New Back Tire
 

Last Saturday I took the rear wheel off the bike to pick out pieces of clam shells that get embedded in the rubber and may work their way in deeper and cause a flat. I do this every few weeks as there are plenty of sea gulls shattering clams by dropping onto the pavement of the bike path. One day last year I overtook a man walking his bike due to one tire being sliced open by a clam shell shard. My tire, a Specialized Turbo at 28mm, on close inspection, had reached the end of its useful life. I sure got my moneys' worth as going over my maintenance log the tire had 5400 miles. The tire was actually 29 1/2 mm. It was replaced by the same model tire. I'm fairly light at 160 lbs., give or take.

I used to pick out rock splinters and stuff from my tire tread every ride too. A couple years ago I switched from continental ultra sport's to vittoria rubino pro III se tires and have not found anything stuck in the tread since. As well, they were a more comfortable ride.

To be somewhat fair, the continental ultra sports I used then were a few steps down in price/quality/technology level than the rubino pro's. As well my ultra sports are not the same tech that ultra sports are today.

So finding a tire with a different tread compound might keep you from wasting time picking out shards.

We don't get many clam shells here, but it sounds like picking glass out of tires which I'll do periodically.,

That "Turbo" looks like an interesting tire. How frequent of flats do you get?

I'm a fan of the most flat resistant tires one can get. So far doing pretty good with Continental Gator Hardshells on my road bike, and Michelin Protek Cross Max tires on my Tricross (currently gravel/utility/commuter/...)

Looks like an interesting alternative to the Continental Sport Contact II (now the Contact Speed, I think). Similar tread, almost slick with minimal tooth. Unfortunately the Sport Contact II felt harsh at high pressure and sluggish at lower pressure due to the puncture shield, thick tread and stiff sidewalls. It would be suitable for errands and commutes but isn't fun to ride for other scenarios.

I recently switched back to a fatter tire that's quicker and more comfortable. Same weight as the Sport Contact II, and with more tread pattern, but totally different feel and ride experience that translates into consistently measurable speed.

I will probably jinx myself but I've not had a flat in several years riding 3000 miles per year. But roads here are usually quite good.

I've really liked the Continental 4 Season tire.