perplexing tire flatting problem
 

I have been running michelin lithion tires (700/23) for about 4 months because I have got a good deal on them (one flat in the last 2000 miles)

I recently got a pair of lithion 2 tires and put them on. In the first 65 miles I have had 6 flats, 3 in the front, 3 in rear. The first day was raining so I just chalked it up to bad luck, and didn't think much of the fact I did not identify and debris or cause of the punctures. On the second day I had 4 flats, I turned back after the second one because I knew something had to be amiss (not to mention it nearly killed me, but that's another story). after that I more closely examined the tubes, each one had that tell tale hole on the inside, as of it was blowing through a spoke nipple. Rim tape looks fine on both wheels but I am about to redo it anyway.

I doubt its relevant but I crashed the bike the day before, slow speeds only 15-18mph, just washed out on a turn in the rain.

So anyone have a clue? I mean wtf

Holes in the same place? On the inside though I'd be replacing the rim tape first if nothing else shows it's head.

same place on the front flats im sure, one of the rear flats actually had 2 holes, one very small, spaced out about as far as the spokes. 12,000 miles on these wheels and never had this type of flat in either front or rear.

Note the position of the hole in the tube relative to the valve. With that in mind, closely inspect the two possible problem areas on the rim, relative to the valve hole.

Rim tape is the obvious suspect.

Thats pretty much the conclusion I came to, I just don't get why, all the sudden, both wheels. I changed the tires but not the tubes. new tires are almost identical to the old ones. its the 'why' I am struggling with.

btw close inspection of the wheels revealed nothing, it all looks fine, even the exact place of the hole.

What pressures are you running?

Is it flexy rim tape? Or maybe it's stretched and shifting and exposing the spoke end. Something small and pointy stuck in the tape perhaps?

What's the tire pressure?