Friday, January 7, 2011

Directional Tires...Say What?

So, remember when I was all excited on Christmas morning because I got new bike tires? So excited that I left them leaning up against the tree until, well, until it got warmer outside and I could get excited about going out in the cold to put the new tires on the bike. Well, the weather never warmed up so I brought the bike inside and went to work the other night.
...and that is where she still lies.
I got the new front tire on with no problems. There should be no problems since I am a pro at changing flats, but I thought since they were new they might be a little tighter, but no issues. BUT...my elbow tendonitis has really been flaring up, so I was in pain while I was doing it. The frustrating part is pumping up the tires. I am still having the worst problems with my presta valves. My last pump I finally threw away in frustration. My new pump is no better. GRRRRRR. I finally got it pumped up and husband came in and asked me if I remembered that he told me they were directional tires. Uh? What?
Ya. They go on a certain way so they are rotating in the correct direction.
See the red arrows?

Oh. Crap. I put it on backwards.

Steve says to just change out the thingymajig that attaches the tire to the bike but I figure I'll lose a washer or something in the process, so I go about removing the tire and I manage to flip part of it inside out. Don't ask. Anyways, part of it's twisted and I can't get it right side out. By this time my elbow is throbbing and I'm crying and swearing (it might also be that TOM) and I say I'm heading to take a hot shower while he and the kids say they'll pump up the tire for me. I say "thanks, just don't break the valve" and head to try to create my own steam room. I return feeling better, find that they've hooked my tire up to the compressor and broken the valve off my tube and I realize I won't be riding the bike for at least a couple more weeks anyways, so this is where I left it...
oh...and then I googled "directional tires" and everything I read says the tread on road tires is so minimal it doesn't really matter...I imagine I've been putting my old tires on the wrong way, too :-)

I'm seeing the doctor today for a regular check up and to find out if I can do something different for my elbow and to find out what the lump on my finger is. I think it's a flexor tendon sheath cyst. It's at the palm at the base of the finger. It is bothersome when I drive and I'm thinking it might give me issues on the bike. I'm wondering if it could be a result of the elbow tendonitis or if it is something completely separate.


Did you know that some tires are directional?
Have you been riding backwards this whole time like me? :-D
Have you ever removed the thingymajig and is it easy to put back together?

13 comments:

gmontalvo13 said...

this is my biggest fear into trying cycling! kudos to you!

misszippy said...

I had no idea! I've probably been doing the same thing. And I really, really hate putting new tires on...it's tough. Good for you for even trying!

Amanda@runninghood said...

oh gosh, I am so glad that my husband does things like this for me. Well, I don't use my bike but when I do I hope that I won't have to figure this stuff out...I mean, I'm smart but this stuff just frustrates me!!

A Prelude To... said...

As little as I know about bikes, I'm always surprised on a group ride when I realize how many people know even less than me when it comes to changing tires. Some people never practice. I would hate to be at race day and never have changed a tired before. YIKES!
That being said, I hope I'm never at race day with a flat tire. period.

A Prelude To... said...

Amanda~ I totally know what you mean!! I WANT to rely on Steve to do this stuff for me, but it IS empowering when I do it for myself. Frustrating...but empowering :-)
Hooking up my bike computer was about the proudest I've ever been. I strutted around for days :D

Pam @ herbieontherun.com said...

Aaaaaand this is why I run. Your shoes can only go on one way.

A Prelude To... said...

Very funny, Pam :P

gmontalvo13 said...

sorry race for bling has not responded :( they responded to me very quickly. hope you get in!

Amanda@runninghood said...

ha ha, I would strut around for days too! ;) Um, your fart story today made me totally laugh!! so funny. poor girl...she just needed to fart. let me know how the no dairy works out and if it helps with your daughter.

Natalia said...

I might have to read all this again! I have only just learned to ride a bike....good to know what joys await me......

Simply Life said...

wow, I would have no idea where to even begin!

Laurei said...

I hate putting on new tires, too. It takes me forever, it hurts my hands and makes me say cuss words. I never pay attention to directional tires-- however I get them on is how they stay.

Jen said...

I had no idea! I hope doc can do something for your tendonitis and your lumpy finger. That would make it difficult to ride!