Here’s my story. I’m spending a year in Korea at Uncle Sam’s request. Since I’m here I’m planning to do IM Korea in August. I have done most of my base mileage on a spinning bike set up to mirror my tri bike position because the weather here has been terrible and I’m a weenie about the cold. Today was my first long ride outdoors and I learned that the roads here are HORRIBLE. Flatted 4 times on a 2 hour ride, forced off the road by cars twice, saw my life flas before my eyes once. On getting back, I can’t get my tubes to hold air. I’ll replace one, hang the bike on my rack and a few seconds later I hear a whoosh. Here’s my question. Since I think the problem is that I’ve trashed my rim, what are your recommendations for a truly nuclear blast-proof wheelset/tire combo? I’m 200lbs, ride a 650c Quintana Roo. Thanks in advance.
truly nuclear blast-proof wheelset/tire combo
32h open pro/ultegra for training, michelins
spinergy tilium SS for racing, michelins
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32h open pro/ultegra for training, michelins
I think that you can go for CXP-33 for even more strength in the rims.
Andrew
Hey, let’s take it to the logical conclusion: CXP30’s (if you can still find it) or velocity deep v’s.
Man, be careful out there. Don’t want any more road kill stories on the site. Way too many already.
It’s a pair of Velocity Deep V’s that I just trashed. There’s also a bit of an availability problem. I’m going to have to go with something I can mail order because the LBS option here is pretty nonexistent.
Thanks, I’ve ridden in most of the places I’ve been stationed, with some pretty hairy traffic, but nothing like this. Stop lights and road signs are just a loosely worded suggestion here.
Wow, it doesn’t get more bombproof than a Deep V. Were your wheels 32 spoke 3-cross? If so consider going to 36, 3x if you weren’t already like that. Were they handbuilt too? I feel for you man!
EDIT: I forgot to ask, any chance of running wider tires? Is there even such a thing as a 650 x 25? That may help cushion the blows a little better.
I was using Continental GP300 650x23. Haven’t seen anything wider than that. Not sure of the lacing pattern on my old wheelset, came with the bike and never had a problem til now.
Miltri-
Kudos for trying to make it happen in the ROK- being a vet, and having done my time there as well, here’s what I would suggest-
For short distance rides outside, use the loop around Camp Hovey that goes from the back gate, around 1/5, MI, and then along the PooPoo River. This is about a mile, and you’ll get really good with your pace.
For short to moderate, for from Casey to Hovey. If I remember right, out and back is 8 miles or so, so you should be good with a few laps.
I know things are tight around there lately, but try to get a pass to Seoul and switch your bike to drops and shorty bars. You’ll be alot happier around there. Once every 5 weeks or so (so people won’t think you’re scamming passes) and go South of the City- There’s more open roads in that area.
Running is a no-brainer- hit Cheese Hill and Twin Peaks 'til you puke! I’d get the most bombproof wheels you can find with a shallow dish, and keep them for the whole year. The race course at Chedju Island isn’t much better than mainland.
Don’t get taken out by the diving ladies during the swim!
Good luck,
Rob
Thanks, I’m at Camp Red Cloud in 2ID, so getting south can be somewhat … difficult. I’m told that there are some routes up along the DMZ which are relatively traffic free, go figure. I’ll give it a try when I can get rolling again.
Ahhh- Red Cloud- that could be a little difficult. Do they still have the shuttle buses that go on the weekend to Casey from there?
Yes, the shuttles still run, but since there is a lot of political tension right now (S. Korean president threatened with impeachment) and a lot of student protests, Casey has a strict “No one leaves post without a battle buddy” policy. Since I’m training partner challenged right now, Casey is not an option. CRC, because it’s the home of the Commanding General, is a little more lax about that policy, that’s why I’m trying to find routes close to here.