Less flats please....
#1
Less flats please....
So the summer time around here the roads get pretty rough. Not sure if my flats are from dirty roads, construction, or the 100+degree heat, but the result is the same....flats and lots of them.
Currently looking at a set of Conti gatorskins, any other recommendations.
Currently looking at a set of Conti gatorskins, any other recommendations.
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Merlin TR3/2.5
The only Grey Matter, Ride Ti, everything else is...just a toy
Merlin TR3/2.5
The only Grey Matter, Ride Ti, everything else is...just a toy
#4
Oscillation overthruster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 1
From: Duncan, BC
Bikes: Cinelli Mash / CAAD9 5
If flats are REALLY getting to you look at how worn your tire is.
Look at the tubes you buy, switch manufacturers. Not brands, manufacturers. Pull the tube out and see who made it. Other than that you can get thick tubes, heavy tires or lots of patch kits. Also remember to really, really inspect the tire afterwards so that the offending object is not still present in the tire. I've done this a couple times.
Look at the tubes you buy, switch manufacturers. Not brands, manufacturers. Pull the tube out and see who made it. Other than that you can get thick tubes, heavy tires or lots of patch kits. Also remember to really, really inspect the tire afterwards so that the offending object is not still present in the tire. I've done this a couple times.
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 136
Likes: 2
Look at the sidewalls of your tire and see if any part of the general shape of it is flattened. Replace the tire if you think it needs to be.
I hear armadillo's are good but are way heavy. I personally ride in Tucson, AZ with gatorskins and regularly run over thorns, putholes (Tucson roads are...the worst I have ever witnessed) and have had no problems with them. Gatorskins are essentially the unofficial tire of southern Arizona.
#11
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,811
Likes: 0
From: Northern Nevada
#13
This, honestly, is the reason I don't ride more than I do. I got a flat on my first tri and nearly threw the bike into the ditch and ran the rest of the way. As it was, I finished, but with a horrendous time. It's why I do more aquathlons and only hop on the bike in good weather when I have a ton of time. I'd ride a lot more if my bike had flat tires as rarely as my car.
And I do run Gatorskins.
And I do run Gatorskins.
#14
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
I run Continental Gator skins with the thorn resistant tubes when training. I had no flats for over 6 months. I had to replace a tube once when the presta valve corroded and broke from all the salt in the air (I live close to the beach).
Prior to that.....I was getting flats quite often. Now....not so much!
Prior to that.....I was getting flats quite often. Now....not so much!
#15
I run Continental Gator skins with the thorn resistant tubes when training. I had no flats for over 6 months. I had to replace a tube once when the presta valve corroded and broke from all the salt in the air (I live close to the beach).
Prior to that.....I was getting flats quite often. Now....not so much!
Prior to that.....I was getting flats quite often. Now....not so much!
#16
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
These....they are heavy (3/4 lb to 1 lb each). I typically ride by myself and train with a power meter. When I go to century rides these tubes come off the bike.
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1518500_400233
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1518500_400233
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Chatham, NJ
What kind of holes are you seeing in your tubes? They can tell you a lot about what's causing your flats.
I've been running Michelon Krylions for a while, and they seem to be pretty flat resistant. I ride on some sketchy roads, too.
I've been running Michelon Krylions for a while, and they seem to be pretty flat resistant. I ride on some sketchy roads, too.
#19
"Florida Man"



Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 2,600
From: East Florida
Bikes: '16 Bob Jackson rando, '66 Raleigh Superbe, 80 Nishiki Maxima, 07 Gary Fisher Utopia, 09 Surly LHT
Skip the Slime or thorn resistant tubes. If you want -fewer- flats, try flat resistant tires, like: gatorskins, armadillos, racelite hardcase, schwalbe marathon, panaracer tourguard...
I use the hardcases; they ride a little harsh, but rarely flat--only on brevets, in the rain...
I use the hardcases; they ride a little harsh, but rarely flat--only on brevets, in the rain...
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Campione Del Mondo Immaginario
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#20
Do you use them? How well do they work? I was going to put in an order to Amazon soon anyway...
#21
I got 6 flats in one week after a total of about 30 within 500 miles on my old tires which led to me to trying a new pair. I did a ton of research and ended up choosing the Michelin Krylions. In 1500 miles, I've only had one flat and it was rim tape related. I ride on some of the worst freaking roads too. I definitely will be continuing to use these tires as long as they continue to do this well.
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Skip the Slime or thorn resistant tubes. If you want -fewer- flats, try flat resistant tires, like: gatorskins, armadillos, racelite hardcase, schwalbe marathon, panaracer tourguard...
I use the hardcases; they ride a little harsh, but rarely flat--only on brevets, in the rain...
I use the hardcases; they ride a little harsh, but rarely flat--only on brevets, in the rain...
I've found that I can ride just about any "thin-skinned" training/cheap tire on my front wheel without a lot of problems, but I need a beefier tire on my back wheel or I get a flat or two every 150-200 miles on my back wheel ( I weigh around 210 pounds). That is the compromise I make (a heavy tire on back and a light tire on front) so that I get most of the flat protection I need without adding any more weight to the bike than is necessary.
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 85
Likes: 1
That said, the Marathon is my favorite tire and almost certainly the toughest road tire available. Gatorskins offer similar puncture resistance but are more prone to sidewall problems.




