Dear Folks,

I wonder how open you all are to questions from a lowtechie.

I have so much to learn about bikes even though I spend alot of time on my road bike. What I lack in knowledge/skill I try to make up for in persistence. I have a low cost mountain bike on my trainer for the winter. I find the back tire which is rigged into the trainer loses air so I have to pump it up every few days. Sound normal? I know I could have it set up better in the trainer. Any general tips people have come across with mounting bikes into trainers? Eventually I plan to get to the Friday night spinning at Cycle Depot so maybe I can learn there. Thanks, Laura

Hey Laura! First off... welcome!

As far as your tire losing air, it isn't all that uncommon for a tire to lose as much as 10% pressure per day just sitting. We have to inflate the tires in bikes pretty much every time we send one out on a test ride here at the shop. Is your tire going from "full inflation" to "wicked soft" in a matter of a day or two? If so, you may have slow leak in the valve and a new tube may be in order.

We'll be riding at the shop on our B.Y.O.B rides every Friday night from 6 to 7 until it's nice enough to ride outside. So come on down, we'd love to have ya!

Jason