dmitsch

Well today I was the happiest guy in town, and then the saddest. I finally picked up my new bent from the LBS, brought it home, got everything adjusted just right, and took it out for a quick ride just before it got dark.

I was about 1.5 to 2 miles into the ride going about 16-17mph. Everything was perfect until I noticed an object (Sharp, small to medium sized rock) right in front of me. I manuvered the front tire around it but the back tire caught the edge. Before I know it, I'm hearing a hissing sound coming from the rear. I couldn't believe it, less than 2 miles into my very first ride and BAM! Flat tire. Good thing it was a nice night for the 2 mile walk home.

My bent has Dual high pressure 650c tires on it. This is my first bike with 650c tires, is this common or did I just have bad luck? The brand of the tires that came with the bike are Kenda. Are they any good, or should I invest in some that are a little more durable?

Luckily I did buy an extra tube at the bike shop so I got her fixed right up when I got home. I'll give her another go tomorrow and hopefully have a little better luck.

dmitsch

bnet1

Welcome to the flat tire club! Had my new 'bent less than a month. A small sliver of glass flattened the rear tire on my way home from work. Went to the hardware store that night and got a patch kit. In an hour I was all set to ride again. I run Primo Comets on my Rans Tailwind. I think most tires are available as "Kevlar" versions which have higher puncture resistance. You might want to check into that and see. When I wear out the Comets I think I'm going to switch to the Kevlar version myself.

'bent Brian

geebee

Sounds like a pinch flat more than a puncture, to help prevent them make sure you keep the tyres up to their rated pressure. I usually only get them when going very fast and hit something similar to what you did but I check my tyres every few days and sqeeze test before every ride. Grab your self some park glueless patches super fast and easy to use.

bentcruiser

Kendas are, IMHO, a moderate tire. I would suggest these

Trsnrtr

bentcruiser may have something there. A buddy of mine has Kendas on his dual 650 and has had more than his share of flats. I've been running Continental Ultra Gatorskins and have experienced 1 cinder flat in 1600 miles on my dual 650.

dmitsch

Thanks for the help. I made it back the the bike shop today and told the guys what happened. I ended up buying a couple of Kevlar tires and they even gave me a free tube to replace my spare one. Don't recall the brand of the tires at the moment but hopefully they will last a little longer than 2 miles. Got back home and put on the new tires and new tubes and will be going on about a 30 mile ride tomorrow morning. I'll keep you posted after my ride. I'll be riding all the way home this time instead no matter what. I'm not leaving home again without my spare tube, tire levers, patch kit, and pump.

Thanks again,
dmitsch

sch

Rock and glass cuts are the main reason for early mortality of tires. I hit a square
headed bolt at 20mph and cut a nice rectangular flap into the tire of an ostensibly
Kevlar belted 406 Comet Primo. Got home with a tevdek boot, but had to trash the
tire. Lots of people have raved about the Gatorskins. A bit heavy but tough and lighter than other options. You might get by with just the rear as a Gatorskin as the
rear takes a harder hit on a bent than a regular bike. Steve
Steve

bentcruiser

I ride a 26/20 setup and I have used Kendas. The area where the tire contacts the road seems to wear quickly, at least on the Kenda Kwests. I have found the Schwalbe Marathon Slicks to be a good combo for me because of the riding I do (commuting and touring).

The Continental line of tires though have an excellent reputation. I have been possibly contemplating some Grand Prixs.

beatle bailey

The Kendras have sidewall problems too. One of mine blew out the sidewall, right where the top edge of the rim sits....that's the first time that I've ever had a sidewall go out, and the tire had only about 300 miles on it.