CSIT RTW Bulletin #14: Mar 2001

Re: Avoiding Punctures

• Flat-proofed Inner Tubes:
  Well, I have been using this for nearly 6 months. There are now 2 occasions where I got a temporary loss of pressure, which indicated the successful self-sealing of a puncture. But on a third time, it did not seal properly, breaking whenever I started riding. In a sense, this was a more of a nuisance than an immediately obviously flat, which I could have fixed straight away (with my trusty repair kit). The actual puncture was not large; it didn't look quite 3mm long, the maximum size the flat-proofing is supposed to work on.

  The verdict: I'd say its worthwhile, but should be seen as just another measure to reduce the incidence of flats (after the others). I would not rely on it to repair an existing puncture except for a slow leak.

• Inner rim liners:
  The above flat had at least a consolation: it was again on the inside of the tube, like several others on that wheel over the last 18 months. Upon close inspection, the rubber inner rim liner, probably 10 years old, was severely perished, and could have been a factor. It is now replaced by a thick nylon liner, more likely to protect the inner tube against pressure punctures. I would recommend installing these.

Next Issue Feature

ANU Cyclists Reference Group, March 8

Another point on the local routes. F&S re-iterated that the ANU Union square is a 'Shared Area', which means cyclists are supposed to dismount through the area. Three members of the meeting (I was not one:) admitted to having at least once complied with these signs. It was however agreed that the placement of the signs needs to be improved if better compilance is expected; also that the alternate route (east across the north of Fellows Oval and through some awkward bends at the bottom of Chancellry Annexe) needs to be improved if it is desired that fewer cyclists ride through the Union.

There is also a plan to link this route to a new path to be made between Fellows oval and Sullivans Creek, to join the bike path to the South Oval.

Bikeshed policy was on the agenda, and they hope to reserve funds to make 1-2 new sheds a year. Prompted by Peter Lamb recently, I asked about maintenance of existing sheds, citing the long-delayed repair of the CSIT doors as an example. They said that if I forwarded them the original request for repair, they would definitely look into it. I have now done so (request was dated Sep 14, DCS Budget code supplied and all), so we shall see :).

Upcoming Pedal Power Events

Of note is the Big Canberra Bike Ride on Canberra Day, Monday March 12. Starts Blundells Cottage at 8.30am. A 20km ride around the streets of Canberra. Might try to check it out...