UchuuHejjihoggu

I have gotten my 7th flat in the past three months. The flat always occurs on the INSIDE of the tube. I NEVER get any flats by running over things. It was suggested to me that I buy rim tape. But the rim tape I already have is only 2 years old. So, whatever, I spend 8 bucks and buy some fancy rim tape along with another 2 new tire tubes. I was sent 13mm instead of 17mm, whatever, it still covered the little spokes. Well, here is a picture of the most recent “flat”, it looks like the tire was slashed:

https://oi53.tinypic.com/2e0ivl4.jpg

Here is the doubled up rim tape:

https://oi55.tinypic.com/jtmg6p.jpg

This is usually not the case, usually, as you can see in the picture, those little bumps on the inside of the tube. Usually there will be a little tear there, or near the valve. This time the tires are just slashed. What are those bumps anyway? I was positive they were from the spokes pushing up on the rubber a little bit, but now there is cloth on top of the rubber on top of the spokes.

And get this, it NEVER happens when riding, ever. I mean, come on. Out of paranoia I checked the damn tires last night even though I didn't plan on bike riding for a couple days. They were FINE. Today, check them, randomly, again, FLAT.

Some other details: I am only 123 pounds. Only ride on paved roads. Ride 1-2 times a week max, but over the last months none, since I always have a flat. It is a mountain bike. Recommended PSI is 50, I inflate between 50-55 due to air always slowly leaking out of the tires. 26 inch rims. Name-brand Mongoose bike. The bike is 2 years old. Always parked in the garage. I have spent almost 100 dollars on tubes. I can't do this anymore.

AND not to mention the right pedal crank always always always clicking on every single rotation. One problem at a time I guess.

Also, this is not tire specific. It started off as only the back tire, but now it's both.

Also, I have tried three different brands of tubes. Spelling aside, Avenir, Schwinn, and some other crap.

So, what do I do?

Thanks

I_like_cereal

Take of the tire and make sure that nothing is floating around in there.
Take off the rim tape and make sure that nothing is poking through. Even though you have it taped the double tape seem could be causing friction would could be the culprit.

If something is poking through then you need to fix that.

Retape the rim correctly and slowly.

Are you using the correct size tube for the tire that you have. In you have 700 x 28c you should have a tube that can inflate that high. A tube that is rated as a 700 x 19-25c will not work.

I_like_cereal

The pedal click could be a bearing or dirt. Take off the pedal clean and grease the threads and reassemble. If that does not stop the click then you have a bearing out. It is not a big deal. Just replace when you can.

UchuuHejjihoggu

Thanks for replying. I buy the tire tubes that the tire threads say: 26 x 1.95.

As for removing the pedal, that would be the obvious thing to do. Except after spending 15 minutes trying to find some screw or bolt to remove in order to remove the crank, I can't find any. for the right crank.

cyclist2000

Why remove the crank to remove the pedal. just get a wrench and take off the pedal.

It seems that you need to pay a visit to your LBS

TugaDude

You need to do some research on the Park Tools website to learn about the pedals and crankset. You are mixing the two in the sentence above. You don't want to nor need to remove the crank. What you need to do is remove the pedal. The pedal attaches to the crank arm. You might be able to use an adjustable wrench, but if you are going to be removing pedals frequently, a pedal wrench is a good investment.

Also, don't over-inflate tires. If it is recommended 50 lbs., then don't put 55. Tires don't leak, tubes do. If your tubes are leaking, then just air them up every time just before you ride. Takes a minute. Big deal. Much better than over-inflating the tires.

I would suggest taking all of the rim strips off, checking the spoke tension and replace the rim tape with one layer that actually fits your rims. If in doubt, take it to a LBS to have them check. Also, as indicated above, check the tire on the inside by rubbing your finger carefully around the surface. Might be some debris such as glass or metal shards in there.

Good luck.

FBinNY 

Lets deal with the cause of your flats first. Looking at the photo, I think that the rim side of your tube is overstretching. Here's a possible reason why. Look at this cross section diagram of a mounted tire. Notice that the tube isn't round, but has a bulged area that fills the rim.

When you inflate a tire the tube inflates round filling the tire, then the section spanning across the beads continues to inflate down (up in the diagram) into the rim. So the section at the rim side of the tube stretches much more than the rest. On narrow rims this difference can be very significant. If you look at your dead tube, you'll see the signs of that overstretching.

The fix is to buy higher quality, stretchier tubes. Also buy the largest tube that is smaller than your tire, ie. if you have a 1.95" tires, you want a tube that says 1.95-2.25, rather than a 1.6-1.95. A larger tube won't stretch as far in the initial inflation stage, leaving more stretch for the rim.

Also rub the tubes with talc before installing, to allow the tube to slip within the tire and shift somewhat toward the rim. You might also try inflating to 5-10psi, and massaging the tire a bit on installation to help the tube equalize the uneven stretch. Both the talc and massage technique of of marginal benefit, but won't hurt. The real key is larger, higher quality tube.

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As for the crank, it could simply be a loose spindle bolt, or it could be in the bottom bracket, but take care of ASAP because riding with a loose crank can quickly render it unrepairable.

froging

I had a problem with tires popping from Lord knows what. My LBS sold me these tubes that are puncture resistance. Have not had a problem since. Knock on wood (right where am I going to find anything made out of real wood) I went out side to smoke and knocked on a tree. LOL FBinNY Don't take this personal I'm not thin skinned just a Yankee Hater. Sorry Die hard Mariner fan, yeah probably will go nowhere this year, but my hopes are up we still have lots of baseball left.. Wonders how it felt to have a team that lost 17 games in a roll beat the Yankees 9-2 to stop our slide to 18. A guy at work that loves the Yankees said they had pity on us. RIGHT!! OH sorry all this is a bike forum isn't it.

Any how get the thick tubes. No flat guarantee? Not sure!