I'm sure for most this is probably a case of "teaching Grandma how to suck eggs", but If there's only one member out there who isn't aware of this it could help avoid a very nasty incident.
Yesterday having washed the bike I went for a quick spin round the block to dry everything off, quick spin turns into slightly longer ride as you do!
Two miles from home have sudden catastrophic failure of rear tube.
Plodding along at 30 mph suddenly old plunger is doing very good impression of speedway bike cornering, much to amusement of local hoodies hanging out at the "One Stop" that is until I nearly plough into them.
Having regained my composure I fire her up put her in first & begin the long push/walk/jog alongside home, uphill all the way!
Much huffing & puffing & a very cold shower later I remove the rear wheel & pull out the tube. The valve has ripped clean from the tube.
Tube (Continental) & tyre (Avon SM) have only covered 150 miles since new.
Straight on phone to supplier.
What pressures are you running he asks?
20 psi front 23 rear which is slightly higher than the Haynes pamphlet! says me.
That's your problem he says, modern tyres need to run at much higher pressures.
Modern tyre construction is different he explains with different materials used, much softer sidewalls & they aren't made of rubber, sir!
Now I accept that modern tyres are made of a different compound but surely it is still rubber I think to myself.
Anyway he suggests I fit a security bolt which I think is a bit overkill on a bike that produces 20 something horses but never mind.
I politely suggest that it could be a lifesaver to put a sticker on the tubes or just a note on the invoice explaining this.
Hate to think what would have happened if cornering at higher speed.
Not my resposibility mate, he replies. Do I want to buy a new tube he asks?.
Yes I do, but not from you thanks I reply & hang up.
Call Brian at Lightning spares who confirms the issue of pressures. He recommends at 30-32 psi rear 28 front.
Says he's lost count of the number of soft tyres he's seen at BSA meets only to be told by proud owner they are running at BSA handbook stated pressures.
So it seems I'm not the only one!
Bought my tube from Brian, and err a few bits for the new project!