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Message started by clairm on 08/21/06 at 09:15:36

Title: Flat Tire
Post by clairm on 08/21/06 at 09:15:36

So, I managed to get the air compressor at the gas station stuck on my rear valve and I snapped the valve off trying to free it before my tube exploded. I wish I had taken everyone's advice and gotten the tubes with the 90 degree bend in the valves. Now I need to get it from the gas station to the tire store/dealership. How long of a ramp should I look for to get my S40 into the back of my pickup? How many people is it going to take to push it up the ramp? I had trouble just getting it up a curb with the back tire flat. How many and what kind of straps do I need to secure it?

Thanks for the help.

Title: Re: Flat Tire
Post by 911radioman on 08/21/06 at 09:23:41

You got a bank or a ditch in your yard you can back your truck up to? That way it will be more of a level shot loading the bike up. Other than that, I'd want a couple of people to keep that puppy steady as you push it up on there.

I use the ratcheting tie down straps that you get at WallyWorld. They come in a pack of 4 for about $10, IIRC.

Title: Re: Flat Tire
Post by serowbot on 08/21/06 at 09:38:54

Taking the wheel off and taking that to the shop is easier and will save you money.

Title: Re: Flat Tire
Post by Paladin on 08/21/06 at 13:12:27

Getting the bike up the ramp is an easy two-person job -- one to steady the bike, and one to operate the come-along: http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/joeztools_1904_76993610 (http://store.autosupplyusa.com/la2toncapual.html)
The person on the come-along can be an eight-year-old.

The length of the ramp would depend on the height of your truck and if you are loading from, ground level or have the suggest bank, berm, ditch, or even a high curb.

If you have two ramps the person keeping the bike upright can walk up second ramp and stay level with the bike.

Title: Re: Flat Tire
Post by Ed_L. on 08/21/06 at 16:07:02

Here's how I had to get my '02 home after a rear flat. Four tie downs for the bike, two for holding the handle bars steady, what the heck, it worked.
http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/661802/
I used a short ramp and parked the truck in a ditch to load the bike, boy was I glad it wasn't a heavier bike.
Four tie downs should do it, just be sure that they don't slip on the bike.

Title: Re: Flat Tire
Post by SavageDude on 08/21/06 at 23:35:52

Now you gave me a wacky but wonderful idea ;D I know what to do if my rear tire ever get flat. No need for truck then ;)

Title: Re: Flat Tire
Post by Ed_L. on 08/22/06 at 06:50:27

If you are planning to tow a bike like this make sure that the straps on the handle bars are as far out as possible and are really tight. If not then the bike will wobble on the front tire while towing which can be quite scary and dangerous. You will know right away if you have got it right, the wobble started at 20mph the first time I tried.

Title: Re: Flat Tire
Post by clairm on 08/22/06 at 07:45:48

So, I got it home. Any hints on getting the back tire off? Any special tools, etc.? I guess it's time to make one of those 2X4 bike lifts.

Title: Re: Flat Tire
Post by Ed_L. on 08/22/06 at 08:25:40

I used a piece of rope over a rafter in the garage and a come along to lift the back end of the bike way up in the air. When you put it all back together ty wrap the hub to the wheel to keep everything in place, makes the job a lot easier. Also watch out for the spacers on the rear axle, they are a different thickness.