Two flat tires in a row
 

So I bought a road bike about three weeks ago to try to get some exercise and maybe work my way up to organized rides. I bought a 2008 Fuji Roubaix Pro immediately starting pounding on it. Within a week I had done a 21 mile ride, but then things went downhill. I got sick after a bonfire party and the Asthma decided to come back so I lost a week of riding to that. When I started riding again, the lungs would only let me go for 10 miles or so before they told me to go back home (its cold in the evening in Austin). Finally my lungs had gotten to the point were they were no complaining very much and yesterday I had to come back in after 12 miles due to a flat tire. I patched it up and headed out today, only to have it go flat on me again. So in the garage I put in a new tube, watched the Cowboy loose to the Steelers and headed out again. Going 30MPH down a hill the rear tire blew again! When I got back there was a chunk missing, but it looks like its in the rim facing part of the tube.

Am I doing something wrong? This is the first time I changed a road tire, but I have done mountain bike tires for years. I'm 6' 0" and weigh 238lbs. I aired up the tubes to around 95PSI before I went out.... Is there any trick to changing road tires and rims that I'm not aware of? Also there is a little side wall damage new tire. Should I replat the Continental Sport 23Cs?

It could be a lot of things......the first thing you need to do is get a better digital camera. That's imperative.

I run 28c Conti Ultra Gatorskins at 120psi have had only one flat (caused by a nail) in 1000+ miles. Before the Gatorskins I ran 32c Conti Contact Security tires and had zero flats in 2500 miles, but they are very slow tires. I weigh 250ish. From your photo, it looks like you cut the tire casing and probably should replace it. I always carry some Park tire boots when I ride (I know dollar bills are cheaper) just in case I have a punture that cuts through the tire casing. Hope this helps.

As for popping tubes there are a lot of things that can cause that. Pinch flats (before inflating push the tire forward with your thumbs, if you can see tube massage it in), nipple holes (check your rim tape), incorrect size (usually too big and that helps to cause the pinch flats too). Also check the inside of the tire for puncture holes and anything still sticking inside. You can easily fix those small problems with a boot.

Yeah...it looks like the blow-out was on the sidewall? Just bad luck. Definitely get a new tire, new tube, and keep on riding. At your weight, the 23s will support you just fine. I would recommend inflating them to 110--120psi, though.

First, make a mark on the rim and tire, usually near the valve so you have a visual point of reference. Next locate the hole on the tube that faces the rim, then find it's corresponding point in the rim. Run your fingers along the inside of the rim and feel for any burrs or other pointy objects. If you don't find any check your rim tape. Has it shifted any? Sometimes the tape can be knocked around by using tire levers exposing the part of the spoke that fastens to the rim. These will cut up a tube in no time. Move the rim tape back over the exposed portion. If the tape is too narrow, measure it's width and buy a slightly wider and thicker one made of cloth, not the cheap thin rubber ones that come stock. Yes it weighs a tad more (who cares) but will offer much better protection from these annoying flats. Make sure you replace the tube as well, I've never been able to successfully patch a rim side hole for any lenghty ammount of time.

You also need to run the tires at a higher PSI, 95 is way low. If you are using an air compressor...go buy a floor pump. Seriously, can't think of why your running them that low other than using an air compressor. Sorry about your luck, both relating to the flats and the Cowboys.

Haha, TO is your problem now :p!!

Bau

I weigh 250, and I learned the hard way: Pump those tires up when using the silly little lightweights that they sell you with the bike. #1 - They puncture easily, no matter what you weigh, and, #2 - heavy riders pinch 'em alot more than you think.

I find that a breaking point is at 28mm. I can use Tissue Tires when they are that size, but not less. The ultimate solution for the big guys, especially if you are aggressive, are Armidillo 23mm. Yes, I know they're heavy, I know they're like rolling on a cold garden hose, but you won't be going home because of a pinch flat or a minor fleck of glass.

I run my Army's at 125 in back and sometimes 110 in front for a bit of cush and a little more steer traction.

Another solution to keeping up with orientation of your tire and tube is to put the tire logo directly over the valve stem. This will give you a viusal reference for checking the tire for debris that may be poking through the hole and puncturing your tube.

Check the location of your puncture on the tube, and then find the same area on teh tire and make sure you dov't have wire or glasee or something protruding through the tire.

You may also be pinching. As already said, you should probably be running at least 110 PSI. It's also important to check your psi prior to each ride. A tire that was inflated to 110 psi on Monday will likely not be 110 psi ciome Friday. Before each ride is a must check.

Alsp remember that the OEM tiores and tubes may an area where costs were cut on a new bike. By all means get every mile out of them that you can, but keep in mind that it is likely that when replacing them you will want to upgrade.

Practice
 

Practice changing tires and tubes at home.
I carry three spare tubes and one spare tire.

Cowboys Suck!!! Sorry, I had to get that off my chest.(Lifelong Iggles fan, always liked the Steelers as well unless they are playing the Iggles. I actually enjoyed watching TO blow up last night after the Romo int at the end of the game). Everybody pretty much covered everything already. The only thing I would like to add is that when putting the tire back on the rim with the tube in it, only use your hands to get it back on the rim. Don't use a screw driver or those plastic tire levers to get it back on because there is too much of a risk of pinching the tube when you do that. I am the same size and weight as you and always keep my tires pumped up to 105 psi before every ride. They will lose pressure as they sit waiting for you to ride again. Definitely replace the tires if you think the sidewalls are suspect.

One last note, I hope the Cowboys implode and miss the playoffs so the Iggles can make it in. They are playing some good football right now. :D

WE NEED MORE PRESSURE ha ha ha I weigh 225 and run 140 in the rear and 130 in the front and have yet to have a flat

You do realize you just jinxed yourself right? Enjoy those flats :lol:

I have a big air compressor at the house that I use mainly to run air tools. It always worked fine for my mountain bikes and cars, but I went out and bought a floor pump and wow. The bike is much faster at 115 then 90.

I know I did but hey it will give me a chance to use my multi tool :D

Now that, my friends, is a glass half full kinda guy:thumb:

Now go try it at 130!