Hopefully I am not asking something obvious, I've acquired my first vintage bike (Aerowind) and am enjoying the surprises I get each day working with it. I've looked all over and can't find an answer to this question.

I am getting flats way to quickly with the Araya 27 x 1 1/4 w/o HP rims. I have Bontrager Select tires and have been using 700x20/28c tubes. I'm using I've been inflating them to 90, but based on what I have been reading I will knock that down to 80.

What I am seeing is that my rims have a bunch of extra pairs holes in the sides of the rims in addition to the spoke holes. And for my last flat the hole in the tube corresponded to one of these holes. There are nine pairs in all and a picture is attached.

So my question is what are these holes and do I need to cover them somehow to protect the tubes?

Thanks,
dave

They're covered by the tire once its mounted. No need to worry.

maybe it's a wear indicator?

I think the tube wouldn't be in direct contact with that hole as the tire bead should be covering that spot.

Is that a huffy aerowind? I would just get some rim tape that is wide enough to cover those holes. I know velox tape comes in different widths.

Ahhh, I can see that should be happening. However the hole on the tube really does match up closely (as in exactly) to these secondary holes. Perhaps at 90 PSI I am pushing the tire/bead out a bit too much which is exposing the tube to the hole?

Thanks,
d

Those holes are normal on cheaper rims,, particularly steel rims.

well, since you're getting trouble from it, get a wider tape like velox that will cover the hole.

don't forget the rim tape will get pushed into the valley so make sure you get a very wide tape.

Judging from the appearance of your rim liner, I suspect that it might be the culprit. When running higher pressures in today's world it is wise to install a new style and much more efficient rim liner. I have found that flats can be caused by the action of the nipple heads working on an inner tube. Not a problem in days gone by when inner tubes were thicker walled but certainly something to take into consideration when addressing this problem.

Look at your inner tubes and see how the leak lines up with the spoke nipple pattern that will be fairly evident on the used inner tube. If the hole corresponds, that would be another way to determine if the rim liner is the problem.

Just a thought.

Yes, its a Huffy Aerowind (pic attached). I am really enjoying it and its "retro futuristic" look. The brake covers are the best, I laugh every time I look at 'em.

I've though about getting wider tape, but the part that the holes is on is actually raised quite a bit from the center. Its not a flat arc like in a newer rim.

d

Your bike has chromed steel rims formed from sheet metal. The holes are an artifact of the chroming process and allow the plating chemicals to drain from inside the folded metal. They do not cause flat tires. I would replace the rim strips with good cloth rim tape and see if that helps.

Just be careful. You don't want to hit 88 mph.

jumping jigawats!

Not only would that be a cool avatar... put it also appears that Marty Mcfly's foot is on fire.