Another flat tire...

[Phoenix Boulay]

Removed bike rack and fold-out wire baskets attached to it. Fixed bike rack (ok, I used a thick layer of duct tape where the weld broke) and replaced, moved forward from it’s previous position. Re-attached fold-out wire baskets in a new position with braces in a new position. Hopefully that will hold for a while. I always thought that both bike shops could have done a better job and moved the adjustable rods forward, so the weight was more centered, and wonder if the placement contributed to the support arm weld breaking. But then, it only took them 15 minutes each, to add the rack and at the other shop, the wire baskets, whereas it took me 2-1/2 hours to remove, fix and replace them.

While doing this, I noticed the rear tire was flat. Again. Pretty sure I hit a sharp stone the other night. I think that’s about my 6th or 7th flat in a year. I do NOT fix my own flats, mainly because I can’t even get my quick-release tires off without hurting my hands. I need my hands in good condition for work, and I do not need to sprain my thumb or take such risks. Going to get flat-resistant, or Kevlar or puncture-proof tires!

So I started looking for information on flat-resistant tires on line and came across this discussion:

http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-312357.html

As well as some sage advice “watch out when you see shiny stuff ahead.” ( Avoid running over glass, haha).

http://bicycling.about.com/od/bikemaintenance/a/avoiding_flats.htm

Anyone have any experience with flat-resistant, puncture-proof or Kevlar tires? I do not have a car, so I use the bike to get around, do errands, pub-hop, go to my business in JP from Roslindale, or I take it on the T and ride from North Station to my job in Cambridge. I do ride on cement sidewalks on Hyde Park Ave, because I refuse to ride on that road with the way they race. I also ride on asphalt roads and bike paths, and sometimes on roads or paths that have some gravel. I think I hit a sharp stone this time, but in the past I got flats due to under-inflation and punctures. I do ride hard and fast, so if I do see something below that I want to avoid, I can’t always manage to do so. Oh, yeah, I have a Fuji Absolute 4.0 road hybrid.  The tires are Kenda 28-622 / 700-28c

Tags: AirFree, Armadillos, Continental, flat-resistant, Gatorskins, Kevlar, tires

[Phoenix Boulay]

I carry so much weight anyway by using my bike for errands, I am sure that contributes to wear and tear on the rear tire, which wore out much faster than the front. So I really wouldn't notice the weight or drag, as I am not racing. Have you ever held a woman's purse?  Especially a purse full of stuff meant to get her through the day away from home at one or two jobs, say 6-14 hours? HEAVY, so I am always happy to throw it in the bike basket and not have to carry it on my shoulder walking.    I just carried 2 heavy grocery bags about 6 long blocks, so having my trusty steed available for such jaunts, and not having to worry about flat tires in the process, is something I am really looking forward to. Besides, I will be relieved to getting my bike back just in time for the nice weather and the Spring Roll!

[Stephen Ringlee]

Jeff knows his stuff and he can get just about anything.  We've been very pleased with the Marathons so far: about 300 tandem miles over varying roads.  Zero problems.  They are slightly heavier than the old tires and I can feel it.  But once you change a rear flat on a tandem, with the grief associated with the drum brake, you will go for more weight.

Steve

[Phoenix Boulay]

Thanks, Stephen. There was not a lot of brand selection and I wanted to get it done along with new brake pads for the front tire (which is not worn down yet so it does not need replacing). I was looking at Continentals or the Schwalbe Marathon, which Jeff Ferris said was sturdier overall, so I chose that to replace the rear tire. Once the front tire wears down I will likely do the same there, although I have never had a flat front tire.

[Stephen Ringlee]

My three-speed has had the same pair of kevlar-belted Specialized tires for ten years.  Never a flat while riding all over Boston through the usual crud on streets and occasional glass.  You do have to avoid the big shards, though.  Careful riding prevents many flats. 

A couple of flats on our tandem persuaded me to invest in some Schwalbe Marathons with a similar protective layer.  That stopped the problem.

Steve