Hi Guys.
I Have being riding my bicycle to work for several years and never had a flat tire. However, this year and in the same week, I had three flat tires and I am 100 % sure the new type of gravel the City is using to try to break the ice on the roads, it is causing the flat tires. I put more than 3000 km with a set of city slickers tires from MEC. I switched to kevlar tires and first ride ended with a flat tire. Then, I tried a set of Hutchinson and again flat tire (I was expecting it because there are only for racing) I wonder if somebody has any suggestions regarding a good set of tires. I have being looking at Specilaized armadillo and Bontrager puncture resistant but there are a little pricy $ 60 each.
tire info
Submitted by RichieRich on
let us know some more info please...
... approx bike + your weight
... tire pressure
... roadie rims?
... riding on the road? chipseal/rough pavement? other?
... type of flat (pinch, sidewall blowout, puncture)
That said usually I ride Amadillo 28mm's at about 100-110psi on my road bike from non-snowy April until mid-June. Sometimes once I've taken off the 'cross tires from commuter I'll throw on the Armadillo's from June until Sept again. They weigh a bunch, but so far over several seasons they haven't let me down.
I will second the armadillo's
Submitted by scottmeyers on
I will second the armadillo's as a good puncture resistant tire for commuting. I have cut them down though, and the culprit was one of those lovely little rocks we use for traction. I actually have a collection of them (Rocks, glass, nails/screws, and a thorn) in my tool box as it is a pretty common occurrence and I would suggest is a a hazard of spring riding.
WTB All Terrain
Submitted by gp4000 on
I've run these tires (they used to be called All Terrainasaurus) on my cross/commute bike for the past 5 years. I've replaced 1 rear tire because the tread was wearing down. I've onlt had 1 flat with these and that was from running over something in my garage. They're awesome all weather/all season tires, roll over ice and gravel and are just basically indestructable.
Flat Tires
Submitted by BCDon on
seemed to be caused by all manner of items. I've found that as a tire ages (wears down), it becomes more susceptible to flatting (duh). What I've found with my road tires, if I clean them frequently I get much fewer flats (and watch where I ride). Before I set out for a ride I'll spin the wheel and pick off any stones in the tread and inspect for cuts. If there are cuts in the tire I'll inspect for depth and if pretty well all the way through I'll replace. If I don't have the money to replace I'll put a "superglue" plug in by just dripping some superglue into the crack (may need to cure with a bit of moisture). When riding, if I ride over gravel or glass and anything similar I'll use my gloved hand to clean off the tire. When I stop for a break, once I have the bike back on the road I'll spin the tires and clean them with my gloves.
On the cross bike with heavier tires (and thicker), I don't tend to clean the tires while riding but I will at the start of the ride.
The result of all this is that I get very few flats, I had "one" last year on my road bike and none on my CX bike. I had more flats (or at least really low tires) on my car than on my bike.
don't forget
Submitted by NW_Tri_and_Bike on
crappy rim strips are also a common cause of repeat flats. go with the fabric tape ones ... the plastic ones suck
Correction
Submitted by SpeedyJ on
Rubber rim strips suck - they shift around and expose the tube to the spoke holes.
Plastic rim strips are great though (assuming good quality like Michelin). The rigid plastic ones almost snap into place when you get the correct size and install them correctly (no creases, they can be really tight).
Plastic also has the benefit of being less bulky, so if your tire/rim combo is tight, you’ll find it easier to install the tire with the plastic rim strip. This could also reduce the number of flats that you’re getting if you’re overly reliant on tire levers.
The fabric ones (i.e. Velox, Bontrager, etc…) are good, but I prefer the Michelin ones (the ones that MEC sell will do in a pinch though).
i prefer velox
Submitted by NW_Tri_and_Bike on
but to each his/her own... I have had issues with the plastic ones from Mavic.
Yup to Velox
Submitted by BCDon on
I agree, yup to Velox. Take your time in putting them on and you are done.