CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Infrastructure

I take it back, all of it

(33 posts)
  • Started 6 years ago by dessert rat
  • Latest reply from gembo

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  1. dessert rat
    Member

    On a not so recent thread (that I can't find) there was discussions around the difficulties of fitting Marathon Pluses. I recall saying something along the lines of "I've always found it quite easy" or something as equally annoying.

    Having just spent a full 45mins fitting a new front 32 (the 35 was rubbing), in the comfort of my office I feel somewhat chastened. If it hadn't been for a zip-tie I found in the bottom of a drawer I think I'd still be trying or have given up.

    I can not imagine being successful by the side of the road when its raining or sebzero.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  2. unhurt
    Member

    On the (marathon?) plus side: the experience has helped you grow as a person?

    Posted 6 years ago #

  3. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    Evolution will eventually provide cyclists with an appendage having the shape of a lobster's claw, the power of a hyena's bite and the precise grace of a goshawk's flight.

    Unless of course Marathon start making their tyres the correct size. Some kind of Marathon Plus Plus model.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  4. crowriver
    Member

    It's not the size, it's the wire bead and the thick rubber. Ooo-er Matron!

    Posted 6 years ago #

  5. urchaidh
    Member

    Mine is going into the LBS to get a spoke replaced today. Not sure whether to warn them about the Marathon Plus on the wheel or not.

    I found warming the tyre helped get it onm but that's not always an option. I'm dreading a puncture on a cold day.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  6. jdanielp
    Member

    I fitted a standard Marathon tyre to my front wheel with surprising ease last autumn. The Cycle Service fitted a Marathon Plus to my rear wheel the previous autumn. They didn't report back about the relative difficulty of the fitting, but I'm glad that it ended up that way around.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  7. neddie
    Member

    Keep working, kneading, massaging around the tyre with your fingers. May have to go round multiple times, refitting the ends that have worked loose each time. But eventually that last bit will pop on...

    Posted 6 years ago #

  8. paddyirish
    Member

    Keep working, kneading, massaging around the tyre with your fingers. May have to go round multiple times, refitting the ends that have worked loose each time. But eventually that last bit will pop on...

    +1 for this - it does work

    Posted 6 years ago #

  9. jdanielp
    Member

    Does it help to play spiritual background music to ease the tension?

    Posted 6 years ago #

  10. dougal
    Member

    I don't remember my Schwalbe Winters being such a monstrosity to fit last time but it was a different bike so different wheels. Either way, I'm riding with spikes on front wheel only this year purely because the thought of another session like that was soul-destroying.

    Like the lie of "how to clean your bike" videos that always start out with a bike as clean as my intended end-point, "how to fix a puncture" videos are never shot in the dark in a Scottish winter.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  11. rider73
    Member

    *under my desk hugging myself and shivvering at the memory of fitting my pluses*

    Posted 6 years ago #

  12. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    I don't want to make anyone feel weak, ashamed or sinful but my proudest fettling moment was fitting a Marathon Plus in front of professional bike mechanics with my bare hands.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  13. gembo
    Member

    Can someone please re-post the video of the SMP being fitted for the billionth time?

    I fixed a SMP p-word one new year's day out on towpath near Linlithgow. Afforded some shelter on the lee side of a bridge but took some time.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  14. dessert rat
    Member

    NOTE: would those who seem to have no trouble fitting them (an elite group I no longer belong in) please post their mobile numbers and locations so you can be called on in times of need.

    Seems only fair.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  15. unhurt
    Member

    I don't want to make anyone feel weak, ashamed or sinful

    Just settling for gently encouraging it instead?

    Posted 6 years ago #

  16. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    @IanMcR

    I can be found in the market square standing immobile on a plinth night and day.

    @unhurt

    Presbyterian special ops.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  17. jdanielp
    Member

    "Why, he's mending it with his own hands!"

    http://www.naden.de/blog/bbvideo-bbpress-video-plugin -->

    [+] Embed the video | Bicycle Repair Man" target="_blank">Video DownloadGet the Flash Videos

    Posted 6 years ago #

  18. unhurt
    Member

    @iwrats "Be pure! Be vigilant! Behave!"?

    Posted 6 years ago #

  19. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    Alter Saddle!

    Posted 6 years ago #

  20. dougal
    Member

    Is this the cycling version of Space Team?

    Posted 6 years ago #

  21. minus six
    Member

    as we all know, the marathon plus is a pushy pack animal

    its important to show the tyre who is boss, from the moment it arrives on the doorstep

    that first fitting is crucial in establishing your alpha status

    emit a deep growl, make frequent eye contact, and be decisive in handling the tyre

    if the tyre challenges your dominance then you may consider administering a playful yet firm bite

    this will serve you well later, when you need a compliant and willing tyre when changing inner tube at rain-lashed dark roadside

    good luck

    Posted 6 years ago #

  22. unhurt
    Member

    Oh my. Fifty shades of puncture repair.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  23. jdanielp
    Member

    Phantom Tread.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  24. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    make frequent eye contact

    If a fierce dog is behind a fence I ostentatiously refuse eye contact, even turning my back on it. They conclude that I am so mighty that I fear them not. Take the fence away of course....

    Posted 6 years ago #

  25. rider73
    Member

    Still under my desk hugging myself and shivvering at the memory of fitting my pluses....

    Posted 6 years ago #

  26. unhurt
    Member

    @rider73 you have to try the bax method next time

    Posted 6 years ago #

  27. sallyhinch
    Member

    As the world's worst bike mechanic, I can report that pluses get easier as they get older, which is also when they start puncturing more.

    Best advice I've read for the cold dark winter roadside puncture situation is to put a small bag of sweets in your tool kit to keep your spirits up. that and the phone no of a taxi firm with vehicles that will accommodate a bike.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  28. unhurt
    Member

    I like your style Ms @sallyhinch.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  29. bill
    Member

    So my "old" (1.5 year old) Marathon Pluses were rather battered so get a new set and was curious to see if I got any better at fitting them, especially the new ones. Last time was a nightmare. Looks like I got a bit of practice with the few punctures I had and it was a lot easier this time. I even ended fitting both of them because took a lot less than I had expected.
    Unfortunately I still need Mr bill's help with putting on the final bit.

    MarathonPlus_old_and_new1 by Bill Harriman, on Flickr

    MarathonPlus_old_and_new2 by Bill Harriman, on Flickr

    MarathonPlus_farewell by Bill Harriman, on Flickr

    Posted 5 years ago #

  30. chdot
    Admin

    That’s quite some special wear.

    Cycle on broken bottles a lot??

    Posted 5 years ago #

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