My first commute!

[darrentaytay]

Thanks for the messages

I am going to get more organised - take a bunch of clothes to work on Monday to save me having to carry them in my backpack on the commute.

I'm going to try it twice next week and just keep slowly building my fitness and strength.

The only thing which worries me now is a puncture! I have a repair kit and pump with me but no replacement tubes - need to educate myself on that

 

[Col5632]

Definitely carry at least one spare tube at all times

 

[Scoosh]

Definitely carry at least one spare tube at all times

.. and @Col5632's phone number to call for help !

 

[darrentaytay]

Does any tube fit any tyre or are there different types and sizes and stuff to make it all complicated?

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

Does any tube fit any tyre or are there different types and sizes and stuff to make it all complicated?

Just different sizes and different valve types. Generally road bikes use Presta valves and mtb either Presta or Schrader. The size is a combination of the wheel size - typically 700c for road bikes - and the width of the tyre. So for a 23mm tyre the size would be 700x23. Inner tubes don't need to be an exact fit so will fit a range of widths, it will say what the range is on the packaging.

 

[darrentaytay]

Just different sizes and different valve types. Generally road bikes use Presta valves and mtb either Presta or Schrader. The size is a combination of the wheel size - typically 700c for road bikes - and the width of the tyre. So for a 23mm tyre the size would be 700x23. Inner tubes don't need to be an exact fit so will fit a range of widths, it will say what the range is on the packaging.

Thanks, my tyres say "700 x 25C" - so does that mean i need 700 x 25 tubes?

 

[Pale Rider]

Thanks, my tyres say "700 x 25C" - so does that mean i need 700 x 25 tubes?

You need a tube that covers that width.

Take a look at this Schwalbe tube's box.

It's marked 28", but also 700c - they are the same.

Under 700c there is a range of widths from 18 to 28, thus this tube will fit your bike, assuming it has a presta valve.

 

[darrentaytay]

You need a tube that covers that width.

Take a look at this Schwalbe tube's box.

It's marked 28", but also 700c - they are the same.

Under 700c there is a range of widths from 18 to 28, thus this tube will fit your bike, assuming it has a presta valve.

View attachment 120961

Perfect! Thanks!

 

[darrentaytay]

So would these ones do the trick?

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Schwalbe-Presta-Valve-Inner-Tubes_51856.htm

edit: (excuse all the questions!)

 

[tfg71]

Well done. Keep it up. Those tubes - I couldn't see 700 x 25 in the options.

 

[darrentaytay]

Well done. Keep it up. Those tubes - I couldn't see 700 x 25 in the options.

If you look here - I see the option but not sure if they are right? http://imgur.com/Xr66Xat

 

[tfg71]

I just looked at the order options.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Continental-R28-700c-Presta-Inner-Tube_60624.htm
These have option for 700 x 25.
I got mine from Halfords and from planet x on special.

 

[Pale Rider]

So would these ones do the trick?

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Schwalbe-Presta-Valve-Inner-Tubes_51856.htm

edit: (excuse all the questions!)

Yes, that tube will fit.

It's the same tube as the one I posted, but has an extra long valve.

I doubt you need that, but it will fit.

 

[LoftusRoadie]

It took me 1h 30m but that included turning back to go home as I forgot my water & gloves! I also stopped a few times for a drink etc.

I make sure I have everything ready the night before. Each night I pack my rucksack with my work clothes for the next day, put out my cycling clothes ready to wear, put my full water bottle on the bike, and have my lunch in the fridge.
So in the morning I just have to get up, eat breakfast, go to the loo, get dressed, put my lunch in my rucksack and go!
Hope you keep enjoying your commute.

 

[darrentaytay]

I make sure I have everything ready the night before. Each night I pack my rucksack with my work clothes for the next day, put out my cycling clothes ready to wear, put my full water bottle on the bike, and have my lunch in the fridge.
So in the morning I just have to get up, eat breakfast, go to the loo, get dressed, put my lunch in my rucksack and go!
Hope you keep enjoying your commute.

Believe it or not, I had everything organised but I had put my water bottles in the fridge rather than the bike. Lesson learned though!