I'm about fed up with having so many flats. I've tried Conti 3000GP, Veloflex Paves, Vittoria Corica EVO CX all with the same results - flatted rear tires. I'm lucky to get 200 miles on average between flats. This year alone I bet I've replaced close to 10 tubes. I like to run my tires between 115 - 120psi which is well within thier ratings. Maybe my fat 185lb frame is too heavy. No one else in my ride group even comes close to having similar stats. I'm quickly getting a reputation for having a love affair with the rear wheel. Anyone else experiencing similar circumstances. Better yet, is there a recommended bullet proof tire.

Tubes can be patched.

tough tires (armadillos, hard case, etc)

well, how are the flats happening? pinch (snakebite)? potholes ? other sharp stuff on the road actually puncturing the tire ?

btw, i'm 195-200lbs and run 120psi aswell, maybe get 2 or 3 pinch flats a year...

Routine cuts and punctures, typically broken grass or metal. Most happen at higher speeds rather than just touring.

I second the Specialized Armadillo. The 23cc weighs 378 grams and it rides pretty stiff, but it's almost rocket-proof. I put a pair on Shannon's old bike in combination with some lightweight Velomax wheels to reduce the weight impact. I don't recall her getting a flat in a year or so of riding. I used a pair myself for about 6 months with no flats. I think they're a good choice for training.

"routine" ? i've only ever had one puncture/cut, rest where snake bites. You gotta learn to spot and avoid debris on the road, i'm not saying stare at the road withing 5 meters of you, just be a bit more aware. Regardless of your speed you still have to know what your wheels are rolling over.

I also just got a pair of Tufo clincher tubulars (c-elite). Their really comfortable, hi tpi and pressure. They also claim to not get any pinch flats. And you can use this self sealing goop that you put in the tires to fix punctures and cuts in the unlikely event of one. Maybe something for you to check out if you've tried everything else.

Armadillo's + tire liners. That's about as much protection as you can get.

The Continental Gatorskins are tough tires, as are the "low end" Continental training tires. When I switched from Nashbar/Performance generic tubes to Continental tubes, my "flat rate" went from one or two per week to NONE during 2005 (knock on wood...then knock on more wood).

You guys are scaring me. I'm a less-than-buff 240 lbs, no flats yet on 600 miles with whatever came stock on my Trek 2100ph (phat).

Mike

what tubes are you using?

I've had great "luck" lately with Vredesteins

Slap in a new tire liner and purchase some armadillos. You will forget how to change flats with that combination. Good Luck

what sam said above. With that many flats I would change everything as flats really ruin the pleasure of riding. Start with stripping off the old rim tape. Check around the valve hole for burrs. Rewrap with a good quality cloth tape. Normally it is OK to ride with cheap tubes but some report much better reliability with a $5-$6 name brand tube. Lastly...a good name brand tire. I too weigh 185 lbs. You need to check your tire pressures every ride or every two days if you want to prevent pinch flats.
Good Luck,
George