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When we first started getting calls about Xiaomi scooter tire repairs, we didn’t initially accept them.

(As of August 2021, we no longer accept these scooters for any repairs.)

A micro-mobility company had asked us to consider doing minor maintenance for them. Our research showed that the scooter had not been designed with repair in mind.

Finally, a good customer of ours asked for a favor to fix their M365 with a rear flat tire. We finally replaced the tire after a frustrating hour with more sweat shed that we’d like to admit.

If you’re attempting to fix a flat on your Xiaomi scooter’s tire we have a few tips to share.

Replace Xiaomi Scooter Tire with Solid Tires

A solid rubber Xiaomi Scooter Tire

Most Xiaomi scooter tires we see in the shop are not properly inflated. This leads to premature wear and can cause flats. The valve stem is recessed into the wheel and prevents most pumps from even locking on. We suggest replacing the stock tires with solid rubber ones. The ones we suggest have holes in the sidewall that create a suspension effect. These holes also aid installation. They will need to be purchased at an online retailer as no bike shops that we are aware of have a wholesale source for them. This is true for the tubes as well. Before coming to get a flat replaced on the scooter, purchase a tube for it.

Xiaomi Scooter Tire Repair Procedures

Removal of the rear tire of the Xiaomi scooter is fairly simple. Two 3mm Allen bolts hold a cosmetic plastic cover in place. These are hidden under an adhesive reflector. Peel off the reflective sticker to reveal the bolts. Remove the bolts and cosmetic cover. Under the cover is a 15mm nut that can be removed with a crescent or socket wrench. Once loosened, pull the wheel back and out of the way of the brake caliper.

Tire removal is fairly simple compared to installation. On some tires, plastic bicycle tire levers are sufficient. Because Xiaomi likely uses multiple suppliers for its parts, we have seen radically different tolerances in how tight the tires fit to the wheel. At times, it is necessary to use metal tire levers to get the first part of the bead off the wheel. We use the Park Tool  TL-5 levers to accomplish this.

If replacing a tube only, leave one side of the bead of the tire on the wheel. This will reduce frustration. Pull the old tube out and patch or replace with a new one. Insert the new tube’s valve into the valve hole and inflate slightly to hold the tube’s shape. Place the tube inside of the tire and deflate slightly to ease replacing the bead you had removed. This can usually be accomplished with the metal tire levers. If the bead is too tight and is not going over the last bit of the rim, ensure that the bead already on the wheel is placed in the lowest point of the rim in the center to allow for more working space. Alcohol spray can also be used as a lubricant to make the bead slide onto the rim more easily. Ensure you haven’t introduced any pinch flats by filling the tube with air and listening for leaks. Replace the wheel taking care to make sure the disc is centered in the caliper.

Front Wheel Repair Procedures

The front wheel is another story completely.

To install solid rubber tires we use a combination of silicone based cleaner or detailer, and large Allen wrenches. We use Pedro’s Bike Lust in the shop, but the same basic formula can be found in Armor-All detailing spray and similar products. Wear latex or Nitrile gloves to keep a grip as silicone gets slick on hands and is hard to completely clean off. Spray the inside face of the solid rubber tire with your silicon spray.

Take two P-Handled 8mm Allen wrenches  and insert them into the side holes of the tire about 5-6 holes apart or a little more than 1/4 way around the tire. Place a section between the wrenches of the inner face of the tire into the well of the wheel rim. This is best done on on a soft surface like a mat or carpet with the brake disc side down to prevent injury. Work the tire into the rim using your hands to stabilize it in place. Move one of the P-Handled wrenches to a hole a few slots further away and pull up on the handle to slide the inner face of the tire onto the rim. Repeat this motion around the entire tire. It may try to slip off from where it was already inserted. We have found that using the wrench from the other face of the tire to more fully seat the tier into the rim can create a tighter seal and makes the rest of installation easier. After the full tire is installed, use the wrenches to center the tire on the rim, snapping it into place. It should be obvious when correctly installed.

Front tire installation is complicated by the fact that the wheel can’t be moved more than 8 inches from the Xiaomi’s fork, but is similar in operation. The front wheel will likely take more time.

We’ve had a tenuous relationship with Facebook in the past, rarely updating, and preferring to communicate on Twitter. The events of the last 24 hours in our home city have made us reconsider what outlets we want to use, and how we should communicate.

We have deleted the official Facebook page for The Daily Rider and it will disappear after their mandatory 14 day waiting period.

We never really “got” Facebook after a certain point, and became frustrated with their limits on engagement. Of course, the company and their leadership have been taken to task in the past for their failure to respond to the platform’s use as a propaganda tool by certain groups. We have kept the Instagram page for the moment, and are aware that their ownership by Facebook makes this statement somewhat hypocritical. What can we say? We like looking at pictures of pretty bikes and cute dogs.

No social media platform has figured out how to perfectly moderate discussion in a way that encourages positive interaction and information sharing. We’re well aware of the limitations and failings of Twitter as well, but feel that we’re able to much better navigate that platform and avoid its darker sides.

We’ll be using this site and Twitter to broadcast relevant updates from the shop. As always, we can be reached via email or phone in the shop for more direct requests.

Happy New Year! We’ll be taking New Years Day 2021 off, but return on the 2nd at 10AM.

With expanded guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have modified our operations to keep our staff and customers safe. While we previously operated in a “zero-contact” manner, we are allowing brief interactions with customers outside. We require masks to be worn when interacting with our staff outside. Please call or text when arriving.

The effects of the bike boom in the US has bike shops and manufacturers trying hard to meet demand. We’re being told by several distributors that our 2021 bike orders cannot be completely fulfilled.

Schedule a repair by email or phone call:

Our current first available repair date has come down to less than one week. Please call or email for an appointment. All major repairs are being scheduled in this manner. If you couldn’t get in this summer when we had a month wait, this is your time.

We now offer limited day-of repairs for minor issues such as flat tires. We take them each day on a first-call, first-serve basis. These will be accepted until we reach capacity (usually before 11:30AM) and are generally completed the same day.

New Arrivals for January 2021 (Updated 1/19)

Near the end of December we received a limited number of Marin Fairfax 2 ($599) models in medium and large. We are now out of stock. (1/19/21) Upgrades to this bike from the Fairfax 1 include:

• Lighter frame w/butted & formed tubing and internal cable routing
• Aluminum fork
• 24 speed drivetrain
• Hydraulic disc brakes

Another new arrival this last month is the Marin Terra Linda 1 ($459), which is a step-through version of the Fairfax 1. The step-through frame is easier to mount, useful if you intend to put this into service for child carrying. Very limited sizes available: Small

Bikes in stock for January (Updated 1/3)

Marin Donky Jr. 24″

Marin Donky Jr. 20″

The Marin Donky 16″, 20″, and 24″ bikes arrived in December and we have a selection in our front window. These lightweight, aluminum-framed bikes all come with hand brakes. The 20″ and 24″ models have a 6 speed drivetrain for family rides that include hills or keeping up with parents and older siblings.

Marin Fairfax 1 in black

The Marin Fairfax 1 ($469)became a hot item in 2020 and sold out quickly. We have received a small allocation of them in all sizes in November, but now only have small and extra small remaining. If you’re shopping for a hybrid, this is one to consider as the folks over at Wirecutter named it the best commuter bike of 2020.

Marin Muirwoods in Black

Another hybrid that has just arrived is the Marin Muirwoods($799). These sturdy and capable bikes have steel frames and 29″ wheels with hydraulic disc brakes.We have them available in medium, large, and extra large.

We have two remaining extra-large (21″) Fuji Nevada 1.9   in stock. This basic mountain bike is useful on DC’s streets and capable of handling some off-road detours. The models pictured on the Fuji site are prior year models so paint colors have changed somewhat. See our Instagram page for the actual bikes we have in the shop.

Biria Citibike 8 ST

The Biria (Citibike Stepthrough 8) remains available in large (48cm) in celeste.

Breezer Midtown 1.7 Stepthrough

We have received a full selection of the Breezer Midtown, a new model to us, designed for urban biking. Offered in step-over and stepthrough (pictured), it has wide 27.5″ tires to take on imperfect pavement and to smooth out the ride around town. If you’re looking for a basic bike for fitness riding and transportation or family outings, come take the Midtown for a test ride.

Fuji Rookie 20″

The Fuji Rookie 20″ is in stock in red, grey, pearl white, and seafoam. Send the kids outside to escape their Zoom classes on this aluminum-framed bike with hand and coaster brakes.

Our selection of electric cargo bikes is decent for the moment, but we are seeing stock shortages there as well in certain sizes.

If you were looking for a Tern HSD, we now have the S+ in stock which when we first rode it changed our perception of biking.

BICYCLE PARTS SHORTAGES

In 2020 our entire industry saw incredible demand for parts and accessories. So many people are taking their old bikes out of storage and riding them. This is great! But it wasn’t anticipated, and our distributors stocked for a normal year. These parts are starting to arrive back in stock, but supplies are limited, so we’re having to compete with every other shop in the US to get at this supply. If you have called another bike store looking for a certain part and they’re out of stock, we are likely out as well. Common parts that we are currently out of and cannot order are:

• 26″ tubes in presta valve
• 26″ tires
• 29″ tubes
• 27.5″ tires
• Some shifters and derailleurs
• Some basic home repair tools
• Some repair grade wheels

CURRENT HOURS OF OPERATION

Sunday: 12-4

Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Saturday: 10-6

January Holiday Closures: Closed New Years Day

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