The answers to all your technical questions, plus how to replace internally-routed cables the easy way and a blu!er’s guide to seat tube angles
Your questions answered
Feeling deflated
Q As I’ve started to push harder and ride more demanding trails, I’ve found that I’m getting punctures more often. I plan on getting to some enduro races over the coming months and the last thing I want to do is write off my weekend because I can’t keep air in my tyres. My tyres and rims are tubeless ready, so is it worth converting them? And are these tyre inserts I’ve heard about worth it? Casey Bags, via email
A It seems crazy that bikes are as advanced as they are yet we still get flat tyres fairly regularly. As your rims and tyres can be converted, we’d highly recommend making the switch. Invest in a decent tubeless kit (Stan’s NoTubes do one for £40 which includes sealant, valves and rim tape) and take the plunge. It can be a faff to get the tyres seated, but makes the world of difference once that’s sorted.
As for inserts, they certainly make a difference if you’re riding rocky descents with a lot of square edges. Most of our experience is with the CushCore, Flat Tire Defender and (cheaper and more basic) Huck Norris systems. Of these, our favourite is the CushCore insert. Although tricky to install, it lets you run low pressures without puncturing and gives great sidewall support, which means the tyre remains squirm free and stable. This performance doesn’t come cheap, though, with a pair costing around £125 ($168.99 including shipping). Alternatively, for a lot less money (roughly £61 for the medium kit recommended for trail/enduro riding), the Huck Norris insert is easy to fit and a good bet for staving off flats, though it doesn’t give the same sidewall support.
Tooling up
Q Having lost my old, rusty multi-tool, it’s time I invested in a new one. My last one was pretty cheap and knackered so I’m looking to get something much
better. Which multi-tools do you guys use?
Sam Shutcastle, via email
A There are loads of great options. If you’re looking for something compact, try the Birzman Feexman 12-function tool. It’s light, well-built and includes all the important Allen keys along with a chain breaker. At £35 it’s not cheap, though. Lezyne, Crankbrothers and Blackburn all offer more comprehensive tools that we’ve had a lot of positive experience with. Lezyne’s Block 23 covers off all the important Allen and Torx keys and throws in a bottle opener, for £30. We’ve got a Crankbrothers Multi 19 tool that’s lasted close to a decade – it’s that bombproof, if a little weighty. The Wayside from Blackburn would be our pick if you’re looking for a proper do-it-all tool, though. At £32.99 it’s not cheap, but it’s solidly built and includes a set of removable Allen keys, which make fiddly jobs easier. Just don’t lose them!
time for some T.L.C.
Q I have a set of DMR V12 pedals, which I absolutely love, but after years of use, the pins are bent and they feel a bit wobbly. Should I invest in a new set or can I rebuild them? Cam Collins, via email
A DMR pedals go on for years, so we’d advise getting hold of a V12 service kit, which costs £25. This includes all the internals needed to get your pedals spinning smoothly again – just be sure to have your 11mm socket fitting at the ready. DMR also sell pin kits for £4 a pop, and you can chose between standard pins or the longer ‘Terror Pins’, depending on how much you value your shins.