GRIMETIME
Replacing gear cables, plus your tech questions answered by our experts
Feeling deflated
I have a Calibre Bossnut Evo and love it! After suffering a puncture last week, I struggled to get the tyre off the rim. My local shop told me the bike has tubeless-ready rims and tyres, and suggested ditching the tubes. Is this a good idea? I’ve got mates who say it’s the way forward, but others who say it’s too much hassle.
Gary Coppins, via email Going tubeless is definitely the right move if you’re sick of punctures. While it can be a real faff, if you prepare the rim properly, use decent tubeless (or Gorilla) tape and valves, borrow or buy a tubeless inflator that connects to your track pump and – this is the critical point! – remain calm and patient while trying to get an airtight seal between the tyre and rim, the process isn’t as bad as some make out.
The WTB ST i29 rims on your bike are tubeless ready, but it’s worth doublechecking that the WTB tyres are too. Look for a ‘TCS’ marking on the sidewall – this indicates that it’s one of the brand’s ‘Tubeless Compatible System’ tyres and should seal and inflate easily. If your tyres are cheaper, non-TCS versions then, providing the bead is tight on the rim, you may still be able to get them to inflate without tubes by pasting the inside in sealant. That being the case, they should work OK on the trail, although if you blow one off the rim, you may struggle to get it mounted and inflated again.
If you do decide to get fresh rubber, we’ve found tubeless-ready tyres from Maxxis (‘TR’), Specialized (‘2Bliss Ready’) and Schwalbe (‘TL Easy/Ready’) to be consistently easy to inflate.
Strava solution
I no longer want to carry my smartphone with me on rides, but still want to see my name up in lights/on Strava once I’m back indoors. What do I need to look for in a GPS unit and which ones work best for mountain biking?
Fiona Staines, via email
Most modern GPS units support training apps such as Strava. If the GPS has Bluetooth (which most do these days), you should be able to sync it to your phone (you’ll need to download the applicable app for your GPS first) and upload your ride once you’re back in the front door. Many apps then allow you to share your ride to Strava at the push of a button. Alternatively, you can plug the GPS into your laptop and use the manufacturer’s website to analyse your data and share it to Strava. We’ve generally got on well with GPS units from Garmin, Polar and Leyzne. Some can be quite big and bulky, so go for the smallest one that offers the ride data and functionality you’re after.
Blinded by the light
I’ve lost my Oakley Eye Jackets, which I’d had for 10 years. Are Oakleys still all that? Or can I get something cheaper (£50 to £75) that’ll do the job just as well?
Andy Cannings, via email
If you look through our reviews, you’ll notice Oakley, Smith and, more recently, 100% scoring high marks regularly. That’s mainly down to the quality of their lenses, but also the coverage on offer, as well as how well they fit and, equally importantly, stay put. Eyewear from these brands isn’t cheap though. Scott’s Spur glasses, on the other hand, cost considerably less (£75.99) and come with two decent lenses and a sturdy yet comfortable frame. We’ve always got on well with Madison’s Recons too, which, for a few quid more (£79.99), come with three well-vented lenses and a more conventional-looking frame, should you be concerned about the Spurs’ quirky looks.