help with flats
 

Im 220 lbs, and ride in NYC. I just recently experienced a rash flats; about 20 flat tires in this month (no exaggeration). I got new tires, changed the rim tape and checked the insides for glass, and i still keep getting flats. Ive put about 2000 miles on my rims (stock alex rims) and was wondering could it be that the rims need replacing?

Could my weight be a problem? I was however, 10 pounds heavier before and had almost no problems. Could it be over/under inflation?

Im riding on Vitorria rubino pros...

Are your spokes poking them?

Mr. Tuffy is my best friend. Flat free for 2011 so far! http://www.bikebling.com/v/vspfiles/...r-Orange-1.jpg

Continental Gatorskins did the trick for me, even when I was 240. Mr. Tuffys work pretty well too, provided you won't mind the extra rotating mass.

nope... changed the rim tape already

Are Vitorria rubino pros durable?

Missed that part.

I ride VR pros and they're great (I'm 115lbs though).

This is where carefully removing the tube, marking it, and submerging it if necessary (rarely is) to find the hole is helpful.

If you are pinch flatting you need more air or are installing the tubes wrong-- twisting or pinching them. Pinch flats look like a snakebite most of the time but can be more of a tear.

If you are puncturing in recurring spots, that spot of the wheel or tire has something sharp.

If it is multiple puncture locations I would start with Mr Tuffy and see if that helps.

Its so not your weight...220 isn't that heavy.

Are the Rubinos the tyre you switched to or from? I don't know much about them. But if you've checked rim tape and changed to bullet proof tyres (try some marathons or gatorskins) I reckon your next port of call is to drop the wheel (Im assuming the issue is confined to one wheel?) to the LBS and have the spokes checked...then its off to Wiggle for a new wheelset!

what do yo mean by pinching flatting? I thought that was from underinflation.

Do as ColinL says, find where the hole is first. Then post what you find here and someone will probably be able to diagnose it.

There are a lot of things that could be causing the flats and the info will help.

As an example: I had a rough spot on my rim at the valve stem and kept getting holes rubbed in the inner tube at the base of the presta valve. After a few flats I noticed, filed down the burrs and never had that problem again...

Where any of the flats due to the spokes? Where the hole is in the tube would tell you that. If the holes are on the tire side, it isn't spokes or the rim.

Underinflation is one way to pinch flat.

Installing the tube with a kink or twist is another. The best way to avoid it is to inflate the tube slightly before installing it.. just enough to give it shape.

Pinching it with a tire tool when mounting the 2nd bead on the tire is another way to pinch the tube.