Bicycle Mechanics - I keep getting flat tires

I have a Trek 1000 road bike and I have had 4 flat tires in my last 10 rides. It's really annoying because I have in the past gone 6 months or more without a single flat. In each case I replaced the tube and tried to scan for anything sharp. 2 of the flats were in the front and 2 in the back. I'm riding on the same roads I always have. What are some other things that could be causing a sudden increase in flats besides bad luck?

When checking the tire for sharp objects, use a cotton ball. Rub it around the inside thoroughly. It will snag on anything sticking through. bk

Check your rim tape, or install new rim tape, and install new tires. Sometimes metal pieces get embedded in the carcass and you can't see them. Once you put 200lbs on bike the small shards poke out just enough to cut a tube.

I was having the same issue with my bike! I was replacing a tube almost every ride. Talk about expensive!! Damnpoor is right on the money. I replaced my tires first which didn't fix the problem. So I replaced the rim tape next. The rim tape I had on my bike was just a piece of rubber. I ordered Velox rim tape from JensonUSA and haven't had a single problem since. http://jensonusa.com/store/product/RI707Y00-Velox+Rim+Tape.aspx

It's $3 per wheel, which is a heck of a lot cheaper than $3 per ride.

Jake

check for a large hole/cut in the tire

Next time you get a flat, match the hole on the tube with your tire.
Is the hole facing inside(holes from a spoke=rim tape or not enough air)
or is it facing out(glass, tack, etc.)?

Also remember, flats seem to always come all at once. I don't know why, but I to will go months between flats, then get several all in one week. I think that just seems to happen.

If you have many miles on your tires, they may be worn enough to allow a higher incidence of flats. I had a rash of flats on relatively new tires, so switched to more puncture-resistant tires. Continental Ultra Gatorskins and Specialized Armadillo's.

Next time you get a flat, match the hole on the tube with your tire.Yep that'ill do, you will need to put on your Detective's cap.

Next time you get a flat, match the hole on the tube with your tire. This is why you always "index" the tire so a particular part of the brand name is at the valve, and always have the brand on the same side. (Some say right side is "orthodox", I've always done left.) Makes it much easier to match blowout location with corresponding location on the tire or rim.

This is why you always "index" the tire so a particular part of the brand name is at the valve, and always have the brand on the same side. (Some say right side is "orthodox", I've always done left.) Makes it much easier to match blowout location with corresponding location on the tire or rim.

if your tires are directional, putting the labels on the right will have the tires rotating in the proper direction

I was having the same issue with my bike! I was replacing a tube almost every ride. Talk about expensive!!
Have you considered patching the tube rather than replacing it? That should cut the cost by an order of magnitude.

This is why you always "index" the tire so a particular part of the brand name is at the valve, and always have the brand on the same side. (Some say right side is "orthodox", I've always done left.) Makes it much easier to match blowout location with corresponding location on the tire or rim.

+1 I always mount tires in the exact same position every time. Label on the drive side of the bike, centered on the stem. Then I can quickly locate the spot of the flat versus my rim and tire.

163316

if your tires are directional, putting the labels on the right will have the tires rotating in the proper direction
Ah, good clarification. I think I started my left-side "standard" before the days of directional-tread tires:50:.

What nobody has mentioned is that in addition to knowing where on the tire/rim corresponds to the hole you need to look at the type of puncture. Each cause has it's own "signature."

Not sure what you flats are from, but around here it is 'puncture vine' season.. Took four out of one tire today, and that is my 8th or 9th flat in the last 3 weeks. I ride a recumbent trike, and am switching to Marathon Plus as I've heard they are pretty puncture resistant.

Not sure what you flats are from, but around here it is 'puncture vine' season.. Took four out of one tire today, and that is my 8th or 9th flat in the last 3 weeks. I ride a recumbent trike, and am switching to Marathon Plus as I've heard they are pretty puncture resistant.

In your case it might be something hiding in your beard as well. ;) Sorry, I'm sure you've heard all the bent jokes, but I couldn't help it.

And yes, look for the puncture, position, and shape, and let us know what you find.

Joe

Thanks for all the suggestions. I took the bike to the local bike shop today and it looks like it was something that should have been fairly obvious. Both tires were very worn out so it was easier for something to get through. I bought 2 Specialized Tri-Sport Flak Jacket tires and I am pretty sure that should solve the problem.