Originally Posted by
Smallwheels
I see that carrying a spare tube is popular, but; nobody answered the question "Would you ride slower for a guarantee of no flat tires ever?"
For a recreational rider or someone not on a schedule, taking the time to repair a flat isn't too critical. For someone riding to work, being punctual is important. A flat tire could make one late for work. If one leaves earlier every day to ensure enough time is available to repair a flat and still get to work on time, isn't that extra time somewhat wasted if no problems happen?
Having a guarantee of no flats ever would allow someone to reclaim that extra time allocated for the just-in-case of a flat time. That could add up to many hours per year. Even if the overall trip took longer, the rider could stay home longer because there wouldn't ever be a flat to repair. So going slower overall might not result in more time on the road or away from home.
It is this logic that makes me think keeping the heavy inner tubes on my commuter bicycle all year long is a good idea.
Regular maintenance keeps the remainder of the bicycle operating properly. It is only the flat tire that is the real uncertainty in daily travel.
No-flat tires are slower; agreed. I am going to assume 10% reduction in speed. If I commute 60 minutes a day (30 minutes each way) they are going to add 6 minutes a day to my commute. If I commute 242 days a year; that comes out to 1452 minutes (24.2 hours) slower. I can change a tube on my city bike in about 20 minutes, the one I have has an IGH and bolt on wheels with roller brakes. Much faster on some of my other bikes. I would have to average 72+ flats a year to break even with the time "saved" by using the flat proof tires. Not to mention the added cost of them.
I was car free for several years back in the early 80's. I was never late for work due to a flat tire, but plenty of my co-workers were late when their cars broke down or had flats. On that bike I was running the cheapest tires and tubes available, IIRC I was replacing tires about once a year. I only had one catastrophic tire failure when I slashed a sidewall on a broken bottle in the roadway.
Today there are excellent kevlar belted tires that will minimize the chances of getting a flat, paying attention to where you are riding and keeping your tire treads clean helps also.
To me the comfort of a good quality tube and tire combo with the slight possibility of a flat out weighs the minimal advantages of the no-flat tires. For someone that is mechanically challenged or doesn't care about the ride comfort the no-flats might be a good choice, but not for me.
Aaron
