The Big Kahunas Have Seen Better Days

The Last Ride of the Big Kahunas

For the most part, I think people who ride bicycles fall into two categories: those who put on new tires too often, and those who never put on new tires. You know which you are. I tend to put on new tires too soon. Which is wasteful. One little hole, or sidewall scuff, or other minor abrasion, is no reason to discard a perfectly good tire. Unless you have torn off a three inch slice of rubber all the way through the tread and threads, allowing the inner tube to herniate outwards when you pump air into the tire, a little nick in the rubber is probably the least of your worries. On the other hand, the Big Kahunas that came on my GABA bargain bike have seen far better days. These tires are about fifteen years old. Cracked, roughed up, sidewall sliced up, with lugs torn off and more falling off just by touching them, it's time to put on some new rubber. So as part of the general cleanup, tuneup, fixup, and refurbishment, so long, Big Kahunas. Along with new tires, she's getting some new cables, new lube all around, adjustments, trued wheels, new grips, and a replaced shifter. And that seems to be all that she needs to be transformed into a forest service road rampaging mad woman. The cries of the crazy burple bike screaming maniacally will be heard along the Tonto National Forest or Coconino National Forest roads this summer. A legend is born. Get up. Go ride.