Originally Posted by
Scooty Puff Jr
I remember riding in the late 70's early 80's on my "mtb" and getting flats all the time. If it wasn't a sand spur, tiny sliver of glass, or even a rose bush torn, the tube would sometimes fail from friction inside the tire. Though I also remember back then that carrying a extra bike tube was just crazy, all you needed was a patch kit and bike pump. Many tubes had multiple patches, and they all held up.
Now it seems crazy not carrying a tool kit, tube, and co2 inflator.
I found the same with MTB tires. I think MTB tires in the mid 80's were just getting started on lighter designs. I remember having a flat on most long rides. It didn't even take a thorn - I remember having a tiny stick cause a flat, not even sharp.
I think a lot of road riding flats is where you ride. I used to ride home from work on my race bike and get lots of flats. It was an industrial area with lots of truck traffic.
Now I ride in mostly residential areas and country roads and never flat.