View Poll Results: How Many Flats Since April? Causes? Multi Choice
Choose as many as you like - None



36
37.50%
1-2



34
35.42%
3-4



15
15.63%
5-6



5
5.21%
7+



2
2.08%
Goatheads



9
9.38%
Glass/metal slivers



20
20.83%
Pinch



5
5.21%
Defective tube/tire



7
7.29%
Other - please tell us below



9
9.38%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 96. You may not vote on this poll
How Are Your Flats Doing? Flat Check!
#1
How Are Your Flats Doing? Flat Check!
OK, how many flat tires since around April or so? The causes? Multiple Answers OK.
I got my 2nd today - glass from the road. 1st was a goathead in May.
You?
I got my 2nd today - glass from the road. 1st was a goathead in May.
You?
Last edited by DnvrFox; 08-22-12 at 01:27 PM.
#2
Senior Member

Joined: May 2011
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: SE Wisconsin
Bikes: Lynskey Helix, Wilier Izorad XP, Specialized M2 and a Trek 8500
1600 mile this year on Hutchinson tubeless with Stans No-Tube sealant zero flats. The rear tire needs to be replaced soon but the front is still in good shape.
300 miles on my other bike with Conti GP clinchers, Zero flats.
Knocking on wood.....
300 miles on my other bike with Conti GP clinchers, Zero flats.
Knocking on wood.....
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,325
Likes: 2
From: Newport News, VA USA
Bikes: Diamondback Edgewood LX; Giant Defy 1
I've only had one since April, after nearly 4000 miles,(got the bike in March) and I've run over glass, rocks, potholes and grass. The one I got was a pinch flat from not paying attention and running off into the grass and hitting a drain pipe(bike was fine, wheels still true, but I got a pinch). Gatorskins may be a tad slower than some other tires, but at least I don't get punctures and slowed down from changing.
Now I will go sacrifice an old tire to the tire Gods so as not to press my luck.
Now I will go sacrifice an old tire to the tire Gods so as not to press my luck.
Last edited by Bikey Mikey; 08-22-12 at 01:54 PM.
#5
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
From: Southern Mississippi for the time being.
Bikes: 2010 BMC SL 01 Roadracer, 2012 Davidson Tandem
I think that it only tempts th bike gods to talk about how few / how many flats, but I do have a product endorsement.
I have always loved the Michelin Pro 3 tires for wet and dry grip and great ride feel. The only problem was how many flats I got. I have been riding the new Pro 4 tires since early spring with the same or better ride and grip as before and am AMAZED at how few flats I have had. Seriously, Michelin got it right with these tires.
I have always loved the Michelin Pro 3 tires for wet and dry grip and great ride feel. The only problem was how many flats I got. I have been riding the new Pro 4 tires since early spring with the same or better ride and grip as before and am AMAZED at how few flats I have had. Seriously, Michelin got it right with these tires.
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach, Fl
Bikes: 2011 Cannondale Synapse , M300 and Specialized Stumpjumper
Back in April I still had the original Schwabe Lugano's that came on my Synapse and just under 1000 miles the rear flats started some pinch some just crud on the roads but always the rear and got caught in a pretty good storm in S.Florida when the pin in my Lezyne trigger CO2 inflator broke. This trend continued into May when after at least 6 flats I went into my LBS back in NY to have him take a look at the rear tire which he agreed was shot.
Changed both tires to Conti 4000s and have 1800 miles on them and barely look worn. One pinch flat caused by junk on a main intersection. I now never leave home without two tubes and two 16gm cartridges to insure I don't get a flat.
Changed both tires to Conti 4000s and have 1800 miles on them and barely look worn. One pinch flat caused by junk on a main intersection. I now never leave home without two tubes and two 16gm cartridges to insure I don't get a flat.
#8
Time for a change.

Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,913
Likes: 7
From: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Only had two and they were within 1/2 mile of each other -one front and one rear.
But basically my fault. When I got the Pinnie in February- I did not like the feel of the tyres. Pinarello own brand and there was something about the ride of them I did not like. 700/23's and inflated to 120psi- same as I normally use. They did not give the right feel on cornering at speed and felt under-inflated on rough surface. Should have changed them as I carry spare tyres in the stock but didn't. Went over a rough path with a bit of debris and one puncture. OK-Spare tube and changed tube and nothing found in the tyre but that also meant Rubber on them. These are very lightweight tyres because they have minimal rubber on them. 1/2 mile later and rear tyre went down. I had already used my spare tube and the repair kit had a dried up tube of glue.
So my fault for not changing the OM tyres even though I had the feeling something was wrong with them- and my fault for not being prepared with a proper repair kit. They had done less than 1,000 miles and still had the mould marks on the centre of the tyre. So if anyone suggests that one tyre is a s good as another- tell them they are wrong..
But basically my fault. When I got the Pinnie in February- I did not like the feel of the tyres. Pinarello own brand and there was something about the ride of them I did not like. 700/23's and inflated to 120psi- same as I normally use. They did not give the right feel on cornering at speed and felt under-inflated on rough surface. Should have changed them as I carry spare tyres in the stock but didn't. Went over a rough path with a bit of debris and one puncture. OK-Spare tube and changed tube and nothing found in the tyre but that also meant Rubber on them. These are very lightweight tyres because they have minimal rubber on them. 1/2 mile later and rear tyre went down. I had already used my spare tube and the repair kit had a dried up tube of glue.
So my fault for not changing the OM tyres even though I had the feeling something was wrong with them- and my fault for not being prepared with a proper repair kit. They had done less than 1,000 miles and still had the mould marks on the centre of the tyre. So if anyone suggests that one tyre is a s good as another- tell them they are wrong..
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#9
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
From: Fort Collins, CO
Bikes: '05 Salsa La Raza, '13 Aluboo (bamboo) SS, '12 DaVinci Grand Junction tandem
Two flats in a week that I'm blaming it on a worn tire, which I replaced. And, so far, no flats in on the new tire -- of course, it's only been a week
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Bikes: BMC SLR02
5 so far.
both pinched and front tire shredded when sky got black from an approaching storm and I didn't see a small part of curb on rode.
three from glass.
Have switched to Michelin Endurance Pro the last three week. No issues yet.
both pinched and front tire shredded when sky got black from an approaching storm and I didn't see a small part of curb on rode.
three from glass.
Have switched to Michelin Endurance Pro the last three week. No issues yet.
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 1
From: NE Tx
Bikes: Tour Easy, Linear USS, Lightening Thunderbolt, custom DF, Raleigh hybrid, Felt time trial
As noted in another thread, 95% of my flats over the years have been caused by the wires from delaminated semi tires that litter Texas highways. Nothing I've found will stop them, including Marathon XRs. Average one every couple thousand miles.
#12
rebmeM roineS

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,230
Likes: 363
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
No on-the-road flats in recent years. (sound of rapping on head) Very lucky boy!
Have had/discovered a few flat tires in the garage, though. Couple of weeks ago flatted a front tire on the tandem while topping it off with a floor pump prior to a ride: Hole at the base of the Schrader valve.
I tend towards Kevlar-belted tires. Current tires on three bikes: Primo Comets with Kevlar on the tandem, Forte Metro-K on the V3, and Metro-K on the rear of the V-Rex paired with a Primo Comet without K on the front.
Currently always carrying a pump, tubes and self-adhesive patches.
I live in The Land Without Goatheads and I am constantly amazed at how little glass I see on the streets of Indy, at least where I ride.
Plus, I tend to replace tires before they become questionable.
Have had/discovered a few flat tires in the garage, though. Couple of weeks ago flatted a front tire on the tandem while topping it off with a floor pump prior to a ride: Hole at the base of the Schrader valve.
I tend towards Kevlar-belted tires. Current tires on three bikes: Primo Comets with Kevlar on the tandem, Forte Metro-K on the V3, and Metro-K on the rear of the V-Rex paired with a Primo Comet without K on the front.
Currently always carrying a pump, tubes and self-adhesive patches.
I live in The Land Without Goatheads and I am constantly amazed at how little glass I see on the streets of Indy, at least where I ride.
Plus, I tend to replace tires before they become questionable.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#13
I so going to regret this.........What's a flat?
__________________
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#15
Have bike, will travel
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
1622 miles since May 1st. No flats.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 08-23-12 at 05:58 AM.
#17
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 157
Likes: 7
From: Leander Texas
Bikes: old GT avalanche, Ribble Ti Endurance disc
2 flats from old tubes. Riding MA-40 rims, 36-hole Ultegra hubs with Michelin Bi-sport Axial tires. Old but still in pretty okay shape. Like their owner
#18
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 157
Likes: 7
From: Leander Texas
Bikes: old GT avalanche, Ribble Ti Endurance disc
#19
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 157
Likes: 7
From: Leander Texas
Bikes: old GT avalanche, Ribble Ti Endurance disc
Try Spin Skin tire liners--seems I'm pulling above mentioned metal out of my tires 2-3x/week--usually small bits. Yesterday I pulled out 1/2 of a long staple looking thing. Was in the tire pretty good and waited to get home to remove it. No flat!
#20
One flat over 5 bikes over 3 years. Fish hook (and a really big one) picked up while driving off the paved bike path through (of all things) a popular fishing zone, on Maxxis Hookworms ...... which have absolutely no flat protection but are generally pretty bulletproof anyway. I'm thinking a 3 in fish hook could probably get through anything - Armid , Kevlar ... whatever.
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 6
From: New England
Bikes: Trek 1.1
Have not had a flat in 3 years. Always check my tires before and after each ride. Keep pressure correct and studiously avoid debris of any kind. A few thousand miles on each tire. Have replaced them at different times but all told several thousand miles on both.






