Vlad2010

Hey Guys,

Currently riding a Trek 2.1, weighing at 200-210 pounds. Been pondering whether I should upgrade my wheels to something with more spokes to avoid any future problems. I'm riding on these stock bontrager wheel:



I've been popping tires left and right, some from rubbing and some from pinching. Keep in mind I always check my tire pressure before rides, usually ride at a minimum of 100 - 120 psi. These are just some example of the flats I'm getting,

https://i.imgur.com/qcp8j.jpg

I'm wondering if its my weight thats the issue or the tires that I'm using. I ride continental ultra sport 700cx25. Are they too soft? Maybe I need to upgrade to some gatorskins or kevlar?

https://i.imgur.com/vF3bV.jpg

What are you opinions?

10 Wheels

Looks like defective tubes in your pic.

Popping TUBES, Not Tires?

Vlad2010

I meant tubes, not tires, sorry!

Mr. Beanz

Wow, first of all, get rid of those tires, they SUCK!!!! I tried them and they are terrible. Conti Ultra sport bottom of the barrel junk.

I have decent reults with Conti Ultra Race at a minimum. Also check out Serfa Seca ($25 at REI). Good tires but you may want the 25 as the run a bit narrow.

The tube pics are either very cheap tubes or you are missing the tire liner in th rims. That is a serious blowout which could have been casued by the spoke holes inside the rim sucking in the tube. Most stock rims come wiith CHEAP rim strips. Plactic or rubber that move exposing the holes. Get Velox or similar (medical like cloth tape) for rim strips, it's adhesive and stay in place.

This is the Performance brand of rims strip. Similar to Velox. I use it and it works just as well.

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1604509_400941

ill.clyde

That's what I'm thinking too

Vlad2010

I'm using REI Novara Tubes with stock rim tape, I guess I should look into upgrading that!

ill.clyde

Hey Vlad ... just noticed you're in Glenview ... I work there, and live a little further north.

If you're ever looking for a ride partner, let me know!

longbeachgary

^^ What he said but I'll add are the tires popping off the rims first? May be hard to tell but it could be the tire bead not catching on the side of the rim. Either way get rid of those tires.

Vlad2010

The tires are okay on the rim and everything, the tubes are the ones that are usually giving me problems. What got me thinking about the tire is that when I have it inflated to 120psi and when I put all my weight on the rear tire (imagine riding with no hands) the back tire looks low, possibly giving me problems with pinches and such. I'm thinking a thicker tire would retain its shape better, therefore protecting the tube inside, maybe the continentals are just too soft.

10 Wheels

"Am I too heavy for my bike"

No. I come in at 210 lbs

Vlad2010

Would you guys recommend to upgrading to something like,

https://www.rei.com/product/724618/se...700-x-23-25-28

in 700cx28? and installing new rim tape

Or should I just purchase gatorskins/kevlar ones?

ill.clyde

got your PM, but can't reply ... I don't have 50 posts yet.

I typically ride up north, near Grayslake ... less traffic up there ... let me know if you'd like to ride sometime

longbeachgary

Pinch flats look like the tube was bit by a snake - 2 holes sidebyside. Yours are blowouts.

10 Wheels

I use those tires. 700 X 28's.....Your bike may not take the 28's, but would be ok on the 25's.

GeoBigJon

I would think by looking at the tubes there is some defect in them. How old are they? Have they sat on the shelf for a long time? I don't think your weight would do it if properly inflated, think you might have over inflated it due to a faulty gauge? Hope you can get it worked out, I know how frustrating that can be, good luck.

stevel610 

https://www.rivbike.com/article/components/tire_tips

https://www.rivbike.com/assets/full/0...ick_a_tire.pdf

Food for thought

Mr. Beanz

Same exact tires I rec'd above. Use the 25's. The 28's are more than likely too wide for your rear stays. I use the 25's at 250 lbs, you won't have a problem.

Be sure to install tires and tubes properly. Make sure the tubes aren't pinched during installation.

dehoff

I'll check the fit of the Seca 28's on my Bianchi 1885 later tonight (complete with photos!). I have the Seca 28's on my cross bike and they're about 0.1 mm wider than 25c Continental GP 4000's.

CalPastor

Try some different tubes...
Check inside of wheel...
200-210 lbs. Should be able to ride anything.

Mr. Beanz

I ride a Lemond which was made by Trek, vey similar wishbone in the back. The "25" Armadillos rubbed off some of the paint inside the triangle, pretty tight fit. But the Dillos do run wide with the ridge type sidewalls which is why I would think the 28's in a Serfas would be too wide on his Trek.

I run 28's on our tandem but there is much more clearance.

sci_femme

Pinch-proofing tire installation, aka shake and bake:

2 tubes. 1 gallon Ziploc bag. 1 container of talc powder, preferably unscented. DO NOT USE CORNSTARCH baby powder!!!!!

Keep the valves capped, put tubes into Ziploc bag, add couple teaspoons of talc. Zip the bag with some air trapped inside for the powder to flow free around the tubes and shake.
Talc will stick to the tubes, add little by little until tubes are silver in color and stop consuming talc.
Install the tubes just like normal.
Wipe talc fingerprints off the rims, tires, frame, kitchen ceiling, wife, dog and goldfish. Yeah, it is THIS messy.

Now the tubes and insides of the tires are slippery enough not to worry about pinching. Ever.

Side benefit - lower rolling resistance,

Good Luck

SF

Mr. Beanz

Seems like a hassle. I carry my spare tubes in my seatbag stored in a baggy with a little talc powder. Works fine. No extra shake and bake messy procedure.

sci_femme

Bottom line - talc and tubes go together like peas and carrots

dehoff

Here's the Conti 25c GP4000 on my Bianchi


and the Serfas Seca 28c


Sorry, the angles of the shot aren't exactly the same. I didn't feel like perfection tonight.

More and larger comparison photos here- LINK

steve0257

I would check the rim tape and the condition of the insides of the rims.