If FEMA had the bicycles, would it fund Hustler's manlet bib?
#281
Boost Pope
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/smod.png)
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Posts: 33,339
Total Cats: 6,793
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
My only concern is whether the tire has been compromised such that it is likely to rip/tear in the future. The compound is still good, and it's not corded yet, so I hate to get rid of it.
#285
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Patching tires is fine. Just depends on how stiff the patch is and how large the tear is. The problem with your puncture is it might be too near the bead. That area is very stiff, reinforced and usually doesn't take kindly to tears. It also flexes more than the tread so it can be a bitch to get the patch/boot to stay in place. Nothing to lose but some skin. I say give it a try.
__________________
#286
I'm a terrible person
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
iTrader: (19)
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Arizona
Posts: 7,174
Total Cats: 180
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
There is a huge difference between my 5 year old no name tires and these Conti Gatorskins. The rolling resistance is at least 25% less. The ride is a bit stiffer with the beefy rubber but it feels more stable. They are super grippy too, there was some pretty heavy rain on the way home and they felt good.
The only downside is that the tires throw rocks and debris on hard turns. Had a few rocks hit my legs and one hit my chin lol.
The only downside is that the tires throw rocks and debris on hard turns. Had a few rocks hit my legs and one hit my chin lol.
#288
Boost Pope
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/smod.png)
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Posts: 33,339
Total Cats: 6,793
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
TL;DR: It's complete bullshit. Watered-down weaksauce with a designer price tag.
Sidebar: The damage to the tire was as I expected. The nail actually slid diagonally across the tire between the tread and the unicorn-strip until it hit the edge, then penetrated and crossed through the tube. The exit wound is on the sidewall, however it's some distance from the bead, and the damage actually appears to be fairly minimal.
I'm fairly impressed with the ruggedness of these Michelin tires. Previously, I'd always run cheapass rubber which would have been completely annihilated by this nail. Turns out that when you pay a little extra, you really do get white a bit more.
#291
Boost Pope
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/smod.png)
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Posts: 33,339
Total Cats: 6,793
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yeah, I have a proper set of tire spoons, and I am familiar with dish soap. The "problem" with wire-beaded tires is simply that some of them require a lot more leverage to get the last bit over the rim than you can effectively apply with a 4" long lever, especially when the tire is new. It's not a matter of "letting the tire slide on," it's a matter of using a big metal screwdriver like it was a prybar.
I just figured that if there was some awesome tool that made this job a little easier, I'd check it out.
HA!
I wasn't the one who posted e-bike awesomeness here!
#292
Elite Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Kingston, Ontario
Posts: 2,910
Total Cats: 51
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
im a bit new to the skinny tire world but ive never had a tire (even the recent skinnies) that i couldnt get on with the short levers.
maybe thats why i dont have electric assist though. :P
all jokes aside, is there a brand or model of tire that you had issues with or is it a common problem for you?
maybe thats why i dont have electric assist though. :P
all jokes aside, is there a brand or model of tire that you had issues with or is it a common problem for you?
#293
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
im a bit new to the skinny tire world but ive never had a tire (even the recent skinnies) that i couldnt get on with the short levers.
maybe thats why i dont have electric assist though. :P
all jokes aside, is there a brand or model of tire that you had issues with or is it a common problem for you?
maybe thats why i dont have electric assist though. :P
all jokes aside, is there a brand or model of tire that you had issues with or is it a common problem for you?
I have never had to resort to the barbarism of a screwdriver but maybe that's years of experience mounting a wide variety of tires on various size rims.
__________________
#295
Boost Pope
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/smod.png)
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Posts: 33,339
Total Cats: 6,793
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
That would be consistent with my experience- the wire-bead Michelin Pilot City is easily the most difficult tire I've ever mounted. It gets easier with age, but the first time is just a complete pain in the ***.
#299
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Got our new bikes Friday and took them out today. Specialized Rockhopper Comp, and Jett for her. Love the 29'er wheels. Bikes rode great. Need to dial the forks in more and the brakes left something to be desired. Probably need a bit more break in. My fronts where good enough, but the rears are pathetic. Already curious if going from 180mm/160mm to 203mm/180mm discs is worth the price of 2 cheap brackets and one rotor. Both of us are new to this stuff though. Her especially.
Actually really liked the color more than I though I would when I ordered them.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/insert-bs-here-4/84212-if-fema-had-bicycles-would-fund-hustlers-manlet-bib-fqstc9e.jpg?dateline=1375082260)
She's had no complaints. She is coming from a 80lbs cheap, crappy Mongoose. This thing is a Ferrari to her compared to the old bike.
Actually really liked the color more than I though I would when I ordered them.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/insert-bs-here-4/84212-if-fema-had-bicycles-would-fund-hustlers-manlet-bib-fqstc9e.jpg?dateline=1375082260)
She's had no complaints. She is coming from a 80lbs cheap, crappy Mongoose. This thing is a Ferrari to her compared to the old bike.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/insert-bs-here-4/84213-if-fema-had-bicycles-would-fund-hustlers-manlet-bib-9zmsbzc.jpg?dateline=1375082260)