The Never Ending Flat from Hell - Too Much Weight For 25cm Tyres?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,282
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
The Never Ending Flat from Hell - Too Much Weight For 25cm Tyres?
I keep getting a flat in the rear (sometimes on inner sometimes on outer side tube). Ive inspected/dissasembled it rigourously but find nothing. I've replaced the rim tape, replaced the tubes several times, and have even bought a brand new tyre. and still i get flats. Ive even experimented with my tyre pressure, going from 120 PSI to 100 PSI... still flat....
Only thing I can think of now is maybe there is too much weight on that rear tyre? Is there a weight limit for narrower tyres? My tourer and grocery getter has 25's and after loading it up with groceries my bike can be as heavy as 230-250lbs (Im 6'1 ~185lbs).
I'm at my wits end here!
Only thing I can think of now is maybe there is too much weight on that rear tyre? Is there a weight limit for narrower tyres? My tourer and grocery getter has 25's and after loading it up with groceries my bike can be as heavy as 230-250lbs (Im 6'1 ~185lbs).
I'm at my wits end here!
#2
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,625
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3868 Post(s)
Liked 2,560 Times
in
1,574 Posts
#3
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 17,229
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
I'm heavy and have not had that issue just because the tire is narrow. I have had it with certain tires, and I've had patches of bad luck. What are the roads like in your area?
What tire are you running?
What tire are you running?
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,282
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
ill have to check if it was a pinch flat or not. what would that mean if it was?
currently continental ultra sport II with continental tubes (which i have heard arent the best). but i previously had on new schwalbe tyres and tubes and they flat. and the rim tape is velox.
currently continental ultra sport II with continental tubes (which i have heard arent the best). but i previously had on new schwalbe tyres and tubes and they flat. and the rim tape is velox.
#5
Old fart
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,934
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3571 Post(s)
Liked 3,366 Times
in
1,915 Posts
#6
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 9
Bikes: Trek 360, Specialized Camber Elite, Expressway 1.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm 210 and run 23mm front and rear. Continental Gatorskins at 110psi.
#7
Fahrradfahrer
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 367
Bikes: n+1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I'm a relative lightweight at 160 and not a roadie, but have run 23s on my fixed with up to 58 lbs of groceries in a messenger on my back over Alaska roads and never had a problem.
This sure sounds like something going on with your wheel to me. Assuming you've checked your rim, tire, and rimstrip well, is it possible that your spokes are too long? Maybe a stripped nipple that is letting one spoke penetrate the rim strip and get your tube? I'm guessing here, but I just can't imagine the situation you are describing without some kind of mechanical something going wrong.
This sure sounds like something going on with your wheel to me. Assuming you've checked your rim, tire, and rimstrip well, is it possible that your spokes are too long? Maybe a stripped nipple that is letting one spoke penetrate the rim strip and get your tube? I'm guessing here, but I just can't imagine the situation you are describing without some kind of mechanical something going wrong.
#8
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,452
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
That doesn't sound like overload. Look for some problem with the wheel. Consider: Is it always at the same place around the wheel? Is it always the same position around the tube, meaning inside toward the hub or outside toward the rim? (You said sometimes inside, sometimes outside. Is that what you meant?) Check whether the rim strip has moved under the tube and exposed a spoke nipple. Check whether a nipple has a burr which penetrates the strip but isn't obvious. Check whether the sidewall of the rim has a burr. Finally, it could be your mounting technique that pinches the tube or gets it twisted up such that you don't always see the proper location of whatever is causing the problem.
Or it could be bad tubes. I believe I've a one or two lately.
Or it could be bad tubes. I believe I've a one or two lately.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
#9
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 17,229
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
I did not do well with those Conti tubes. My first impulse was something in the rim, like said above, but the OP said the location changes. That makes me wonder:
1. What are your roads like?
2. Maybe bad luck?
3. Mounting technique.
I know people think I'm crazy, but I flat less often with narrow tires. My theory is that there's less surface to pick up debris.
1. What are your roads like?
2. Maybe bad luck?
3. Mounting technique.
I know people think I'm crazy, but I flat less often with narrow tires. My theory is that there's less surface to pick up debris.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: York, PA
Posts: 557
Bikes: '72 Peugeot PX-10; '74 Raleigh International; '87 Specialized RockHopper; '88 Specialized StumpJumper; '02 Cannondale Scalpel
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Liked 9 Times
in
5 Posts
Add a pair of 'tire savers' onto your brake mount bolts.
They don't stop all sharp objects, but they sure help lessen the number of flats.
They don't stop all sharp objects, but they sure help lessen the number of flats.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Hurricane Alley , Florida
Posts: 3,910
Bikes: Treks (USA), Schwinn Paramount, Schwinn letour,Raleigh Team Professional, Gazelle GoldLine Racing, 2 Super Mondias, Carlton Professional.
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Liked 28 Times
in
22 Posts
I'm 220 lbs, and use 25mm tires on all my bikes. I have had one flat in the last 5 years.
#12
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,829
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2287 Post(s)
Liked 2,028 Times
in
1,244 Posts
The question is the location of the the holes/pinches...are they consistant? Do you mount the tire with the label at the valve so you have a reference?
Heck I ran 19's back in the 90's (in the Tour of course) and I was 200 lbs. Michelin Hi-lite Super Comps.
Heck I ran 19's back in the 90's (in the Tour of course) and I was 200 lbs. Michelin Hi-lite Super Comps.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Forksbent, MN
Posts: 3,271
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 301 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
15 Posts
My guess would be that you have pinched the tube under the tire when you install it. When you get the tire on, pinch in the sidewalls with thumb and a couple fingers all the way round the tire (getting the tire off the bead seat of the wheel). Then inflate the tire to about 30psi and deflate it. Then go around the sidewall again, removing the tire bead from the wheels bead hook. Then inflate it again.
Another thing is to use talc on you tube and just slightly inflate the tube (like what you can do with your lungs only) when mounting it initially. Leaving the tube completely flat when installing it is asking for it to get pinched somewhere. The bit of roundness combined with the talc should help keep it from pinching.
Also check that your wheel has no machining imperfections that would burst the tube under pressure. Good luck.
Another thing is to use talc on you tube and just slightly inflate the tube (like what you can do with your lungs only) when mounting it initially. Leaving the tube completely flat when installing it is asking for it to get pinched somewhere. The bit of roundness combined with the talc should help keep it from pinching.
Also check that your wheel has no machining imperfections that would burst the tube under pressure. Good luck.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Detroit
Posts: 10,327
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 39 Times
in
31 Posts
I think there are more than one cause contributing to the rash of flats you are experiencing:
For the flats on the 'outer side tube", I would subscribe to installation being the most likely suspect, with the tube potentially getting pinched between the bead and rim. @Chrome Molly 's method would help if that is the case. Given that you have rigorously inspected the rim and replaced the tape, I don't see a problem there.
I would not consider 100-120psi as under-inflated, so the likelihood of pinch flats is slim - unless you ride over RR tracks.
I think the remaining flats are likely caused by the occasional chard of metal or glass, and installing tire savers would help in that case.
For the flats on the 'outer side tube", I would subscribe to installation being the most likely suspect, with the tube potentially getting pinched between the bead and rim. @Chrome Molly 's method would help if that is the case. Given that you have rigorously inspected the rim and replaced the tape, I don't see a problem there.
I would not consider 100-120psi as under-inflated, so the likelihood of pinch flats is slim - unless you ride over RR tracks.
I think the remaining flats are likely caused by the occasional chard of metal or glass, and installing tire savers would help in that case.
__________________
- Auchen
- Auchen
#15
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,392
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
Spokes protruding through the rim tape? It can happen.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#16
Senior Member
#18
Senior Member
zazenzach-
Lots of good suggestions from previous posters. Possibly re-think the rim tape. The plastic tapes will slip and expose the spoke ends and this slippage will vary after each repair leading to flats in various locations around the rim. Only the adhesive backed fiberglass reinforced cloth rim tapes like Velox hold against really high pressures, in my experience. As well, carefully inspect the tire casing itself. There may be a small glass sliver or, as in my case, a small piece of wire imbedded in the tire casing fabric which leads to repeated punctures and subsequent hair tearing. The only way I found it was by carefully running my thumb around the tire casing. Yes, it hurt but the wire was so small it was virtually invisible to visual inspection. Good luck!
Lots of good suggestions from previous posters. Possibly re-think the rim tape. The plastic tapes will slip and expose the spoke ends and this slippage will vary after each repair leading to flats in various locations around the rim. Only the adhesive backed fiberglass reinforced cloth rim tapes like Velox hold against really high pressures, in my experience. As well, carefully inspect the tire casing itself. There may be a small glass sliver or, as in my case, a small piece of wire imbedded in the tire casing fabric which leads to repeated punctures and subsequent hair tearing. The only way I found it was by carefully running my thumb around the tire casing. Yes, it hurt but the wire was so small it was virtually invisible to visual inspection. Good luck!
#19
FLIR Kitten to 0.05C
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 5,331
Bikes: Roadie: Seven Axiom Race Ti w/Chorus 11s. CX/Adventure: Carver Gravel Grinder w/ Di2
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2349 Post(s)
Liked 406 Times
in
254 Posts
I think there are more than one cause contributing to the rash of flats you are experiencing:
For the flats on the 'outer side tube", I would subscribe to installation being the most likely suspect, with the tube potentially getting pinched between the bead and rim. @Chrome Molly 's method would help if that is the case. Given that you have rigorously inspected the rim and replaced the tape, I don't see a problem there.
I would not consider 100-120psi as under-inflated, so the likelihood of pinch flats is slim - unless you ride over RR tracks.
I think the remaining flats are likely caused by the occasional chard of metal or glass, and installing tire savers would help in that case.
For the flats on the 'outer side tube", I would subscribe to installation being the most likely suspect, with the tube potentially getting pinched between the bead and rim. @Chrome Molly 's method would help if that is the case. Given that you have rigorously inspected the rim and replaced the tape, I don't see a problem there.
I would not consider 100-120psi as under-inflated, so the likelihood of pinch flats is slim - unless you ride over RR tracks.
I think the remaining flats are likely caused by the occasional chard of metal or glass, and installing tire savers would help in that case.
#20
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,691
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 510 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7287 Post(s)
Liked 2,361 Times
in
1,380 Posts
Cloth rim tape.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 313
Bikes: AR Cycles Randonneuse, Raleigh Competition, VeloOrange Piolet Prototype, LeJeune Townie, Motobecane Campeur, AR Cycles roadie, Rickert track, Cannondale SM 500, '55 Schwinn
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
25 cm!? Those are some wide tires
I run the widest tires my frame will allow.
Have you inspected the inner walls of your rims for burrs? Like others have said, your tube could be trapped between the rim and tire.
I run the widest tires my frame will allow.
Have you inspected the inner walls of your rims for burrs? Like others have said, your tube could be trapped between the rim and tire.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,975
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 39 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 32 Times
in
22 Posts
I suffered a very major concussion in the month of February and spent a good part of the year getting over the consequences. In the early months of my recovery I was getting a relatively huge (in comparison to what had always been my experience over the past, i.e. one flat every few hundred miles) number of inexplicable flats. As my recovery progressed, I was able to see a marked reductions in these inexplicable flats, to the point where it has now been more than a thousand miles since the last one. I am convinced that it was my then deteriorated mental processing of road conditions which was sufficiently impacted to cause me to not be able to avoid road debris and higher risk flat situations. It might therefore be worthwhile to evaluate your level of cognizance at the time of the flats as it can impact the frequency thereof.
As regards the width of the tires, I have ridden 25 mm tires for thousands and thousands of miles on racing tandems carrying well over 300 lbs, and at times well over 400 lbs and they never suffered any worse issues with flats than wider tires, so I don't believe that is an issue.
As regards the width of the tires, I have ridden 25 mm tires for thousands and thousands of miles on racing tandems carrying well over 300 lbs, and at times well over 400 lbs and they never suffered any worse issues with flats than wider tires, so I don't believe that is an issue.
#23
Senior Member
...Only thing I can think of now is maybe there is too much weight on that rear tyre? Is there a weight limit for narrower tyres? My tourer and grocery getter has 25's and after loading it up with groceries my bike can be as heavy as 230-250lbs (Im 6'1 ~185lbs).
I'm at my wits end here!
I'm at my wits end here!
It's possible that a larger tire is needed or the weight needs to be redistributed about the bike.
Brad
#24
Get off my lawn!
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: The Garden State
Posts: 6,253
Bikes: 1917 Loomis, 1923 Rudge, 1930 Hercules Renown, 1947 Mclean, 1948 JA Holland, 1955 Hetchins, 1957 Carlton Flyer, 1962 Raleigh Sport, 1978&81 Raleigh Gomp GS', 2010 Raliegh Clubman
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 93 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 98 Times
in
48 Posts
Split the weight by using front panniers, the bike will handle better too.
And a wider tire like a 28 will make a huge difference.
And a wider tire like a 28 will make a huge difference.