>>>Are you referring to the Armadillos? I was considering them so I'd like to know what you didn't like. <<<<

I, too, ride Armadillos and rarely get flats. But, like jolly ross, I'm not crazy about the overall ride. My older Armadillos felt better, but the new pair I put on this year feel too hard.

Have used both Mountain and Road bike versions - the problems being much more noticable on the mountain bike.

Bad things first: heavy, rigid side walls means a harsher ride and less grip. Can be expensive
Good things: Very very few flats. Last a long time.

I switched to Armadillo Elites on my roadbike, which were better (or less worse) than the first Armadillos I had on it. I have finally given up on them for the road bike as I never had *that* many road flats anyhow.

Although mainly tubeless now, I still use Armadillos on one of my MTBs - and all of my kids bikes (they don't know how to deal with flats)

If you're aware of the compromises that you're buying into then I think they're good. What I can't comment on is how they compare to Marathon+'s - perhaps a member who has used both could comment.

Count me as another satisfied Armadillo user (700 x 25 on one bike, 700 x 28 on the other).

However, my number one strategy for avoiding flats is to stay out of the debris field at the edge of the roadway. Around here, that includes bike lanes, which are rarely swept. Cars are very efficient at sweeping all the tire-murdering crap over there. This isn't the place for endless VC debates, so I'll let it go at that.

I thought my tire was always flat was because I have hit obstructions (holes, sticks, rocks etc) in the road at speed. I normally ride at 20 miles an hour. I going to lower my speed down to 15mph. Hopefully it helps out. tho I'm ok having to fill up my tire each time before I ride. If it will save me Money and a trip to the bike store. But I will still keep the spare. Once the tube is unusable for 6 miles I will replace it. Thank you for the advice. I will be checking the rim, rim tape and tires next time I have to fix the tire.

Yep202

I have found I had a lot less flats on my mountain bike. I rode for 4 years on one and hardly had a flat tire.

I'd say its the rim strip. Even if you don't see anything wrong with it, replace it. I prefer Velox rim tape.

When I first started commuting I was improperly using a mini pump to pump up my tires, causing rips at the valve. That was my only issue with multiple flats. Got a floor pump, armadillos, and only have had 1 flat in a couple thousand miles on my last commuter, and none on my current commuter just using botranger hard case 700x32s with a little over 1000 miles since I bought the bike. really about what everyone else said, proper pressure, some sort of puncture resistant tire, not running over crazy amount of debris if possible and identifying the cause of the flat when you do get one. And use a floor pump.

I'm surprised nobody else chimed in with liners. OP, you said you tried liners? What kind? I have had very good success with Mr Tuffy, basically eliminated flats for me. You just have to take a little care to keep the strip well-centered, if it zigzags it will leave exposed areas that can flat.

^^^+1. Used mr tuffys and thorn proof tubes. Had 1 flat from a 2" nail just the other day but I don't expect a tire liner or thorn proof tube to protect against that.