Baby Powder is not just for a baby's bottom to smell good.  

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Tire Tips

In a recent past article I listed 11 tips on How to Avoid Flats. I was reviewing that article last week when I noticed a glaring omission…baby powder. I know that may not sound so important, but it probably ranks right up there with the best of the others. Every time I buy a new tube, I take it out of the box and give it a good going over with baby powder (or you can spend 3 times the money on a product called "tire talc" but it’s basically the same thing without the nice smell). Then I refold the tube and put it in a protective covering (either back in the box, or I wrap it in a piece of cloth to keep it from damage while it’s in my seat pouch). Here are some good reasons why it’s important to powder your tubes before you put them in the tire.

  1. Allows easier installation—Ever had trouble getting the tube to go inside the tire because the rubber tended to be tacky or sticky? Well, the powder will allow the tube to slide completely into the rim and tire much more easily without twisting or pinching. If the tube is not completely settled into the tire and rim it’s subject to a pinch blowout upon inflation. Ever had a tire blow off the rim upon inflation after you’d spent 15 minutes changing it? Bummer huh? Especially in the summer around here…
  2. Allows the tire and tube to work independently—This is very important because after you inflate the tube inside the tire it could have a small amount of twist to it. Powdering the tube allows the tube to align itself inside the tire. It also keeps the tube from dragging the rim tape with it as it settles into its natural position. If the rim tape is moved from over the spoke holes you will have problems down the road…I promise.
  3. Finally, it makes your hands smell nice after installation—What a plus here! You can use the cloth you used to wrap the tube for protection to clean your hands and you will have the fresh smell of baby powder to titillate your senses as you continue to ride down the road. J

One thing to remember if you powder your tube and you need to repair it. You will need to clean the area around the hole very well and rough it up with the supplied sandpaper to allow a good bond for the patch. The powder will sometimes interfere with the glue and prevent a good seal.

A little preparation before you get on the road will go a long way in making your rides more trouble free and more pleasurable. I always say that if you’re changing tires or having breakdowns on the road, you ain’t having fun. Until next time, keep riding. Mike Munk

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