Got my first flat last Friday, ruined two more tubes trying to "fix" it this past weekend, LOL. Turns out there was a microscopic sliver of wire that had embedded itself inside the tread of the tire. I couldn't even see it until I pinched the puncture open. I used a fingernail clipper to remove it. It was exactly like removing a splinter from my finger.

Installed my first foot retention, cheapo clips and straps. Got a frame pump with a gauge. Either my tires were also way underinflated or the new gauge reads 20psi low, either way they're aired up to 90/100 psi according to the frame pump gauge. It took approximately 9 million pumps per tire to get them up to pressure, likely expending far more energy just pumping than I probably will save from having them at the "correct" pressure. At least when I hit a bump now, I can hear all the metal bits on my bike rattling. I didn't get any rattles before. I like that the skinny high pressure tires make me want to check all my nuts and bolts more often. When I hit a REAL big bump, even the kickstand joins in the fun!

At any rate, the combination of higher pressures, toe clips, temperature (around 40F on the way in) and tailwind made for a pretty fast and pleasant ride to work this morning.

I'm seriously on the fence though now about running 25s on my commute. Now that I have them inflated "properly", the ride is pretty harsh. I'd hate to think what it would feel like on 23s on an aluminum bike. I am thinking a 32 in the rear and 28 in the front might soften things up a little.