just done 5 days touring and had a 3 flats on last 3 days. first was a bit of glass embedded in the tyre. the second, a slow puncture seemed to have nothing in the tyre and only putting the tube in water could i find bubbles coming from a barely visible hole in the tube (changed in pouring rain on remote exposed scottish hill): i presume a thorn punctured through but fell out. the third was due to the valve splitting from the tube. the pressures were high as i did a roadside mend with mini pump but got bike shop to do a proper job before setting off next morning. now i've had this bike 5 years and can't remember ever having a puncture with it. alright there is luggage weight over back wheel but there must be more to this or else it's life's bloodymindedness.
i laways carry 2 tubes, but i'm thinking of taking 3 next time as the second two flats could not have been repaired roadside.
am i getting paranoid about this?
life's bloodymindedness? punctures on tour
Obviously the Puncture Fairy has left me (I got a real kick-in for revealing her identity and being arrogant!) and headed north.
I feel so sorry for you; there's nothing worse than punctures when you're touring other than multiple punctures like you had. So, in order to help you....
I'M NOT AFRAID OF THE PUNCTURE FAIRY!!!! YA A BIG GIRL BLOUSE!!! (raspberries been blown)
That's it, she's heading south to smite me as we speak!
I feel so sorry for you; there's nothing worse than punctures when you're touring other than multiple punctures like you had. So, in order to help you....
I'M NOT AFRAID OF THE PUNCTURE FAIRY!!!! YA A BIG GIRL BLOUSE!!! (raspberries been blown)
That's it, she's heading south to smite me as we speak!
Trice Q 2007 in inky blue (Quackers)
Bacchetta Corsa 26 ATT (The Mad Weeble)
Cube SL Team Cross (Rubberduckzilla)
Homebaked tourer (The Duck's Dream)
MTB mongrel (Harold the Flying Sheep)
Bacchetta Corsa 26 ATT (The Mad Weeble)
Cube SL Team Cross (Rubberduckzilla)
Homebaked tourer (The Duck's Dream)
MTB mongrel (Harold the Flying Sheep)
-
patricktaylor
- Posts: 2303
- Joined: 11 Jun 2008, 11:20am
- Location: Winter Hill
- Contact:
How old are the tyres? After a certain distance they do start to pick up more p*n*t*res. I've found my Ultra Gatorskins do about 2000 miles before I start to worry. It's useful to keep track of milage and log it somewhere so you can find out this info and change tyres if needed before a tour.
I also find a Park instant repair kit very useful and mend any P's overnight so there is a spare ready.
I also find a Park instant repair kit very useful and mend any P's overnight so there is a spare ready.
yes i had 2 only lightly loaded panniers( not camping, the stuff would have gone in one but spread it over 2 for stability). actually no idea of the mileage on the tyres, but it must be at least 2000; one of the bike shops took a look at the tyre and said he reckoned it was ok, but it does have visible wear compared to the front. whether or not it needs changing i am going to do so anyway. worn or not i've had no trouble with it since a valve split on tour 2 years ago. the extra weight must be a factor.
Two points - single panniers cause more p*nctures!
Secondly - it is your own fault!
Typing the word in full or speaking the word will be picked up by GCHQ in Cheltenham and passed on the the P*ncture fairy almost immediately.
This invites the tragedy.
Catastrophic failure of the annular suspension device is the revenge for this transgression.
Secondly - it is your own fault!
Typing the word in full or speaking the word will be picked up by GCHQ in Cheltenham and passed on the the P*ncture fairy almost immediately.
This invites the tragedy.
Catastrophic failure of the annular suspension device is the revenge for this transgression.
-
megilleland
- Posts: 293
- Joined: 11 Aug 2007, 7:49pm
- Location: Hereford
It is annoying when you ride over a drawing pin or staple which just goes straight through the tyre. By inspecting your tyres regularly you can reduce the chance of repeat punctures. I flip the bike over every couple of weeks and flick out the small shards of glass and other foreign objects which embed in the tyres. It is these minute bits that work their way into the tyre and cause punctures. I use a surgical knife with a 10A blade (fine pointed blade) which gets under the offending pieces and flicks them out. You will be surprised how much there is embedded in your tyres.
On one tour I had three punctures in a very short distance due to fine pieces of flint, although the tyres were very worn with little tread - no problem after changing the tyre.
On one tour I had three punctures in a very short distance due to fine pieces of flint, although the tyres were very worn with little tread - no problem after changing the tyre.
-
megilleland
- Posts: 293
- Joined: 11 Aug 2007, 7:49pm
- Location: Hereford
gaz wrote:Preparing for my first solo UK tour back in 1990 I fitted new tyres.
Imagine how pleased I was when on the first afternoon I stopped to find out that the strange clunking noise was caused by a three inch nail, sticking through the tread and out of the sidewall, banging against a chainstay.
Fortunately my preparations had included a spare folding tyre.
A few days later I changed it at a NSLBS (Not so local bike shop) for another non-folder.
Two days later this blew out in a rather spectacular fashion on a steep descent.
Never mind, fitted the spare again and carried on regardless.
Tyres blowing out on a descent can be caused by a badly adjusted brake pad slightly rubbing the tyre wall and heating up the tyre with a pretty impressive explosive result. Again check they are properly aligned.
-
patricktaylor
- Posts: 2303
- Joined: 11 Jun 2008, 11:20am
- Location: Winter Hill
- Contact:
-
jasper66
A mtb with huge thick knobbly two inch tyres will considerable reduce your puncture risk. If you sense any thorny hedge cutting whatsoever, simple turn around or get off and walk or carry your bike. I'm not convinced by the trailer argument. I can see a solid tyre made of an ultra light foam light material would solve the problem. See me soon on Dragons Den.
