Originally Posted by Chiro69
I've owned a marin kentfield for over a year. I've ridden it on the bike paths and streets logging at least 1000 miles on it. I've never had a flat on that bike.... keep praying. I have the original kevlar tires that it comes with. I changed the hybrid handle bars to the traditional mtb flat bar and added bar ends. I have turned it into my commuter bike now with rack and paniers. I think it works just great. For the money and what you are doing you will be very satisfied with this bike. I had the need for speed and bought a rode bike for the weekends. On my third ride I got a flat. I did not mind the flat so much since it was a reacreational ride but if I was commuting that would suck. I was thinking man I rode my kentfield for over a year very hard I must say and this rode bike is super fast but the tires very fragile.
I've actually had a few flats on mine. All the rear. It took me a little while to realize that they were caused by the rim not being filed down properly where the 2 ends come together. My other 2 were actually caused by glass. It surprised me that glass would penetrate the Kevlar, but then again, there are many areas I've ridden this bike and not gotten a flat where I always have on other bikes. Gotta head to REI tomorrow about that seat post though...that I do have a problem with.