Tim Potter, Manager of MSU Bikes
Hisssssss……….
Those of you relying on mobility devices for getting around campus every day might be all too familiar with that sinking feeling you get when you hear a hissing sound coming from one of your tires. A tire or tube puncture for you might mean anything from an hour delay in your travels to a day or more out of commission.
Fortunately, we here at MSU Bikes (just under the Bessey Hall Auditorium off the River Trail with a convenient ramp right up to our door) are very familiar with this issue in our daily quest to keep the 20,000 plus bicyclists rolling back and forth from home to class. We regularly stock (but can also special order just about anything!) a selection of anti-puncture solutions that I’d highly recommend you consider BEFORE you get stranded and BEFORE we get busy with spring! There are three good options (from inexpensive to more expensive):
- Thorn resistant tubes ($5 – 10): these tubes weigh quite a bit more than standard tubes but are about 3-4 times thicker and thus harder for some objects to puncture keeping you rolling. We have them in 12 in., 14, 20, 26 and 700c sizes in both standard American Schrader valves and French style presta valves.
- Tire liners: ($3.50 - $17): these are installed between your tube and tire to give a protective barrier. These are considerably lighter than thorn resistant tubes, so if you’re in a manual wheel chair these might be more attractive. We stock them in 20 in., 26 and 700c sizes.
- Anti-puncture tires: ($20 on up): this would be the lightest and most expensive option. Most tire companies offer tires that have anti-puncture properties, some are much better than others in terms of how much protection is provided; we stock a few of the lesser expensive in 26 in., 27 in., and 700c sizes.
Should you get a flat tire or have some other mechanical breakdown while on campus we’re also able to arrange for a pick-up during business hours (Mon-Fri. 10 – 5 pm) if CATA’s SpecTran service is unable to assist you.
Call us at 517-432-3400 and explain that you’re a student with the RCPD and need to be picked up brought to our shop.