juelze

Forgive me if this is covered but I did a forum search and didn't find what I was looking for. Anyway, I bought a Schwinn Signature Voyaguer comfort bike about a month ago. I put close to 200 miles on it when the rear tire gave out and I had 2 spokes that broke (I weight about 285lbs). My guy at the LBS offered to fix it for free and said it shouldn't give out like that, but due to threads suggesting a stronger tire for heavier guys, I elected to get better rims. Since rims (as you all know) are pricey, I only replaced the rear tire, but will soon replace the front as well. I ended up getting a Sun Rhyno Lite rim (36 spoke) with double-butted spokes. It really was discouraging to get out of my routine of riding everyday (they had to order the rim custom), but after 7 days I was able to go for a ride. It was just a quick 10 minute ride but on the way back I hit a piece of aluminum that looked like it was engineered to puncture tires. Since I was a mile away from home I walked it back and then tried to repair it. Well, the Qwik stick I had was worthless trying to get the tire off. Looking at the Rhyno Lite rim, it has a higher wall to it which is probably why I couldn't get the tire off. So, I brought it to my LBS who couldn't remove the tire with the Quik Stik nor some plastic tire levers. He ended up removing the tire with some steel core Park Tool levers (I ended up buying some for my seat bag).

So, tube was replaced and I went out for a 10 mile jaunt and everything was fine which is great since I hadn't put many miles on my new rim. Today I got out of work early and went for a 21 mile ride. On the way back, about 100yds from where I got my last flat I hear that noise that something isn't right. I hope off my bike and I have another flat, and just like my first flat it was smack dab in the middle of the tread; I swear to god it punctured the same spot as the last puncture! Now I'm a bit upset. I want to ride my bike to not only lose weight but just for overall better health, and having 2 flats in 220 miles of riding is a bit disconcerting. With that said I'm considering upgrading my tires.

Now, what tires would you guys recommend? I'm thinking about getting some Gatorskins, but I read a lot of glowing reviews on them only to read about someone having a sidewall blow out on them. Being 285lbs I'm already putting a lot of weight on a tire and I worry that I'll have less flats but end up having a sidewall blow out. Any advice and words of encouragement for me? It seems like someone on this planet doesn't want me to lose weight and continue biking. Now I'll admit, that I basically got a bike to lose weight, but I'm having a hell of a lot of fun biking. I'm hooked! But these flats are a major bummer. Help!

-Juelze

bigfred 

What diameter are your wheels? 26 inch? or 700c?

What width tires are you currently using?

What pressure are you running?

Any idea 'what' is causing the punctures? Glass, metal, thorn?

It's very possible that there is something localized that is an issue.

Seve

If I'm looking at the right bike https://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/bi...s-14658#/specs then your tires are 700x35c.
There are a lot of tires to choose from, these are just a few with extra puncture protection.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus Smartguard
Panaracer Crosstown
Specialized Nimbus Armadillo

I don't think Gatorskins come in 700x35c ?


You might also consider buying some tire liners like Mr. Tuffy etc. https://mrtuffy.com/sizes.php
and keep your current tires. People seem to have good results with these.

jethro56 

I have a set of Bontrager H4 Hardcase Plus. 4000 miles no flats. They even make H5s which are supposely even more protection. They are very heavy. With that said I ordered a set of PanaRacer Pasella Tour Guards. @ $22 ea. and much less weight I'll risk a flat

juelze

I ended up with a Michelin Tracker. It has a more knobbier tread which will hopefully give a little more protection, but it also has some protection in the material as well. On top of that, I can inflate it to a higher PSI which gives me a bit better rolling resistance. So far so good! Thanks for all the help and suggestions everyone!

Juelze

c_m_shooter

knobbier tread isn't going to help with punctures, it sometimes holds the debris better giving more time for a puncture to happen. If that tire doesn't work out, Panaracer Pasela TG's are pretty tough and cheap as a bonus.

umazuki

After getting 4 flats in 300 miles (well, one was from me manhandling the valve stem and ripping the tube open that way, so it really doesn't count), I decided to get some new tires - Vittoria Randonneur Cross, from REI. They were only about $30 a piece, but the bead was a real bear to get on the rim - I couldn't do it myself. But 600 miles later, no flats. I understand they're a bit heavy for tires, but I'm a bit heavy for bike riding.

juelze

True, but these have "Protek" in them which is a material that is supposed to prevent punctures. The rubber seems a bit "heartier" compared to the stock ones I had. Also, I can pump them to 87psi vs 70psi in my stock tires. So far so good with these, but I haven't had a chance to put many miles on it just yet.

As always, thanks for the advice!!!!!!

-Juelze