was still some pressure left (2-3bar). Now I turned the wheel and I, and the other cyclists could not believe that there was a 18mm cut across the tire and it was 1,5mm wide open. No point fixing it with a new tube. As I was 24,4km from home I wanted to phone to get picked up, but changed my mind and thought ? let?s see how far I could cycle with this tire going along safe roads.

Going slow and avoiding EVERY stone/gavel/edge/corner I kept on cycling. Well, to my surprise I made it home. Absolutely amazed that the slime and Gator Skin held together. See pic after i got home:

20090805_023026_DSC03548b.JPG
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  • Use a set of pliers, twist the cap off the threaded needle (Presta)

  • holding the tube either side of the valve, so as not to lose the needle, let it drop into the tube... (keep the needle upright, but at the bottom of the valve)

  • now you have an open valve and plenty of room to get your tyre sealant in....

  • once the sealant is in, carefully manipulate the needle back up the valve and screw back on valve cap - job done

Alternatively just buy tubes with removable valve cores

 

PPWTF2009-08-05 02:48:32

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How did you get the slime into the tube?

 

Had no punctures for over a year on my training wheels - followed by 4 punctures in 2 month. Took them to my cycle shop and they put it in. I know there is a DIY way....
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Well I'm a slime convert - got my first flat at MTB Challenge since going to slime ~ 2 mths. Did not want to seal itself but murphy law kicked in and only after a switched tubes did it seal Thumbs%20Up

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