help with flats
#1
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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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...
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...
#4
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Rocklin, CA
Bikes: Trek Domane, Soma Smoothie, Surly Big Dummy/Pacer/KM/Ogre, and a revolving collection of vintage stuff
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.
#8
Two-Wheeled Aficionado
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Wichita
Bikes: Santa Cruz Blur TR, Cannondale Quick CX dropbar conversion & others
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.
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.
#9
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From: Geelong, Australia
Bikes: Cannondale Supersix Hi-Mod / Scott Spark 930 / Scott Sportster 20 / Jamis Allegro 2.0
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!
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!
#10
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 31
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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.
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.
#11
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 322
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Bikes: 2011 Serotta Ottrott, Serotta TI Road Bike, Serotta TI MTB,Ritchey Breakaway Ti Cross, Trek Rumblefish Pro, Cannondale Tandem
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...
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...
#12
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Far beyond the pale horizon.
#13
Two-Wheeled Aficionado
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Wichita
Bikes: Santa Cruz Blur TR, Cannondale Quick CX dropbar conversion & others
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.





