When I EP'd the Langster, I also ordered some upgrades to their not very attractive component package. Sworks post, Tarmac Expert fork, etc. I also ordered A PAIR of Armadillo Elite 700x 23c tires, the best tire I've ever rolled on. What I got was all my goodies and ONE Armadillo tire. So I swapped the Mondo cheapo tire on the rear rim for the Armadillo and figured I'd replace the other tire later. I was reluctant to BUY another Armadillo just yet because I had already ordered TWO. Why would they think I only needed one tire?
So today, my first day off since building up the bike, I went out to ride the usual roads; the dirt, the potholes, hills, and dales. I got about 7 miles from home before the front tire went flat. That's about 30 miles on that tire before it went flat, my first in over 2 years. And no, I didn't have anything to fix a flat with me. I've gotten lazy with all the non-flat luck I'd been having.
I took my Specialized Pro mtn shoes off and started the 4 mile walk home barefoot. After fuming for 15 minutes about how Specialized has fucked up the last 4 out of 5 orders I've placed with them, I realized the air was just warm enough, smelled sweetly of flowers, and it was all in all a beautiful day. So I didn't really mind a little walk. Although after just a mile of barefoot hoofing on the paved shoulder my feet were getting sore. Luckily for me, a large pick up pulled over and a nice gent leaned out to ask if I needed a lift. He got out of the truck with a Trek jacket on: one of us. A mountain biker in the past, Mike was just the rescuer I had hoped for. We talked bikes and he drove me right up into the driveway. Thanks again Mike!
If your new Specialized bike came with Mondo tires, I'm sorry. See if the shop you bought the bike from will credit you for them while they're still new and buy yourself a pair of pricey but well worth it Armadillo Elites. Trust me, worth it. I have blisters on my feet now and it's a bit late to head out again today. Rain tomorrow, I guess I'll wait until the next day off to try again.
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