Archive for February, 2010

Here at Norco, we love our bikes, but we also love the Olympic Games. Especially this year with the 2010 games being in our own backyard. The torch has now made it through our neck of the woods (Port Coquitlam BC) and tonight is the Opening Ceremonies. I will be honest, this post has very little to do with Norco beyond the fact that we are simply excited to see the games!

Here are a few pics from the Torch Relay, Vancouver and Norco HQ.  To quote an infamous Olympic Sponsor, “We’re Lovin’ it!”

Norco Olympic Fans

Are you a fan? How do you show your support?

The best kept secret at Norco for the past year has been the 853 Team Re-Issue. This is a limited release of one of the most classic frames Norco has ever made. The 853 gets its inspiration from the mid 90s with an update for 2010. Classic styling plus a lengthened toptube, slackened head angle, disk tabs and an eccentric BB make this the best classic ride available.

The new 853 is Candy Red and offers a super comfortable ride that only high quality steel provides. Weighing in at 4.8lbs, the frame is also light, nimble and durable. Whether you are looking for a winter trail bike, an all season XC ride or a singlespeed powerhouse have a close look at the new 853, it could be your next bike.

It doesn’t happen often but every once in a while I will admit I get caught on the trail without a tube. Not because I didn’t have one, but because I either gave it away or flatted more than once on a ride. I am slightly ashamed to have admitted this but yes, it does happen. This past weekend I went out riding in Port Moody BC with a friend and it happened to be one of those rides. After Eric flatted once, I followed suit. That was no biggie as we both had a tube, but then Eric tried for round two. Three flats, two tubes, 0 patches.

As Eric got ready to start hiking I made a suggestion, one that I am not sure a lot of people have utilized. Tie a knot in the tube and ride out. That is right, this trick is super simple and low tech but can be the difference between a long hike and finishing a great ride.

To fix this flat, you will need to start by finding the hole. Once you do, tie a knot with the hole at the end which is tucked through the knot loop. Pull the knot nice and tight to be sure that it won’t come undone once inflated.

You will see that the tube is significantly smaller in diameter now that it has been tied. You will need to insert the valve, then stretch the tube around the rim before attempting to seat the tire.

Once you get the tube around the rim you can start to work the tire onto the rim. You should be careful that the last bit you are trying to seat is not at the knot as this area has significantly more bulk around it and could be difficult to work with.

Now that the tire is on, you can re-inflate.I wouldn’t suggest inflating to more than 40psi as the tube is significantly stretched and fatigued. This is not a long term fix but should be enough to get you home. Once you start riding you will likely feel the knot as a bump in your tire. It may be a little rough but it sure beats walking.

If you have your doubts, give it a try.

Dustan