Commuting - feeling like wheels going to wash out under me

Last night, I got couple of consecutive flats while cruising at a good pace on a narrow highway shoulder. Of course, the flat tire shifted left and right a few times before I can make a complete stop. Ever since I am a little edgy. I always feel like the tires are washing left and right even though everything is tight. It's just a sensation. I hope to get over it soon. Is this normal? Also, is there a safe way to deal with a front tire flat when moving at a good pace?

Thanks,

No... type of tire? psi in tire?

No... type of tire? psi in tire?

Panaracer Pasela 26x1.25 capable of 100PSI but I only inflate it to 80PSI.

Are you sure everything is tight... grab the top of the wheel and try to move it left to right with one hand while you hold the handlebar still. There should be little flex.

Are you sure everything is tight... grab the top of the wheel and try to move it left to right with one hand while you hold the handlebar still. There should be little flex.

Double check and both wheels are tight.

I wonder if it like just after getting off a long boat ride, even on solid ground you feel a little wavy.

Oh, well if it an issue "up there" i can't help ya :)

I wouldn't worry about it... flats happen, try to look further ahead down the road when you're on the bike the horizon should help you feel less tippy.

Oh, well if it an issue "up there" i can't help ya :)

I wouldn't worry about it... flats happen, try to look further ahead down the road when you're on the bike the horizon should help you feel less tippy.

could be the cheap drugs...

I feel that same sensation on rough pavement at speed. I just always assumed that I was skipping on the gravel sticking out of the asphalt. I run Bontrager hardcase at about 80 psi and only get the sensation on the same few sections of my commute. Maybe something similar.

I get that feeling when turning if the tire pressure is just a little low. Try putting in a few more psi and see if the bike feels more stable.

Buy new tires. It is a cheaper way to trick your craziness into sanity than going to a shrink.

I feel that same sensation on rough pavement at speed. I just always assumed that I was skipping on the gravel sticking out of the asphalt. I run Bontrager hardcase at about 80 psi and only get the sensation on the same few sections of my commute. Maybe something similar.

I think you're on to something. Come to think of it, I experience this only in rough part of the route. I probably did not pay much attention until recently after having a few flats and a little unnerve. I am glad you mention it. So I am not alone. More importantly I am not going crazy any time soon.

I feel this way alot on unploughed side streets following car tire tracks & in that space between parked cars & road traffic on major plowed roads. It's a crappy feeling that zaps alot of upper body energy trying to keep upright.

You are probably just spooked. Flats and crashes can do that to you. The best way to combat that uneasiness that I've found, is to deliberately push the envelope.

There are some days that I hop on my bike and feel kind of disconnected and like I could crash real easily. When that happens, do deliberate weaving (like on a slalom course), or maybe a few bunny hops, wheelies, hard cornering, etc. You don't have to do anything real drastic, just enough to take you out of your comfort zone.

You don't want to be the kind of rider who couldn't handle running over a piece of gravel mid turn or riding at a moderate pace on a smooth dirt road. There have been times in my riding where I was almost completely down (crashing), but was able to recover and ride it out merely because I was feeling connected and comfortable enough with that bike that I could make an intuitive reaction avoiding the crash to the point that I was able to ride away as if nothing happened... even with a flat tire! Feeling connected with your bike is important in helping you avoid accidents and keeping the ride fun.

Thanks rat fink, I'll try to shake it out of my system.

I'll get that sensation too. Never connected it to the pavement condition however it is often in poor condition here in S. Florida, but maybe. I may try rat fink's idea too. Thanks.

There was a thread recently (past two months) about this sensation. Lots of people feel it, many for no real reason they can sort out.
I'm one of them.

My vote is for spooked. I get that way after flatting while riding or losing traction. You can become hyper-aware of every little jump of the bike under you.


You can definitely also skip around a bit on rough pavement. I go around an off-cant turn that has some rough pavement almost every day, and I've felt my tires shimmying a bit under me when I take the turn at speed.