Flat tyre - Page 3 - Triathlon

ed_m (a.k.a. ultra bunny)

29/01/2004 at 11:14

but with the tubeless system if you have a puncture it seals itself and you lose minimal pressure.. although they often carry a pump to top it up if required.

MMmmm Universal Twinkler

29/01/2004 at 11:22

not always, alas...
which was my point (I've been out with mates with tubeless)... the thinner tyre side walls (one of the 'advantages' of tubeless, for lighter tyres) are 'prone' to ripping more than normal ones... and having to stop evry 15mins to re-pump up yer tyre.. ain't fun...

horses fer courses... Just not my cuppa... but as we have both said I'm not an elite mtb'er..

just an average jo public who's out 3-4 times a week in all weathers and time of day, because I enjoy the riding...

ed_m (a.k.a. ultra bunny)

29/01/2004 at 11:23

...you can run any tyre as tubeless with the right kit :) so have as tough a sidewall as ya like.

MMmmm Universal Twinkler

29/01/2004 at 11:26

but then yer wheels weigh even more...!!

;oP

ed_m (a.k.a. ultra bunny)

29/01/2004 at 11:44

except for the inner tube...

MMmmm Universal Twinkler

29/01/2004 at 11:57

Look on websites and seriously good quality wheels, kevlar tyres and butyl inners.. ain't much different to full tubeless kits...
sorry, but its true...

and then you stick a heavier tyre into the tubeless equation again.. and its heavier still...

like I said horses fer courses Ed... Gimme summit I can 'fix' out on the trail... and with quality kit its no different to tubeless...

lloyd bower

29/01/2004 at 20:58

I wouldn't dream of going anywhere on the bike (road or mtn) without pump and spare tube and patches.

I'd usually just put the spare inner tube in event of 1 puncture & repair it later.

Regarding aforementioned Specialised Armidillo, they do seem to be pretty puncture proof, but they are a very tight fit, I'd hate to have to replace these out on the road.

One of best investments you can make is a track pump, so much easier to pump up. Obvioulsy you wouldn't carry it round with you but pumping the tyre to the correct pressure will avoid alot of punctures, especiallty out on the road.

Bully Beef

04/03/2004 at 13:12

I agree Boyd - those Specialized Armadillos are a very tight fit. It took me 20 minutes to change my tyres over a few weeks ago - a job that would normally take under 10!

I commute on my bike most days and have done for about 10 years. As such I have had the majority of bike related incidents including punctures, broken chains, wheels coming adrift from frame (broken hub!) etc etc. I carry 1 inner tube, some leeches, some mini tyre levers, some cable ties (to fix a knackered cassette) and a multitool (Topeak) which includes a chain tool - and a pair of latex gloves! This fits easily into my small saddle bag and has saved my life on many occasions. The last thing that saved me coming home from work in London, one evening was my blockbusters video card - used it to line a torn tyre where the tear was too big!

I do carry a mini pump - Can not remember the make - I avoid the double action ones (now!) as they are not as strong in the stem and I quickly broke the one I had!

Regards

BB

candy ollier

05/03/2004 at 08:46

patch it, or change the tube?

cougie

pirate

05/03/2004 at 09:09

I change the tube and then fix it at home.
And then usually just buy a new tube and throw the patched one as I don't trust it 100%.

Glad All Over

05/03/2004 at 12:28

My experience of commuting in and out of London is definately carry spare inner and some basic tools. certainly my cycle route leads through some interesting neighbourhoods and wouldn't want to get stranded too long. That green goo stuff I've found to be a total waste of time - to add insult to injury it not only didn't stop the puncture but sprayed me with green sh*t.

The Specialized Armadillos I've tried in two widths. The slicks are a good tyre but buggers to get on and off which isn't great when you want to revert to a MTB at the weekends. There is definately a knack to it but always bruises finger tips and causes many a bad mood - especially if you get a pinch puncture and have to start again. The real downer with these tyres for me was that with all the crud on the roads over the winter they did eventually get ripped and so was getting punctures with them anyway. I've switched to a wider width but much slower.

Does anyone know of the "perfect" slick tyre - quick, high puncture protection and easy to get on and off?

Bully Beef

05/03/2004 at 12:50

I would change the tube if I could not locate the hole by looking at the tyre - what I mean is if a nail / thorn is sticking out of the tyre then I would remove the object, lever the tyre off in that area (leaving the bike wheel on) then patch the hole, put it back and pump it back up. If the hole was not obvious then it would be a tube change, having checked the tyre & rim for any causes of a puncture!

BB

cougie

pirate

05/03/2004 at 13:45

Oh yeah - deffo check the tyre for cause of the puncture.
Running your fingers round the inside usually locates it quite quickly !

Fian

06/03/2004 at 22:47

You can always take out the tube and stuff the tyre with twigs and grass, if you're really desperate. It wouldn't be very comfortable or very quick but it might save the wheel if you have to ride on it. (Know someone that did this.)

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