Folding Bikes - Flat Caused by Spoke

I had a flat on my Mini the other day. :(

When I took the tube out I discovered that the hole was caused by chafe from one of the spokes just at the edge of the valve reinforcement.

The wheel has a rubber chafe guard over the spokes but that didn't save my tube. I looked at the spoke in question and it didn't look any different from any of the others.

Does anyone have a recommendation on how to prevent this from happening again?

Thanks.

Lightly go over the area with a small file or light grain sandpaper to get rid of the burrs and then use rim tape: pedro's or velox.

I hate these type of punctures! I'm talkin' 'bout you, Brompton!

We have a Downtube FSIX and FSVIII. Both bikes have had flats from spokes coming through the rim strips into the tubes. I have since replaced all of the rim strips with good cloth strips and have had no problems since. We love these bikes, but this rim situation looks like something should be taken care of at the factory on new bikes.

Exact same deal with my Dahon VD5. Cheapo recycled inner tube used as rim strip. I replaced both rim strips with Velox rim tape. Problem solved.

Thanks!

I'll replace the rubber strip with either the Pedro's or Velox.

Cloth rim tapes work much better than the rubber/plastic one's most bikes come with.

While you replace the rim strip check for extra long spokes, burrs and sharp edges where the spoke holes are drilled through the rim. Spin the wheel around with the tire, tube and rim strip off and listen for tiny noises which might indicate the presence of shavings inside the rim. Not uncommon for alloy rims and a potential source of surprise flats...

How long does the Velox rim tape last? Is this something that you do once a year or once every 10 years?

I'm asking so I know how much to buy for two bikes plus spare if I need it.

Rim tape lasts forever, provided you don't have sharp spokes or burrs constantly rubbing again it (rare) - that's why I'd do a quick sanding first just to make sure. Rub a finger around the rim; anything sharp or bumpy just file/sand/rub down. Other than that, the only time you may need to remove the tape is if you're replacing a spoke or something.

The only other thing is to buy the right sized width tape. For a 305 rim, you'll have plenty of tape left over. Maybe you'll be able to use one roll for two wheels. No guarantee though.

Does anyone have a recommendation on how to prevent this from happening again?


Defenetly Velox rim tape.