SlowOlympian

So, i got my first flat about a week ago, then left for a family reunion. got back today and went to my LBS for a remedy.

My Allez has the stock tires, all they say is Mondo 700x23, although i cant read the print on the tires right now with the weak lighting.

I cant remember if i got the armadillo's or gatorskins(will be installed tomorrow when i bring in my bike for the break in tune up), but i didnt get the ones with kevlar reinforced sidewalls, just tread. Are there any tire liners or anything that add more protection? or is any protection really needed? The LBS guys were really helpful as usual, but i neglected to ask on additional measures.

thanks!

noobpone

NO. Everyone gets flats, it is like death; a natural inevitablilty. Sure you could get a set of tubulars to help decrease the frequency, but with time and practice changing out a tube should not take more than 10 minutes tops. Plus tubulars are more expensive.

My suggestion is to always carry a spare tube, kit, and mini pump, so when you get the inevitable flat you are prepared.

brothersbutler

If you ride a bike, you're going to get flats. The best you can do is be prepared, carry a tube, a mini pump, and some tire levers

Sprocket Man

You can buy some tire protectors called "Mr. Tuffy". The go between the tube and tire. I've never used them so I can't vouch for the effectiveness.

The main thing you can do to protect yourself from flats is to keep your tire pressure at optimum levels (it will give a recommended PSI on the side of your tires). Second thing is to be aware of the road in front of you to stay off of patches of stuff that can give you flats. Third thing is to make sure you have decent rim strips/tape - Velox is my favorite.

OldsCOOL

Maintain adequate pressure in your tires and watch where you put them. You can drastically reduce your rate of flattage but you cant do away with it entirely.

Grasschopper

Both the Dillos and Gatorskins provide good flat protection. I don't buy what the above posters are selling...knock on wood I never get flats...much less than one a year. There are only two times when it happens: 1) tire needs replaced, when the tread gets thin it is easier to flat. You just got new tires so this won't be an issue for a while. 2) you run stuff over. May sound obvious but if you don't run over that nail, screw, glass it won't go into your tire. Most times you can avoid it but sometimes you can't...try to avoid stuff on the road.

As a couple have said keep your tires properly inflated...the above statements assume this. Road tires do bleed pressure of, this isn't something you can do much about other than stick a pump on your tires once a week or so (ultralight tubes will leak faster) and bring the pressure back up to your normal riding pressure.

StanSeven

The only tire I ever had problems with flatting is Specialized Mondo. My favorites are Conti GP4000S and Mich Pro 3. Tires like Gatorskins do offer better protection but ride and handle like bricks.

What I learned years ago from a LBS is just watch for glass and road debris. It takes a little practice but quickly becomes second nature. Always wear cycling glasses and keep you eye on the road ahead. Glass is easy to spot and the rest like slivers of metal is quickly learned.

MegaTom

This right here will do away with 99% of avoidable flats on the road.

GP

Watching the road is the key. Look ahead and your bike will follow your eyes.

ahsposo 

The sure fire way to avoid flats is this:

Check the air pressure in your tires every day.

Never, ever actually ride the bike.

irwin7638

....and dust and polish the bike daily.

Marc

FactVord

I feel like some1 should break into your garage and flat your tires.

cyccommute 

Well, yes, there are tire liners that help prevent flats however using tire liners and a kevlar belted tire is a bit of the old belts and suspenders precaution. Go with one or the other. I use tire liners where I ride but that's because I've never found kevlar belted tires to be that effective against goatheads and a plastic tireliner can outlast several tires.

I'm not sure about your information that tubulars decrease flat frequency. Where the rubber meets the road, clinchers and tubular are essentially the same. They have the same vulnerabilities.

You are right that flats are a fact of bicycling life, however. Be prepared.

Northwestrider

Proper inflation, and try to take the lane as much as is safely possible. Doing so will keep you out of the detritus on the shoulders outside edge.

FactVord

But, I see all the cool kids doing it on the BMXs. I want to bhop too!

javal

+1 check your tires for damages/scars after every ride.

DropDeadFred

i have yet to ever have a flat *knock on wood* and i firmly believe it's because i never step on my bike without making sure my tire pressure is correct. now road debris will eventually get me but tire pressure is imperative

Right Said Fred

I got a flat last week that turned out to be a piece of a busted razor blade less than 1/4 inch long in the tire. Not sure how checking tire pressure before the ride would have prevented that, and even Superman would have had a hard time spotting it on the road wherever I happened to run over it. In other words, some day you will probably get a flat tire no matter how cautious you are.

I would also suggest that hopping your butt up out of the seat to lighten the load when you ride over harsh section of road may help avoid pinch flats, but tire pressure is critical too.

ahsposo 

And I feel some1 should have told yer mom about birthcontrol.