BLOG
Introducing...Service Series
Introducing an occasional Wheelhouse Blog Series about Service.
Our first three installments are all about flat prevention. CHECK IT OUT!
Next up: changing a flat, including what basic tools you should be carrying.
Flat Prevention, Part 3 of 3: Upgrading Your Tires
What have we learned so far in the exciting journey of flat prevention?
First, keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure! Next, while riding, do your best to avoid grit, glass, and other debris!
And, if that doesn’t cut it? Upgrade your tires.
As with most things in life, better quality tires are going to cost more. We tend to stock tires in all sizes with the thought process of good (least expensive), better (middle of the road), and best ($$$). The best, at the Wheelhouse, are Continental Gatorskins and Gator Hard Shells. The former feature puncture-resistant casing, sidewall protection, and wear-optimized tread. The latter adds additional sidewall protection.
These tires (actually, all tires) have been relatively difficult to come by throughout the pandemic, so we’ve been snatching them up size by size as we’ve been able. As I write this, our distributor is out of stock of several sizes of Gatorskins and all sizes of Hard Shells. We sit about the same at the moment, but that changes week to week.
If you are interested in upgrading, expect to spend in the $120 to $130 range for two tires. We can install for $12/each.
If we don’t have your size in stock, we can definitely find you a comparable or get a deposit and snatch you up some Gators as soon as they come into the warehouse.
Even after all of this, sometimes flats still happen. And in that case, you can always come by the Wheelhouse for a quick flat change ($12 + cost of tube). Or, do it yourself! Our next service series will take on changing your own flats: what you need and how to.
Flat Prevention, Part 2 of 3: Avoiding Grit & Debris
Since Wheelhouse opened in 2008, Detroit has come an increibly long way in terms of bicycle infrastructure. But one issue is debris in bike lanes, that can oftentimes cause flats.
Of course, all streets have the potential for debris along the curb, but it does seem to be more frustrating and noticable when a lane made just for you is pretty much unusable.
Whether or not you’re riding on a street with a bike lane, we recommend not riding in the debris, even if it pushes you out into another lane. Legally, cyclists have the right to do so. Of course, use caution and common sense.
Debris, including glass (Detroit Diamonds!) and small wires (these come from radial tires and can be almost invisible to the naked eye), are the second most common reason for flat tires that we see at the shop. We take care to find the culprit or replacing the tube is just going to be an exercise in futility.
If you’re changing your own flat, carefully feel along the inside of your tire for anything sharp. If it’s also gone through your tire, that will need to be replaced as well.
We do know that the Detroit Greenways Coalition is advocating for more regular bike lane sweeping and recently organized a cleanup of a portion of Hamilton’s bike lane.
Flat Prevention, Part 1 of 3: Get Pumped Up!
One of the shop’s sayings is, “Flats happen.” When it’s not something you’re used to, a flat tire can feel catastrophic, but it’s not uncommon. It’s also not 100% preventable, but there are some very simple ways to lower the likelihood of getting one.
One of the two most common types of flat is called a pinch flat. This occurs when a tire is underinflated and thus the tube inside gets pinched, causing a hole in the tube.
So therefore, the simplest way to prevent flats is by keeping your tires pumped up to their appropriate pressure.
First off, know your PSI! That number, standing for pounds per square inch, will be printed along the outside of your tire. It could say one number, like 80 PSI, or a range, like 80-100 PSI. In that case, since you’re primarily riding on city streets, you want to aim towards the higher number in your range.
A quick aside — we’ve noticed some people seem to favor the concept of keeping their tires underinflated but we promise that’s not a good idea. Trust us. We change dozens of flats a day, we’ve seen it all!
Another thing, squeezing a tire to “feel” if it’s full is not at all accurate. We surprise lots of people when we tell them what PSI they’re at and it’s waaaaay lower than they would have guessed.
Now that you know your PSI, you’ll want to pump up your tires to that number at least once a week. We sell a variety of floor and frame pumps and are happy to help you select one. The shop also always has a pump for you to use at our garage door during our open hours. Come by and get pumped!
If you haven’t ridden your bike in some time and your tire looks flat, make sure to pump it up and see if it holds air before assuming it is flat. Tubes lose air slowly over time, it’s normal.
Next time, we’ll talk glass and debris and wrap things up with tire upgrades.
February 27-March 9 | Specials incl. 6 Bikes Marked Down
Hamtramck’s got a ton of fun stuff going on in the coming weeks, and we are getting in on the fun by offering some specials. These deals will run from February 27 through March 9.
All tune-up packages, including Standard (Reg. $60) and Plus (Reg. $100), are $10 off. For details on what these entail, head right over HERE.
All William + Bonnie cycling apparel is 50% off, including ponchos, skirts, dresses, and pants. (Reg. $85-125 / Sale $43-63). For more info about the clothing, which is locally produced, read about it HERE.
All in-stock tires are 20% off. We’ve got a huge range of sizes and price points available.
Six awesome bikes have been significantly marked down. Details on those pictured, clockwise from bottom left, are:
Kona Paddy Wagon
The three-speed internal hub on the Paddy Wagon 3 has one gear for all-out speed, one for casual riding, and another for grunty little hill climbs that pop up along the way. Match that to a cromoly frame that will take a beating and last forever, and classy touches, like the downtube shifter and integrated brake lever bell, and you’ll be loving each and every ride.
Reg. $699; Sale Price $599 56cm
Detroit Bikes C-Type
Single-speed flip-flop hub. Detroit-made. Chromoly frame. Drop handlebars. Knobby tires. Limited run.
Org. $699; Now $450
Sun Fritz 5
Wherever your journeys take you, Sun's Fritz 5 gets you around with ease thanks to its relaxed, comfortable ride. A 5-speed internal hub provides ample gearing for cruising around town, and front and rear fenders ensure a splash-free commute. When running errands, a rear rack and kickstand add urban utility, and lightweight aluminum rims mounted with wide street tires provide nimble handling to get you home safely.
Reg. $540; Sale Price $465
Opus Classico
Light-weight, classic city bike styling. Fenders, chain guard, and rack come with.
Reg. $529; Sale Price $454
Opus Flux
Opus is a Canadian company that makes some pretty sweet bikes. The Flux has 29" tires and a front fork for some suspension along with stop-on-a-dime disc brakes. This is basically a mountain bike made for city streets.
Reg. $789; Sale Price $689
Kona Lana’i
The heart of a mountain biker and the versatility to do it all are at the core of the Lana’i. Built with a philosophy of making the right bike for the right user, the Lana’i hits the trail with a 27.5-inch wheel and a lightweight aluminum frame. Whether it be gravel paths, light singletrack, or just getting around town, the Lana’i is your entry to adventure.
Reg. $529; Sale Price $479; Size XL; Color Charcoal
All new bikes purchased from the Wheelhouse come with a complimentary tuneup, water bottle, and bottle cage. Check out our many other fine options HERE.