Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Long stem thorn proof. Is there such a thing?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.




LoRoK
12-12-07, 01:51 AM
I changed 2 flats today. One was a goat-head on the way to class on the rear, then on the way home a shard of glass on the same tire. I then swapped out my front tube which has had a slow leak for a couple weeks now, and the replacement tube kept making a crackling sound when I got the pressure up to about 120 or so and would go flat in about 5 minutes and I'd have to patch it. We played that game, the tube and I, three times on top of the two times I changed my rear tube. Finally I used my last patch on the original front tube and all seems to be well now. I also found the little sticker in the tire that caused the leak. Anyway, my hands hurt like hell from changing the tires so much and I really, really don't want to do that again. Ever. I searched google, but the search didn't bring back anything. Rather, it brought back everything on the web that said presta and/or thornproof which wasn't all that helpful. So I says to myself, why don't I ask the friendly, helpful people on BF?


AfterThisNap
12-12-07, 02:07 AM
I've been putting about 20cc of latex sealant in my normal presta tubes. At first I used the TUFO sealant for tubulars, then when I ran out I refilled the adaper bottle with Stans tubeless sealant for my mountainbike. Works great.

I first used it when I caught a flat on my normal tube and was too lazy that day to patch it or replace the tube. I pulled the piece of glass out, dumped in the tufo selant, and when I aired up the hole sealed in the first revolution. I'm still using the same tube after wearing through 2 tires. Good stuff. It's much better than heavier fiber based sealants (slime, etc.)

riderx
12-12-07, 05:38 AM
Besides sealant, the other option is tire liners (http://www.spinskins.com/)


bali shag
12-12-07, 08:21 AM
i had the same problem with the long stemmed presta tubes. i just use short stem ones with a schrader adapter and tire liners and since then havent had any problems.

snafs
12-12-07, 09:11 AM
I changed 2 flats today. One was a goat-head on the way to class on the rear, then on the way home a shard of glass on the same tire.

I ****ING hate goatheads.

So far i have had good luck with slime tubes on my geared bike.
http://www.amazon.com/Slime-700c-19-25mm-Presta-Valve/dp/B000UVZUIG

You can also try thicker tubes with slime, slime in what ever tubes you have or tires with good flat protection (YAY free Kevlar rear tire).

genericbikedude
12-12-07, 09:19 AM
I have no idea what a goat head is, but since using conti gatorskins I really just don't get flats anymore. Maybe think about the tire before you worry too much about the tubes?

snafs
12-12-07, 09:23 AM
I have no idea what a goat head is, but since using conti gatorskins I really just don't get flats anymore. Maybe think about the tire before you worry too much about the tubes?

http://www.klickitat-trail.org/images/goathead.jpg

genericbikedude
12-12-07, 09:25 AM
those look like caltrops.