Commuting - Flat-Prevention Alternatives

Hello -- I'm a new cyclist who is hoping to use a bicycle for commuting, errands, and transportation whenever possible. I've never had a flat tire before (even as a kid), but after reading lots of horror stories about flats on the internet, it's something that I've become concerned about! I finally made up my mind to get Specialized Airlock "self-healing" tubes, when suddenly I saw some information about a product called NO-MOR FLATS (www.nomorflats.com) - a puncture-proof, air-free inner tube - and the concept seemed fascinating. I know these tubes are probably despised by many riders, especially "purists" and those worried about performance, but I care mostly about comfort, reliability, and safety, so I'm wondering: does anyone here have ANY experience, good or bad, with this product (or similar ones) or know where I could get more information? I know they will add weight and be tough to install, but I wonder how badly they affect the ride. Perhaps they're a rip-off. I've read two reviews from users who love them and swear by them, but I'm sure there are other people who swear AT them. :)

As for more standard flat-prevention methods, no one seems to agree on what is best, so I'm not sure what to do: tire liners, Slime-type tubes, thicker tires, or some combination of these. It seems that the "Speed Lever" tire remover is well-loved by most users. Anyway, I know this topic has been discussed to death, but I'll be thankful for any input.

Jeff
(Who dreads the thought of changing a flat in the cold rain.)

I use Vredestein puncture resistant tyres with slime tubes. They do weigh more (only really noticeable when accelerating) but I'm yet to have a puncture. To be honest I think the Slime tubes are overkill with the tyres, when I've changed tyres I've checked the tubes and haven't seen any evidence that they've sealed a puncture.

Richard

as far as the tubless style, I have ridden a few bikes of my friends that have them, and i really dont care for them, they add a ton of rotating weight, are not really balanced, transmits more road vibration, more weight to stop, and generally should be left for kids bikes. Slime tires, seems like I have replaced a lot of those, as the slime gets in the tire valve, and leaks air out. The tube that I have the best luck with is made by huffy(no laughter please). They(My local Tru-Value) sell a thorn resistant thick tube that I have nothing but praises for. They only cost about 5 bucks a tube. I live in rural kansas where sandburrs are everywhere, and have not had a flat in two years, but have replaced tires twice, due to normal wear. I have not had the opportunity or the need to use skin strips or tuffy tape, or anything like that, so cannot give a good/bad rating on it. But this is only my opinion, and should be counted as much.

Punctures are really no big deal. With good quality modern tyres you may get one or 2 a year. All you need to do is practice changing the tube for a new one, in a nice warm dry environment.
Specialized Armadillo are rated as the most puncture resistant conventional tyres.
Solid tyres are heavy and sluggish by comparison. You dont need to race to appreciate the advantages of air-filled tyres. They are better in every way but one.

And by the way, wal mart carries the nomorflats tube, you can feel the tubew in the package, and make your own decision.

I use puncture resistant tyres but to my my mind they only resist until you are in the middle of a rainstorm and miles from cover. But I'm not bitter!!

I use Vredestein Triggers with Tuffies. I ride about 2,500 commuting miles a year with lots of broken glass on the road. Since I switched, I have gone four months without a flat. I used to get them every month with my old setup, which was Specialized Nimbus, Tuffies, and Slime.

Different things cause different flats. Broken glass goes through the tread (best stopped by Tuffy), while thorns penetrate the sidewalls (best stopped by thick sidewalls).

There are several "airless" tire schemes that I have been looking into. Airfree Tires seems to be the best of these, reportadly providing low rolling resistance but a very rough ride. If I go "flat free" for another few months, I will stop thinking about these drastic measures, although I would like to try a heavier innertube.

Paul

I agree with PaulH.
If you are not too worried about performance, a good puncture resistant tire and a Tuffy will work perfectly. For those that are more concerned about performance, use the new SpinSkins DuraLiner!
SB

Keep in mind also that riding through road debris or sand can be like walking through a minefield. Learn how to ride far out enough to avoid such areas (and drains) without swerving--travel a straight line.

I live in Northern Colorado = goatheads, goatheads, goatheads (or burrs, thorns, etc. depending on dialect)

On my commuter I have thorn tubes and goo. I almost never have flats on this bike. I haven't replaced a tube in something like three years. My MTB, on the other hand, has regular tubes on it. It seems like I get a flat every other @#%# day. As a test I put goo in the front tube and no goo in the rear. I haven't had any problems as of yet with the front tire. Perhaps I'll put a thick tube in the back next time it goes flat to see which lasts longer.

No way, on any bike of mine, will I ever use one of those airless tubes. Those are just screwy. I agree that those are mostly the domain of kids' bikes.

I took some good advice here on how to prevent flats. Tire pressure virtually eliminated my flat problem. Thanks to everyone here1!!

Thanks for the replies and advice, guys - I really appreciate it. I wish I could try some of these products and see how they affect the ride, whether they're airfree, liners, thick tires, or slime, but there just doesn't seem to be much of a cycling presence here in suburban Maryland (not many bike supplies in the stores, either), so I've had to rely on the opinions and reviews of people on the internet for my few bike purchases.

I was having visions of cruising worry-free on "airless" tires and not having to carry a spare tube, pump, patch kit, etc. anymore, but I guess I'll forget about that unless I can ever test-drive those things somehow. But no matter how puncture-resistant the other solutions are, I assume that flats are still inevitable, especially since I've started riding at night (which I love) and I can't see every nail or piece of glass that might be lying in the road. So what happens when you get a flat? Does the tire just blow out suddenly and make you lose control? Or maybe each one is different, with some being slow leaks? Does the wheel ever get damaged?

Here's another alternative:

http://greentyre.com/

They make "solid" bike tires that are of course totally flat-proof. I haven't personally used any of their products, but I've checked them out online because I like the idea of never having another flat. (Don't they always happen when you go for a "quick ride" and bring no tools?)

In reality, I rarely have flats and am usually prepared for them, but something keeps making me wonder about these tires. I wish I knew someone with a set that I could try out.

I use ordinary tubes and tyres with slime in them and I use an old tube to line the tyre with.

I haven't had a flat in several months.

I don't think this would work against drawing pins though.
If you get a sidewall puncture - I have found this unrepairable. Slime doesn't work and patches won't hold.

Generally a flat is no major drama. I have had tubes explode when the brake arm rubbed through the sidewall, which made me jump a little.

Originally posted by FrugalBiker
there just doesn't seem to be much of a cycling presence here in suburban Maryland (not many bike supplies in the stores, either), so I've had to rely on the opinions and reviews of people on the internet for my few bike purchases.
??? Where in suburban MD are you? there's quite a bit of cycling presence here, you just may not be familiar w/ it.

As far as getting flats goes, usually the tire slowly loses air, there is rarely some big explosion. I ride through all sorts of stuff on the roads and trails and hardly ever get flats and I don't take any special precautions. If you are worried though, just get a pair of the tire liners. Carry a small seat bag w/ a patch kit, spare tube and tire levers. Strap a pump on the frame. Small, light weight investments that will give you piece of mind. I also would recommend carrying a small set of allen wrenches and a chainbreaker(or a multi-tool). With these few things, you will be prepared for almost any problem that will arise. It will keep you pedaling the bike instead of walking.

Originally posted by FrugalBiker
So what happens when you get a flat? Does the tire just blow out suddenly and make you lose control? Or maybe each one is different, with some being slow leaks? Does the wheel ever get damaged?

The most usual situation for me has been jumping on the bike after work and heading up the street, only to notice that harsh, slippery feeling that means a flat tire. In other words, a slow leak.

There was one time that I hit some sharp piece of metal, leading to the classic "pow!" "psst!" sequence from the front tire. No control problems or rim problems, but the tube and tire were in bad shape when I stopped. That was my only fast flat in something approaching 10,000 miles

If you have low pressure tires and thick inner tubes, a can of "Fix a Flat" in the bottle cage works well, especially as the small hole/slow leak is the most frequent type.

Flats are not a big deal, as long as you don't get them too often. All you need is either cab fare to a bike shop or a pump and patch kit.

Paul

My take: don't bother with patches. I just use a spare tube I always carry. (Yes, I carry a patch kit in case I get another flat.)

I think tubes have a useful life of maybe a couple hundred miles at best. Don't know why exactly, but I've noticed this over the years.

Use a spare, ditch the tube, and move on. Much faster than patching, too. You can get a flat and be booking down the road again within a few minutes when you don't hassle with a patch.

When you change the tube dont forget to find what made the flat. It's often a minute piece of wire you cant see. Wipe a tissue around the inside of the tire and it will catch on the offending object. You dont want to patch a second flat a few miles down the road.

Originally posted by Andy Dreisch
My take: don't bother with patches. I just use a spare tube I always carry. (Yes, I carry a patch kit in case I get another flat.)

Use a spare, ditch the tube, and move on. Much faster than patching, too. You can get a flat and be booking down the road again within a few minutes when you don't hassle with a patch.
Sometimes, yes, it can be faster. But I had a flat last saturday from what looked like a staple, only thinner, which had worked it's way into my tire.

Since it was sticking out, I knew the exact location of the hole. I took only as much tire off the rim as needed to get to the hole, patch it, stuff it back in, pump it and go. Much faster than removing the whole tube and replacing it. But obviously this is not always possible.

Originally posted by Andy Dreisch
I think tubes have a useful life of maybe a couple hundred miles at best. Don't know why exactly, but I've noticed this over the years.

Should all tubes be replaced after a certain number of miles, regardless of whether they've been flat-free, as routine maintenance? And is there a certain time recommendation, too, like "replace tubes after x miles or x years"? (This includes spare tubes that have been carried around but never used.)


Originally posted by riderx
Where in suburban MD are you? there's quite a bit of cycling presence here, you just may not be familiar w/ it.

You are probably right -- I'm in NW Baltimore County, near the Reisterstown/Glyndon area. I know there are recreational cyclists in the area, including racers, but I rarely see someone commuting by bicycle... though I'm not the most observant person around. :)

Originally posted by FrugalBiker

Should all tubes be replaced after a certain number of miles, regardless of whether they've been flat-free, as routine maintenance? And is there a certain time recommendation, too, like "replace tubes after x miles or x years"? (This includes spare tubes that have been carried around but never used.)



I replace a tube whenever I get a flat, no matter how long it's been -- time or distance. For me, this average out to about every 200-300 miles, maybe less. I get a lot of flats. In the rainy season, it's probably about every 100-200 miles. My buddies believe I have the world's highest FPM ratio (Flats per Mile).

And I always use Tuffies.

In my experience it's simply not worth the time or bother patching a tube. Standing in the rain, listening intently for an air leak while trucks and buses roar on by is not worth it in my view. Pop the new tube in (of course, after checking for the source as an earlier poster noted) and you're off.

Granted, this is not the most cost-efficient way to cycle, but tubes are cheap -- why risk another flat on a patch that goes bad or a tube that's just plain worn out?

Ahhhhh, good old Maryland. I have cousins there. Some of them live by Silversprings, others by Columbia and some by Ellicott City.

BTW, maybe I wasn't looking out for cyclists, but I hardly see any around when I use to visit.

Originally posted by Andy Dreisch
In my experience it's simply not worth the time or bother patching a tube. A patch costs < $.25 vs. a new tube at $5. Plus, it's just wasteful not to patch your tubes - landfill filler and all that.

I carry a spare tube, use that to fix my flat, patch the tube when I get home and then carry that as my spare. When I get to 8 or 10 patches on a tube, I'll ditch it.

I am using tubes with a handfull of patches on, and they are perfectly reliable for me. I use traditional patch kits for doing repairs at home, but carry a spare tube and some self-adhesive patches.
I usually ditch tubes when the valves start to bend, or the holes are unrepairable.
One one bad ride I ran out of tubes and patches, but as I was wheeling my bike home, a guy gave me the inner from an old bike in his garage. The tube was a high quality one about 10 or 15 years old, and worked perfectly.

One point to remember for urban cyclists. The usual method of detecting sharp objects embeded in the tyre is to run your finger or a rag around till it catches that thorn. Discarded hyperdermic needles can cause flats, and you dont want to search for them in this manner.

Another newbie question for you guys. How do I patch up a tube? This is what I think, let me know if it’s correct:

-get the wheels off the bike

-use your irons to remove the tire from the rim (I haven’t done that yet..i used screwdrivers as a kid, but just brought plastic irons and have no idea how to use them)

-see if any sharp objects are stuck on/in the tire

-you remove the tube

-find the puncture(s) and sand it down with the sand paper provided in patch kit.

-get the glue put it on (light or heavy?) making sure it’s bigger than the area of the patch

-let it dry first (this is what I did as a kid, but not sure if it’s the correct way of doing it)

-put the patch on, and apply pressure on it from the middle to the outer corners

-pump up the tube to give it shape

-put one side of the tire back on rim (now that it’s free from any foreign objects) by hand (or do I use the levers?)

-put the tube back in

-carefully use your hands (????) to get the other side of the tire in the rim

-use the pump and you’re ready to go.

Is this correct?

Before you start with the tire irons, push the edges of the tire in from the rim. The bead of the tire can then drop down to the centre of the rim opposite the place where you start with the irons. This will make it much easier to lift the bead over the rim. You may even be able to do it with your hands. The irons have a small hook across one end to get a grip on the tire bead. They probably have a slot on the side near the other end - this is to hold it down on a spoke while you get the next iron in.

Patching is best done at home.
When patching, I roughen up the area with sandpaper and wipe clean. Apply a thin smearing of rubber solution. Wait for it to dry. Add another thing layer. Wait to dry.
Peel off the foil layer of a patch. Apply pressure from the middle to the edges, ensuring the feathered edges lay flat. Wait for it to stick for a while, then crack the paper backing, and peel off from the middle to the outside (to avoid raising the edges).

When replacing a tube, fit the valve in then use the small nut to fix it in place. When the tyre is on, apply a few pumps, then losen the nut. Push the whole valve into the rim, and re-seat the tyre bead so the valve pulls down on the tyre. Ensure the valve is radial, not skewed.

Watch out with inner tubes not to buy extra long valves (these are for deep section racing rims, not box section ones).

Tyre/rim fitting is quite variable, and its worth getting a tyre which fits easily. Tight fitting ones can be a pain to fit and can get damaged from too much application of tyre levers.

I have 4 bicycles wit no-mor flats inner tubes.

We started with my wife's mountain bike. I live in the desert and she was getting a flat every other day.
We bought the nomore flats tube, installed it (make sure you use a little bit of water and soap on both the inner of the tire and the tube just like it is a good idea to do with a regular tube), and she went riding. She didn't notice any difference. The tire pressure is always perfect, the tire lasts longer, the rims are protected from bottoming out and the ride quality changes very little if you add a much heavier rider (me). Installing it was very easy just as a regular inner tube (it is the same size). It is not like trying to install an inner tube inflated to the proper pressure like I read from somebody that never bought nor installed these tubes. An inner tube inflated to the proper pressure outside the tire would most likely explode or at the very least became very, very large. It is like installing an inner tube inflated enough to make installation easier and safer. Thats all. I always used to do that anyway.

After a month we went and outfitted all our bikes (five) with the momore flats. It has been over 2 years of piece of mind. Kids ride more because bicycle is always ready and I haven't had to change any tires because they are always inflated, at the right pressure and they are wearing out very little and very evenly.

The tubes are kind of expensive though but the piece of mind is priceless.

The ride is beautiful. I don't know about other brands (well I know about another one I will tell you) but nomore flats was a find from heaven.

I have to say that after such a good experience with nomore flats I decided to get inner tubes for an electric scooter that was getting flats and required too much work to repair. Nomore didn't have the right size inner tube so I looked around for other manufacturers. The only thing I could find in the scooter size (13x 1.75 I believe) was a nutek solid tire. So I replaced the tires and the inner tubes with this one solid unit. Installing it was a nightmare and at some point (after two hours fearing for my life) I finally got it. I went to ride and I noticed the scooter wondered everywhere, it felt like driving on flat tires, mushy and almost uncontrollable. Eventually while riding on a turn the tire came off and I hit the ground.

I will never buy solid tires again. Dangerous to say the least.
I will also always outfit my bicycles with nomor flats as soon as I own them.

So I hope my experience having installed and owned nomore flat inner tubes for over 3 years now is of some help.

By the way my wife rides her mountain bike everyday for over an hour sometimes more. If people were to try them instead of just talking out of what they have heard, what makes sense to them or what they have experienced with other manufacturers you would see nothing but praise in this forum.

They are that good!!

Jeff, you need to get over your fear of flats. It's inevitable and it's really simple to change a tube out in a matter of minutes. Keep your tires properly inflated, check your tires for wear and replace when necessary and watch the debris you ride over/through and try to avoid the nasty stuff and you'll rarely have flats.

Carry a spare tube and a CO2 cartridge and a pump for backup and you'll never have to worry about it.

Being prepared for flats and knowing how to deal with them is your best defense.

Hell, I ride 700x23c race tires and commute on them daily and I haven't had a flat in over 6 months. I run 110psi front and rear and check tire pressures prior to each ride.

Jeff, you need to get over your fear of flats. It's inevitable and it's really simple to change a tube out in a matter of minutes. Keep your tires properly inflated, check your tires for wear and replace when necessary and watch the debris you ride over/through and try to avoid the nasty stuff and you'll rarely have flats.

All true but I try to prevent them to begin with.
I used to get flats constantly even with expensive kevlar tires until i got me some Tuffies. Those things rock, nothing is getting thru. Sidewalls can still be punctured but there's much less chance of that.

I replace a tube whenever I get a flat, no matter how long it's been -- time or distance. For me, this average out to about every 200-300 miles, maybe less. I get a lot of flats. In the rainy season, it's probably about every 100-200 miles. My buddies believe I have the world's highest FPM ratio (Flats per Mile).

And I always use Tuffies.

In my experience it's simply not worth the time or bother patching a tube. Standing in the rain, listening intently for an air leak while trucks and buses roar on by is not worth it in my view. Pop the new tube in (of course, after checking for the source as an earlier poster noted) and you're off.

Granted, this is not the most cost-efficient way to cycle, but tubes are cheap -- why risk another flat on a patch that goes bad or a tube that's just plain worn out?

I agree but I will fold the flat tube up and carry it home... I like to patch the flat one at home.

All true but I try to prevent them to begin with.
I used to get flats constantly even with expensive kevlar tires until i got me some Tuffies. Those things rock, nothing is getting thru. Sidewalls can still be punctured but there's much less chance of that.

I've never tried those. I remember riding with a guy once who had a nice Trek with Bontrager Race wheels. As we met in the parking lot for our ride he noticed his rear tire was flat so he pulled out the pump and spare tube along with his Tuffy liner and put a new tube in. I rode a century with him later that year and he had 3 flats on that ride. Turns out there was a burr on the inside of the rim and he needed a new rim.

If you are flatting constantly I'd suggest looking at your wheels to see if there might be something wrong with them. Constant flatting is not normal. I've ridden thousands of miles and rarely flat.

Every cloud has its silver lining, right? When I get a flat, I end up meeting all kinds of people who offer help. Cyclists, folks in cars, etc. I kinda get the impression that a cool place for cyclists to hang out is at the next flat. The scene of a flat can become a coffee clutch within minutes. :)

Cyclist 1: "Hey man, there's someone up there fixing their tire".
Cyclist 2: "We're there, dude".

Main commuter has 700X35 Schwalbe Marathon Plus with Slime Tubes. Secondary commuter has 700X25 Conti Ultra Gatorskins & thorn resistant tubes. Overkill? Perhaps but since going that route I've has no issues with either bike for the past 9 months. Even with all that protection I check my tires once or twice a week for embedded glass, thorns etc etc.

I'm With hosehead.

Goatheads. Yep. Lots of 'em. I've tried:

Tubeless with stans goo = no flats in a year.
Mr. Tuffy = good, but I still got a few flats.
Slime filled tubes = great until the goo dries out (2 years?)
Plain tubes with slime = even better, since I get to pick the goo vs. weight factor.

Plain tubes with TruGoo = No flats in 800 miles of commuting this year. Goat heads sticking out of my tire at LEAST once a week, maybe more, I don't look or care. No problem! Best goo I've tried so far.

Next up for testing? , pre-loaded, "slime light" tubes.

I'm a "some kinda goo" flat prevention fan. You can keep your thorn resistant tires and tubes. These goatheads are almost designed for sticking into bike tires.

So what is a goathead?

Tribulus terrestris L.
(puncturevine)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=TRTE
http://plants.usda.gov/gallery/standard/trte_003_shp.jpg

I'm With hosehead.

Goatheads. Yep. Lots of 'em. I've tried:

Tubeless with stans goo = no flats in a year.
Mr. Tuffy = good, but I still got a few flats.
Slime filled tubes = great until the goo dries out (2 years?)
Plain tubes with slime = even better, since I get to pick the goo vs. weight factor.

Plain tubes with TruGoo = No flats in 800 miles of commuting this year. Goat heads sticking out of my tire at LEAST once a week, maybe more, I don't look or care. No problem! Best goo I've tried so far.

Next up for testing? , pre-loaded, "slime light" tubes.

I'm a "some kinda goo" flat prevention fan. You can keep your thorn resistant tires and tubes. These goatheads are almost designed for sticking into bike tires.

I guess I'm lucky. I've never come across these "goatheads" you speak of.

If you are flatting constantly I'd suggest looking at your wheels to see if there might be something wrong with them. Constant flatting is not normal. I've ridden thousands of miles and rarely flat.

I think you are right that you've just been lucky. :)
Depends on the roads you ride on.
My flats always had a staple or nail or some other object that shouldn't have been there, sticking out of the tire.
Except for that one time I forgot to install rim tape. :rolleyes: