I haven’t put on any miles since last Wed, but I’m feeling pretty good about it. My lazy weekend has me motivated to put in more miles this week. Oh, and I have to ride if only to justify the money I spent on winter riding gear.

As a budget concious cyclist, I’ve become good at gearing up at non-cycling retailers. I’ll never admit it, but I get most of my cycling clothes at Marshall’s. This weekend was no exception. As my wife was taking full advantage of Coach’s clearance at the Albertville outlets, I made side trips to the House’s outlet store (warm snowboarding helmet (twitpic) – $30) Reebok (reflective running jacket – $22) and Marshall’s (Bolle goggles – $25)

I did spend market price on one thing this weekend. A new pair of Schwalbe Winter Marathon studded tires. You see, I recognize the added value in buying a quality product that serves as critical a job as one’s tires. This is doubly-important in winter riding, in which traction, reliability, and visibility can’t be compromised. Yes, I know this, and I spent my money accordingly.

I’m lying.

I totally cheaped out and bought 1 $40 Innova studded tire.

20 minutes later, I’m home, inflating my newly-mounted tire while listening to “Marketplace Money” on MPR. The pressure gauge is struggling to reach 60 psi when a gunshot rips through the basement. Or a ruptured tube, perhaps; they’re just as loud. (twitpic) The bead of the Innova had jumped out of the rim, allowing the tube to expand and explode. I try again with a new tube, this time inflating more slowly. Same problem. Aargh. I dismount the tire and study it a bit. A stud falls out from the gentle prodding of a fingernail. AAARGGGH.

A quick phone call to the bike shop corrected the issue – I ordered the Schwalbe’s, and confirmed they’ll take back the Innova. The shop owner was very accomodating, considering I’d called him after hours on a Sunday. (tweet)

So yeah, I’ll be commuting to work tomorrow studless on icy roads. I’ll be fun, but I’ll just remind myself how much more “fun” it’d have been to replacing a blown tube at 20F.

Almost forgot–First Post!