Cyclocross - Pinch flats! Cursed scourge of my 'cross races

I don't have an extra set of wheels. Wish i did, but there are other things that need the money right now. (Oh how i HATE "priorities"...)

So... when i get a cursed flat, i'm just about screwed.

Pinch flats are the primary type of flat i suffer and i wonder if there's anything to be done about them??

I generally run 40psi/front and 45-50psi/rear. Should i run higher pressures? 50/60 front/rear?

Anyone here use "Slime" or similar sealant goop? I hesitate to even consider the added rotational inertia of that stuff. Bleah.

What do you guys do?

I'd run higher pressure in clinchers and just deal with the fact that high pressure sucks for cross :D

Tubulars are the answer to this problem and you may be surprised at what you can get for cheap. Last year I got a set of Campy Barcelona tubular wheels for $90 bucks then a set of Tufo tires for about $100. So for about $200 I have a nice set of wheels.

tufos also makes those tubular clinchers, so you can keep your same wheelset and run low psi.

I never run less than 60 psi on my set of clinchers, and I have yet to pinch-flat in a race. For what it's worth, I'm 175 lbs, but I take it pretty easy on my wheels.

I figure that I'm spending $20 for 45 minutes + 1 lap of maniacal fun. I really don't want the fun to end after only 1 or 2 laps. A harsher ride is a sacrifice I'm willing to make.

Running the clinchers you'll just have to:
Increase tire pressure.
Be more careful. Especially watch for edges of pot holes, curbs and other sharp man made bits.

Those pressures would be fine for a clyde on fat sewups, but not for any but the skinny on clinchers.

Keep shopping for the sewup rims, they can be surprisingly cheap. The main market for those now are guys spending for carbon fiber exotica who don't care for the really good conventional wheelsets we need. My most recent was Campy Chorus with Campy Seoul 88 rims and Sapim spokes for $130. The deals are out there.

Old clincher wheelsets can also be had cheap. If you're running 8 speed, let me know I might have a deal for ya.

Ron

Hey guys.

Thanks for the tips.

I weigh 150. I've noticed that when i get pinch flats it's exactly when i "damn the torpedos-- full speed ahead!" I'm used to never flatting on an MTB with 35-40 psi in the fat fat tires. Those things are too forgiving. Perhaps 'cross will make me a better mountain biker? :D

Yeah-- i agree with lunacycle. I'm shelling out $20 for my 45 mins. I want them all!

Im with you on the pinch flat. I was racing last Sunday and pinched on the first 1/3 on the first lap. I ran it the rest of the 2/3rds to the pits. Found a front wheel on my friends bike and "borrowed" it. I had just spent 20 bucks to race and Ill be damed if I wasnt gonna get my 20 bucks of puke factor..
I was running 75 psi and it didnt help me.. all I can say is good luck
Mike