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BIID, arthritis, wheels and tyres
Written by Sean on Sunday, October 26, 2008
I have changed more tyres on bicycles and wheelchairs than I care to (or can) remember over the last three decades. It certainly is not a complicated process. But one can run into problems when doing even the simplest task that has been done many a time before. This post discusses some of the issues I bumped into when I attempted to change my tyres.
My tyre worn down to the thread
One thing many pretenders seem to forget is that not everyone is able to maintain their equipment as would be optimal. Those of us using a wheelchair for BIID often have a certain amount of disposable income and when we need to fix a wheel, a tyre, or upgrade equipment, we just order what we need and get it done. No worries. But a majority of people with disabilities live (or rather survive) on benefits, often well below the poverty line. If they are lucky, they will have an insurance plan that will cover such things as "new tyres" more often than once every 5 years. But that’s not a given. I know people who have had to do with the same tyres for very long periods and who had to use duct tape, wonderful duct tape, to keep on going. Then there are those who can afford the equipment, but are physically unable to actually make the required repairs.
I have just gone through a pair of tyres until the rubber was worn through and I was on to thread. I’m rough on tyres, it’s taken me less than a year to do this. I delayed purchasing new tyres as much as I could, on account that I’m so broke I can’t even pay attention ;)
This morning, I set up to remove the old tyres and put the new ones on. It did not go well.
I punctured one tube with the tyre lever while removing one tyre from the wheel. Somehow, the tube had gotten itself well stuck on the inside of the tyre, making it hard to work with. I fixed the tube, and proceeded to put the tyre back on. But this new (to me) tyre was much stiffer than I was used to. And the arthritis in my hands was flaring. Which means I was not able to pop the tyre back on the rim as I usualy do. After much swearing, I resorted to use a tyre lever to pop the blasted thing on. Not a good idea, as it increases the risk of puncture. Only I didn’t puncture the tube, I ripped it open!
<insert much swearing>
I gave up. Decided to go to the bike shop and have them do it for me. Quandary. I could not use the wheels, no tyres. I could not load both my wheelchairs in the car and be able to get in and out by myself. I could not use my spare chair as it gives me back pain after 20 minutes of using it (no support on the back). Using the spare wheels on the good chair was not a good idea either as they don’t fit and are liable to fall off at the merest turn! I could not just walk in the bike shop, I’m known as a para and have been there a few times wheeling. Besides, wouldn’t want to be found out by someone I know. BIID limiting my options. Just like paraplegia would limit my options in this situation.
I ended up putting the precarious wheels on the good wheelchair and headed off to the bike shop. And they couldn’t help me. They didn’t carry the size tube I needed. In their own word, I have an "oddball" size. Seems no one nearby carries that size.
I had to drive to a shop nearly 45 minutes away. With the price of petrol nowadays, that was a $20 extra charge on getting tyres, tubes and getting both fitted. I have the luxury of being able to drive and afford new tyres and all. I realise that. I was not kidding when I said I am rather broke, so while I could do this, it’ll be beans at the end of the pay period!
So, there I am, needing to maintain my wheelchair that I use because of BIID. I find myself in not such a dissimilar situation as people with spinal cord injuries. Interesting, eh?
Tags: Arthritis, BIID, Paraplegia, Tyres, Wheelchair, Wheels
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11 Comments
I have a question about tyres. I am contemplating a second wheelchair at this point. A model high on my list is a TiLite Aero X Folding Aluminum Wheelchair. The local wheelchair dealer is trying to get one so that I can come in and test drive it next week. It comes with a massively confusing array of options, including the kind of tyres. I’ve been very happy with the solid rubber on my current chair. Once in a while there has been a little loss of traction braking on a steep downhill. I have no problem with the hard ride. I would have a problem changing tyres because of the fibromyalgia in my wrists. Am I missing something about the advantages of pneumatic tyres??
Other question: What would be a good angle of camber to choose?
3 On 26 October, 2008, Sean said:
Hey! For what it’s worth, I would stay away from a folding chair if I were you. It is NOT easier to put in a car, and it’s harder to push (you lose up to 40% of your push in the torque of the frame, as opposed to no loss on a rigid frame). Stowing is quite easy.
Pneumatic ride is better than solid rubber, anyday. It gives a bit better cushioning (your back will thank you) when rolling on pavement. You can select tyres that give you a bit better grip. It’s what most paras prefer. Typically, those who use solid rubber are older people in nursing homes full of carpet, as the solid rubber makes it marginally easier to handle the carpet.
As for camber, I have 10degrees on my chair, but that’s probably too much for most people. I would recommend 3degrees for a first decent chair.
4 On 26 October, 2008, Claire said:
Not to mention a folding chair is heavier than a rigid chair. You have to push that extra weight (harder on your arms/hands). After 2 years of wheelchair use I have yet to have it be an issue that I’m unable to change my own tires. I have a spare pair, and the bike shop is always happy to work on wheelchair wheels. And lets not forget that rigid chairs just plain look cooler.
Thank you Sean and Claire. I really appreciate the input. Aero X also comes in a rigid model.
So far I haven’t had a problem with my back from wheeling. But then I’m held together with a back brace anyway. The main part of my life that I can increase wheeling at this point would be at work. All the corridors are carpeted. My office is the very furthest away from the entrance. The cafeteria is also far from my office. More wheeling would mean a lot more wheeling on carpet. So I’m still a bit wary about the pneumatic tyres.
Sean, why do you have such a large camber? What is the advantage of that?
6 On 26 October, 2008, Sean said:
Chloe, seriously, the advantage of solid rubber over pneumatic on carpet are marginal. Even in a back brace, the vibration you’ll encounter wheeling on non-carpeted surface will resonate and you’ll feel the difference. Also keep in mind that if you buy a chair, you are likely to integrate it more and more in your life, so it won’t be “just/mostly” at work on carpets :)
I have a lot of camber because it looks cool and I’m a bit of a hoon ;) Seriously, it reduces my turning radius (makes my chair much more manoeuverable), and increases stability in fast tight turns. Also, it acts somewhat as a car differential when sidewalks are slanted towards the street, it’s not as hard to go in a straight line. Perhaps there should be a post dedicated to wheelchairs and options and pros and cons ;)
That is a GREAT idea about a post on wheelchair options. There must be quite a few of us who are considering a wheelchair purchase. I for one feel a bit lost figuring out all these pros and cons.
Thai is a great idea! I was looking online the other day and there are so many options it’s dizzying.
10 On 27 October, 2008, Claire said:
Wow, it certainly doesn’t take us long to upgrade our first chairs! And to think most of us at some point thought the first one was out of the question!
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1 On 26 October, 2008, Ada said:
I find myself filled with such envy reading this, and I’m sure that is not what was intended. Arthritis in my hands :) A wheelchair requiring new tires :) An immedidate need to resolve the situation to allow for my mobility :) A trip to the bike shop for assistance :)
It is a rainy Saturday morning here, and this is a Saturday type task.
I woke up this morning and I decided to go the entire day without thinking of my biid. Of course, I’ve been up less than an hour and am already here, so I’m not off to a good start. But I am smiling and living vicariously through Sean at this moment, so it is not a bad day :)