...its germane to this issue but almost every flat I've ever had is the back tire. 3000 mostly road miles on my newest bike and 5 rear flats. Front tire still looks like new and I had to replace the rear when I somehow picked up a large wood screw that tore the casing. Went to one of those flat resistent rear tires which is a bit heavier and dare I say, have not had any flats in the last 800-900 miles.

I asked at the LBS if my experience is typical and he said rear flats are much more comman than fronts**********

Before hearing this I thought it was just the bicycle gods having fun making me get my hands covered with chain lube!