ASK RBA: ASK RC: THE GREAT TUBE DEBATE

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ASK RBA: ASK RC: THE GREAT TUBE DEBATE
Richard Cunningham
April 5, 2010

(Photo: Yuzuru Sunada)

I found your tips article to be quite useful EXCEPT for your advice regarding tubes. Not giving a tube to a rider in need is lame. Having ridden over 15 double centuries and hundreds of century rides, the thought of leaving a rider on the side of the road is unfathomable. I suppose that you are one of those riders that blasts past a rider stopped by the side of the road without even asking if they are OK or need anything. No wonder newer bicycle riders find this sport to appear full of elitist, egotistical jerks.

Perhaps your comments were meant to be humorous. I didn't find them so.
–Bill

I assume that you are reacting to the general concept of helping others in need, and if you asked my fellow riders, you would discover that I may be one of the most helpful in the peloton. There are certain individuals, however, who never carry spares when they ride with others because they have learned through experience that they can travel light, unencumbered by the weight and bulk of tools and tubes. These are among the fastest men and women in the peloton and they prey on the prepared – begging tubes and Co2 inflators from helpful suckers should they suffer a flat. I maintain that anyone who comes across one of these pleading jerks, passes by smiling and waving without assisting them in the least. There is no better way for these happy-go-lucky scumbags (however cute they may be) to learn the value of being prepared than being left to fend for themselves.

Contact Richard Cunningham for questions or comments, or just to talk bikes at: askRC@roadbikeaction.com

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