I HATE MY LIFE!!!

[Sailor Steve]

I thought about posting this in the 'Subsim Members' thread, but finally decided that if I made a new thread it would disappear faster. But for now I have to rant.

After months of thinking about it I finally settled on the bicycle I wanted. So after paying my monthly storage (I still haven't been able to get my stuff to my new apartment) I headed for Wal*Mart (tm) just to look and see if it was really the one I wanted. I planned to order it online and assemble it myself. I took it off the rack and tested it, and it was just what I wanted. When they say they'll assemble it for you, it doesn't mean they'll open a box and assemble it, please come back tomorrow. They mean the one on the rack is the one they have, and you can take it now.

So after a few adjustments and a new helmet, I set out to ride my brand-new bike home. Nine miles. After a mile I had to rest. After two miles I got off and walked a block. After three miles I got off and walked another block. After four miles (almost halfway) I got off and walked another block. I got on to ride the next mile and something was wrong. So I got off and looked, and halfway home my brand-new bike had a FLAT TIRE! Arrrggg!!!

So I walked to a gas station to see if it was just a glitch, and they now want $1 just to run the air pump! So I walked my brand-new bike to the bus stop and took the bus home. Of course from the last stop on that route I still had to push it a mile-and-a-half.

So now I have a very nice toy sitting in my living room.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/SailorSteve/SteveStuff/DSCI0005.jpg

It's a "Comfort Bike" - independent front and rear suspension, nice padded seat with its own suspension, adjustable handlebars so I don't have to sit hunched over, road tires rather than knobbies, but fatter than race tires. Only seven speeds, but I'm not going to be climbing any serious hills, just around the streets and ultimately to band practice (seven mile each way).

BUT I CAN'T RIDE IT! :wah: Tomorrow I had plans, but now I'll be pulling off the rear wheel (the one with the extra stuff so it's harder) and trying to fix it, which will mean a trip to a bike shop for either a patch kit or a new tube. Aaarrggh! :damn:

[Flaxpants]

Nice bike! I'm sure your endurance levels will increase pretty quickly if you use it regularly- you might not have to walk the odd block anymore! Later when you get fitter you should be able to manage your guitar and amp as well.

I wouldn't worry about the tyre too much- it's only flat on the bottom.:D

[Feuer Frei!]

Nice bike Steve!
Flat tyres come and go, but the enjoyment of riding a bike will stay with you forever.

[Sailor Steve]

I wouldn't worry about the tyre too much- it's only flat on the bottom.:D
And it's some sort of evil juju magic too - no matter which way I roll it the flat spot moves around to stay on the bottom. Now I'm going to have to find an exorcist as well! :cry:

[Flaxpants]

Well it's not an issue now as I fixed it for you.

That'll be 3 dollars.http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af250/flaxpants/stevebike.jpg

[gimpy117]

new tubes are pretty easy to buy. go to your local bike shop. even better, just take the rear wheel with you. they can do it pretty fast. Blown plenty of tubes on my road bike.

[Reece]

I once had an 80cc motorcycle (first motorbike) and the chain broke, I was about 25 miles from home and the nearest town was 6 miles away, I wasn't going to abandon it so I pushed it up and down hills for the 6 miles and left it at a petrol station, the owner was quite ok about it, then I had to continue the walk home, thank goodness I was young and although pooped got home OK! but stuffed!:oops::yep:
I wouldn't try it now but I still go on hikes covering 10 miles or so!
BTW, I still change my BMW motorcycle tyres by hand and balance them!:O:

[Tribesman]

I HATE MY LIFE!!!

I felt that way when I started horse riding again, not only did I get thrown but next day my legs would hardly move.
One comment though.......
As you say its only for round the roads is the suspension just extra weight?

Blown plenty of tubes on my road bike.
Carrying a spare tube in the bike bag is always a good idea.

[THE_MASK]

When i was a teen every kid had a tyre patch kit . Every shop had a pinball machine . They were the days .

[Herr-Berbunch]

Phew, thought it was something serious then! :doh:

You may want to invest in some puncture-resistant tyres if you're to rely on not walking a 14 mile round trip, although if you got a puncture closer to home you wouldn't then walk the 14 miles you'd get the bus! :o :D

[Torplexed]

It's Drebbel's fault. He wanted to sabotage your pursuit (and bill collection) vehicle. :O:

[Jimbuna]

I'd be asking Drebbel to get you one of these....I never tried one personally whilst residing in Holland but they are very popular :DL

http://i.treehugger.com/spartaIon.jpg

[Penguin]

I have a cheap China-made beachcruiser knockoff and had exactly the same issues with the tires and the tubes. The best is to get at least some quality tubes from a local bike shop, your nerves will thank you.

The masterminds of German engineering have of course a solution to your problem: they developed tires which will never go flat and also improve your safety:

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8593/stevebikerepair.jpg

:D

[AVGWarhawk]

I have a cheap China-made beachcruiser knockoff and had exactly the same issues with the tires and the tubes. The best is to get at least some quality tubes from a local bike shop, your nerves will thank you.

The masterminds of German engineering have of course a solution to your problem: they developed tires which will never go flat and also improve your safety:

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8593/stevebikerepair.jpg

:D


:har::har::har:

[frau kaleun]

Don't forget he's still got to make some special "personal" modifications...

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7346/bikevr.jpg

[Herr-Berbunch]

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/5071/wantedss.jpg

:arrgh!:

[Herr-Berbunch]

Hotlinking not allowed, here it is... :D

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/7979/pab2181.jpg

Edit - D'oh! Too late!

[Penguin]

We shouldn't forget that passive safety is also important, the rider must not only see, but be seen.

Jim might help out with one of his old helmets:

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/8599/policeman1.jpg

[Herr-Berbunch]

And I'm guessing showing this picture isn't going to help -

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/674/ssbikingcrash.jpg

:o :nope:

[TLAM Strike]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/SailorSteve/SteveStuff/DSCI0005.jpg



An improvement over your old bike Steve:
http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/2735/oldbike1.jpg

[sharkbit]

Steve,
You might want to spring for some better tires and tubes as well when you go to the bike shop. At least with my kids bikes we bought from Wal-mart, the tires would go flat pretty quick from just little thorns and such. It felt like I was patching the tubes constantly.
I finally went to a bike shop and got some good tires and good tubes that fit their bikes and I haven't had a problem since.

:)

[Betonov]

To hell with tubes and tires, just ride it on the rims and see the sparks fly :arrgh!:

[TLAM Strike]

Steve have you tried the tubes that are filled with sealer? I use them and they work decently, although you need to get new ones every year or two. Just keep a hand pump with you.

[Jimbuna]

Steve,

That bike is unsafe. You need one of these.


http://www.worldofstock.com/slides/PAB2181.jpg

That'll larn ya :har:

[em2nought]

FWIW I hate my life too! LOL Take care of my aging mother, what was I thinking. :damn: God, when she gets there the place better be immaculate just like the conception/reception or you're gonna hear about it. :D

On a plus note, I don't think I'd get winded on a little bike ride. LOL

[kiwi_2005]

bah forget bout a bike I zap around on a scooter, cheap on gas can go no faster than 50k and makes a really loud noise! My neighbour reckons I look stupid on it as im too big but its a great motorcycle Im amazed at drivers how they give way to me when they see me coming its like what the hell is that! And move right over the side of the road to let me pass. I only use it round town wouldn't ever drive it on the main roads I would probably get flatten by some logging truckie. :)

[Madox58]

Welcome to Wallie World!
How may We screw you today?
:haha:

[Sailor Steve]

new tubes are pretty easy to buy. go to your local bike shop. even better, just take the rear wheel with you. they can do it pretty fast. Blown plenty of tubes on my road bike.
It wasn't the flat tire that ruined my day. That's nothing. It was having it happen the first day on the way home from the store.

As you say its only for round the roads is the suspension just extra weight?
The bike is aluminum, and quite light, and in the part of town where I live the "roads" aren't always perfect. So far I like it, except for that one little glitch.

Carrying a spare tube in the bike bag is always a good idea.
I plan to have all that stuff...but not on the way home from the store.

You may want to invest in some puncture-resistant tyres if you're to rely on not walking a 14 mile round trip, although if you got a puncture closer to home you wouldn't then walk the 14 miles you'd get the bus! :o :D
The tires seem pretty good actually. I haven't taken it apart yet, but from the speed of the leak when I tried to refill it I suspect the valve stem tore away from the tube. We'll see when all the new stuff I ordered gets here.


It's Drebbel's fault. He wanted to sabotage your pursuit (and bill collection) vehicle. :O:
:rotfl2: They're onto me!

@ Penguin and Frau K: :rotfl2::har:

@ AVGWarhawk: Your link is unsafe. You need to not hotlink. :O:

@ Herr-Berbunch (2): Thanks! Saved to my desktop.

@ TLAM: So that's where it got too! HALT, THIEF! And I researched tubes with sealer, and in the long run I'm more likely to try Bell's new airless tubes.

On a plus note, I don't think I'd get winded on a little bike ride. LOL
How old are you? I don't call myself "Grandpa" for nothin'.

@ Kiwi 2005: The bike is to help me get in shape. When the time comes I won't be ridin' no scooter. A real motorcycle is in the works, as is a car, and then a real computer. But I'm poor, so it takes time. :O:

[Madox58]

Buy a Triumph if you want a cheap price but GREAT motorcycle.
Less then 2 grand will get you a 2004 or better with Mods.
(OH!! We Love Mods!)
If your one of those that demand a HD?
:nope:
Good Luck SUCKER!!
:haha:

[Sailor Steve]

Buy a Triumph if you want a cheap price but GREAT motorcycle.
Less then 2 grand will get you a 2004 or better with Mods.
(OH!! We Love Mods!)
If your one of those that demand a HD?
:nope:
Good Luck SUCKER!!
:haha:
I hate V-twins, thanks, no matter who makes them. I prefer inline fours, and almost picked up a 1994 Nighthawk a few weeks back. I still have my old '82 Kawi 750, but I think it will cost more to restore it than it's worth. We'll see what happens when the time comes.

[Madox58]

II still have my old '82 Kawi 750
:o

Steve! That is a Killer Bike! I had one of those and miss it to this day!
It had GUTS Baby! GUTS TO SPARE!!
:rock:

Did you know you can put it through a concrete wall?
(Don't ask how I know that!)

[Ria]

But what do they ULTIMATELY purchase?? :O:http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad50/ria_orion/bike.jpg

[CaptainMattJ.]

you need one of these:

http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l5yt7w9ioF1qbst30o1_500.jpg



on a side note, i thought steve was having a mental breakdown after watching american beauty or something when i saw the thread title

[Sailor Steve]

Nah, it's just that these things seem to happen to me on a regular basis. You know how they say "Someday we'll look back on this and laugh"? Well, someday is today. I knew I'd feel better today, but last night I just needed to whine a little. As for a mental breakdown? Well, as they say "Been there, done that".

[AVGWarhawk]

:o

Steve! That is a Killer Bike! I had one of those and miss it to this day!
It had GUTS Baby! GUTS TO SPARE!!
:rock:

Did you know you can put it through a concrete wall?
(Don't ask how I know that!)


However, the tires do not hold air. :shifty:

[Sailor Steve]

However, the tires do not hold air. :shifty:
I a Kawasaki? I never knew that.

[AVGWarhawk]

@ AVGWarhawk: Your link is unsafe. You need to not hotlink.

Will a sausage link work? :hmmm:

[Sailor Steve]

Will a sausage link work? :hmmm:
Only if properly cooked. It may not fill the tire or make a picture, but it sure help ya feel better.

[RickC Sniper]

Many years ago I bought a car from a dealership. I signed all the papers and proudly drove it off the lot.

I got about a half mile and when stopped at a busy intersection the engine sputtered and died. Out of gas. The swearing that occurred was epic.

When you get a new form of transportation you in the LEAST expect it to get you back home. This thing didn't even get me to the nearest gas station.

I feel your pain.

[Platapus]

Many years ago I bought a car from a dealership. I signed all the papers and proudly drove it off the lot.

I got about a half mile and when stopped at a busy intersection the engine sputtered and died. Out of gas. The swearing that occurred was epic.



Too bad you did not opt for the fuel gauge option when you bought your car. :D

[TarJak]

:o

Steve! That is a Killer Bike! I had one of those and miss it to this day!
It had GUTS Baby! GUTS TO SPARE!!
:rock:

Did you know you can put it through a concrete wall?
(Don't ask how I know that!)
But not everyone has a head as hard as yours Jeff.:O:

[Iceman]

You know the flat tire thing pisses me off too...here in AZ we get these little tumble type weeds or something that when dried out leave like little land mine thorns just long enough to puncture a tube....I want to take an aluminum slat from a broken blind and put it inside the tire then put in the tube...I think it will work but haven't tried it yet...giving the protection from the pesky thorns but still having the air in the for the cushion ride....if anyone ever tries this idea please let me know how it works. :up:

[Sailor Steve]

Well, in my quick research I found custom-designed liners of plastic with a metal strip, and slime-filled tubes, and even airless tubes that require no filling. So I ordered a cheap tube, a pump and an air guage. What's funny is that I used to own a cheap mountain bike, which lasted for years and never had a flat. We'll see how all this turns out.

[Tchocky]

Some ignoble soul tried to steal my bike last night. Spent a while this morning reattaching my wheels

[Herr-Berbunch]

...on a side note, i thought steve was having a mental breakdown after watching american beauty or something when i saw the thread title

:o Steve so wishes!

http://image.toutlecine.com/photos/a/m/e/american-beauty-1999-02-g.jpg

PS if I had more time I'd get a pic of Steve and p'shop it in (to the best of my low ability!) :D

[Betonov]

:o Steve so wishes!



PS if I had more time I'd get a pic of Steve and p'shop it in (to the best of my low ability!) :D

Let me guess, Steve's face would not be where Spacey's is now :D

[Herr-Berbunch]

Let me guess, Steve's face would not be where Spacey's is now :D

:har::har::har:

When I've got time I'll knock up both pictures - we'll have a vote to pick the best. Unless some other p'shop guru wants to do it in the meantime...

[Betonov]

One request, when you put Steve's face on Angela's, leave her hair on him :D

[longam]

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_generated/_generated_us/bikes/models/images/550/Cypress_Blk_72dpiWIDE.jpg

I went with Giant and cant complain at all, they cost a bit more then the wally bikes but 10 miles on this thing is fast.

[Sailor Steve]

A "little" more? I checked their website, and you'd better be happy - the closest model I could find was four times as much!

[Jimbuna]

One request, when you put Steve's face on Angela's, leave her hair on him :D

Better add a warning notice as well then :o

[Herr-Berbunch]

One request, when you put Steve's face on Angela's, leave her hair on him :D

Better add a warning notice as well then :o


Your wish is my command, sometimes. :O:

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/6715/americanbeautyss.jpg

I know it's far from perfect (in any sense) but it's nearly 1am :zzz: and I just can't be arsed any more. :D

[Sailor Steve]

I just can't be arsed any more. :D
Thank goodness for that! You should be ashamed of yourself, putting something that ugly up for the world to see.

I know, I know - I did it first. But I can use vanity for an excuse, even if I have nothing to be vain about. But you? You repeated it. 'Nuff said. :O:

[Herr-Berbunch]

Nice legs though, Steve! :03:

[Jimbuna]

Eye bleach......please!! :dead:

[Reece]

Eye bleach......please!! :dead:
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQrbtusyBOdt_Tto6lWVRxJd8-qU60FkknH8B_ITL4ZnR0fifbo0G7utrC4
I concur!