Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Bicycle Mechanics
Reload this Page >

fixie flat keeps happening

Search
Notices
Bicycle Mechanics Broken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

fixie flat keeps happening

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-18-13 | 07:11 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0

Bikes: Torker U-District

fixie flat keeps happening

I have replaced the tube on the rear tire of my fixie and every time I go out for a ride, the tube bursts after 20 minutes. I was wondering if this could be because I skid on the worn spot on my back tire, or if im pinching the tube while trying to install it. Should I just buy a new back tire?
Fixed4life253 is offline  
Reply
Old 06-19-13 | 03:45 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,687
Likes: 301
Buying new stuff w/o being sure of the cause of the failure is usually not such a good idea. A bit more bike forensics is advised. Burst implies that the tube is literally split open along a considerable length, and is commonly caused by pinching it under the bead.
It shouldn't be caused by a worn spot, unless:
- the spot is worn through, allowing the tube to bulge outside the profile of the tire.
- Or if what you're seeing isn't a burst, but a puncture. And if the tire is really thin at some point(s), it will be more sensitive to punctures caused by road debris on that spot.
dabac is offline  
Reply
Old 06-19-13 | 05:23 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: North Queensland, Australia

Bikes: '93 Cadex CFM3, '84 Repco Nishiki Olympic 12,'87 Peugeot Montblanc, '09 Giant Trance X1, '13 De Rosa R838

Hmm is the puncture in the same spot each time? If so check for sharp bits on the rim, or something stuck in the tyre.
but it is probably getting pinched. If you can, install it without tyre levers, just using your thumbs. And always put a bit of air in the tube, enough that it has a shape. Once everything is in place, go around the circumference pinching the tyre and looking to see that the tube is not pinched between the tyre and rim.
hope that helps
Rest_assured is offline  
Reply
Old 06-19-13 | 05:24 AM
  #4  
Phil_gretz's Avatar
Zip tie Karen
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,005
Likes: 1,546
From: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX

Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100

Be careful to seat the tire bead fully without pinching the tube between the rim lip and the tire bead. Before inflating to pressure, work around the rim with your thumbs, pressing the bead inward and peeking along the inner rim lip. You're looking to make certain that you don't see any of the tube showing. Work around both sides evenly, looking carefully. Then, you're good to inflate.

Also, following a blowout, be careful to do your forensics. Mark WHERE the the tube puncture corresponds to the rim and tire BEFORE removing fully. What can you see from the tube? Is it a long tear, indicative of a bead-pinch or bulge blowout? Or a shorter or pinpoint, indicative of puncture? Are there a pair of small holes, like a snake fang? That's an under pressure pinch flat. Examine the tire at the point of puncture. Is there embedded debris on the inside? An exposed/thin tread area that is subject to debris puncture? Something else?

Why do you skid on your tires? It winds up accelerating their wear and costs money...
Phil_gretz is offline  
Reply
Old 06-19-13 | 06:37 AM
  #5  
kmv2's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 705
Likes: 0

Bikes: Bianchi circa late 1980s, Surly Cross Check, Kona Blast

Originally Posted by Phil_gretz
Why do you skid on your tires? It winds up accelerating their wear and costs money...
why do anything fun?
kmv2 is offline  
Reply
Old 06-19-13 | 08:17 AM
  #6  
Mechanic/Tourist
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,522
Likes: 12
From: Syracuse, NY

Bikes: 2008 Novara Randonee - love it. Previous bikes:Motobecane Mirage, 1972 Moto Grand Jubilee (my fave), Jackson Rake 16, 1983 C'dale ST500.

Burst or blowout is generally taken to mean an explosive flat - immediate and loud. If that is what's happening it ONLY occurs when the tube first escapes the confines of tire and rim - either due to poor installation technique or a fault/defect in the tire. If not as noted you need to look at where the flat occurs and what the puncture looks like in order to prevent more occurrences.
cny-bikeman is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MGaissert
Bicycle Mechanics
10
07-21-15 04:43 PM
hazben1
Bicycle Mechanics
21
05-07-15 04:38 PM
woodcraft
Bicycle Mechanics
14
08-08-14 11:42 AM
Torellian
Bicycle Mechanics
14
05-15-13 05:16 AM
eduardo76
Bicycle Mechanics
14
04-21-12 09:56 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.