Larry wrote:
I have a nice red Pinarello Treviso, probably a mid 1980s, that I don't ride much. It seems I usually prefer one of my other bikes. Funny, I really thought I'd like it. When I got it, it had Pirelli narrow tires (I think 23s) and was *twitchy.* I changed these for Avocet fasgrip roads (nominally 28, but really 25) with a much improved ride. However, the steep seat tube angle with horizontal drop outs makes it so that I can not change the rear wheel when the Avocet tire is fully inflated. This presents an issue for longer rides.
I carry a Silca frame pump which, in my experience, works best with the wheel off of the bike. I could carry one of those CO2 cartridge things, I suppose, to top of a tire if needed. I reject the idea of a *morph* frame pump.
I'd prefer to find a tire that would fit better, and not give a twitchy ride. I'd like to keep flat repairs simple with just the SIlca, avoiding the CO2 topping off. Any suggestions appreciated.
To which I would like to respond:
The Silca is a very competent pump and should not have any problems pumping up the tire while on the bike. Personally. I think it is actually easier to use when the tire is on the bike: it is all a matter of technique. To pump the tire up with wheel on the bike, rotate the wheel so that the valve is at the top. Firmly push the pump onto the valve. Then wrap your 4 fingers around the silver pump shaft and your thumb from the same hand over the top of the tire to steady the pump at the butt. I have shown this to hundreds of people and they all have been able to master it with no problems. With regards tires, you will probably find as many opinions as people, so don't accept anybody's ideas outright. Having said that, I find that the non-folding tires seem to be better that the folding versions made by the same manufacturer. My personal choice are Pariba, but they are now extremely hard to find as the company was bought out by Vredestein. They have super supple casing that is extremely forgiving and offers very little rolling resistence.
Steven Maasland Moorestown, NJ
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