karmadog

Hi all

I ride a Kona Dew Deluxe with:

Tires WTB Slickasaurus 700x37C
Rims Sun MZ 14

I've had 3 flats in under 300 km (its a new bike). Some of my commute to work occurs over gravel (perhaps 2 km).

The LBS hasn't found any obvious punctures in the tires for any of the flats (I've taken it back to the shop for each of the flats). I'm a larger guy (240 lbs, but biking to lose some of that!) ... could that be the cause? Each of the mechanics has sworn and struggled changing the tubes because the tires fit incredibly tightly ... maybe that has something to do with it?

I don't know what to do at this point. I'm taking it back to the LBS to fix the latest flat. Should I be looking at Kevlar lined touring tires?

neil0502

What kind of pressure are you running in your tires? You should likely be running the max to avoid "snakebite" or "pinch" flats. (see Pinch Flats on https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_p.html).

You say the LBS hasn't found punctures? Nonetheless, they should be able to find the source of the leak. You just pump the tube, stick it in the (clean) toilet (or a tub of water), and roll it around until you see bubbles. If there's any pattern between the three flats, they should be examining the tire in that location to look for a tiny piece of metal or other road debris that could be causing the problem. The rim tape (presuming some was used) may have slipped off, leaving a sharp edge. The hole that the Presta valve goes through may have a slight burr in it . . .

Does the LBS keep using the same type of tube? Some tubes have a bad habit of tearing, just a little bit, right where the valve stem enters the tube.

In other words, lots of things could be going on, but it shouldn't be such a problem to diagnose.

Changing to a different tire may solve the problem . . . if there was schrapnel in the existing tire . . . but that's easily solved in another way.

Check the tires. Check the rims. Figure out where the leaks are coming from. This will help you determine which part of the tire and rim to check most closely. Use a different brand of tube. Pump your tires to max recommended pressure.

Let us know what you/they find....

Retro Grouch 

When tires fit that tightly it's tricky to keep the inner tube from being pinched under the tire bead. I'd try this:

1. Talc up the new inner tube. Put it in a plastic bag with a couple tablespoons of baby powder and give it a good shake.
2. Install the tire pretty much the way you have been doing.
3. Inflate the tube just a couple of psi. Pinch the tire beads in toward the center of the rim on both sides all of the way around. I like to peek in between the tire and rim to be sure the tube isn't caught under the bead.
4. Inflate the tire and go ride.

karmadog

Took it into my LBS last night. I went back in the shop with the mechanic. Wheel is true, no issues with spokes. Puncture was on inside of tube (but not by the valve stem). Mechanic thought it was a mystery. He replaced rim tape and told me to try again.

We'll see what happens I guess. Its just getting really frustrating.

Retro Grouch 

Inside of the tube isn't much of a mystery. Your brand new bike came with crappy plastic rim strips that tend to gravitate over to one side and expose spoke holes. Replacing the rim strip was the right thing to do. Now answer me this: Did he replace the rim strip on the other wheel too? - should have.

I recall one particular brand of road bike that I used to sell. I'd have my mechanics remove the tires on every one that we assembled and replace those crappy rim strips with Velox. Then I saved up the plastic ones and got them all warranteed.

karmadog

Ummm, no, he just did the rear. I haven't commuted by bike since the flat happened on Monday. Part of it has been weather, the other part is I haven't been all that interested in getting all upset again. I plan on riding in tomorrow though.

We'll see how it goes.

Thanks very much RetroGrouch for your help!

G4teamG

When I first switched to slicks for my Hardrock (some commuting) I purchased WTB Slickasaurus tires. I had 3 flats in the first week! Those tires offer zero protection as far as flats or punctures are concerned. Switched over to Specialized Nimbus EX. I air up to 100 psi and have had only 1 flat since Oct. It was a tiny shard of glass. Buy the Nimbus. Pain in the rear to install but well worth the effort and price. Good luck!!!