Two Flat Tires

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2008-11-13 1:44 PM

Veteran
263
1001002525
Subject: Two Flat Tires

Hi,

At the weekend I got my first flat tire on the bike. Luckily I had bought a spare tube, pump, levers etc so I was able to replace the tube (although it did take me about half an hour).

The problem was that I couldn't get the tire to inflate to anything like the pressure I normally inflate them to. Normally I inflate to 110psi, and I bet I didn't get this one above 50psi. I have one of those tiny pumps, which doesn't seem to work very well. 

I carried on my ride regardless, but about half an hour later the new tube also punctured. When I changed the original one, I had checked for any sharp objects in the tire, so I don't think I left anything in there.

Could the second puncture have been due to the fact I couldn't inflate the tire sufficiently. Or was it just a complete coincidence that I got two in one day. It seems strange, as I've been reading for a good few months, and have never had one flat tire, let alone two!   

2008-11-13 1:54 PM
in reply to: #1806828

Subject: ...
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2008-11-13 2:00 PM
in reply to: #1806828

Champion
5575
5000500252525
Butler
Subject: RE: Two Flat Tires

It is tough with hand pumps to get air so I would suggest a CO2 inflater.

Check your rim tape to see if that is what is causing your flats.  Is it white Velox tape or cheap plastic tape.  Also, when you take the tire off see where the flat is, is it near the rim or tire?  You should be able to line the whole up with that is causing the problem.

2008-11-13 2:02 PM
in reply to: #1806828

Master
1845
100050010010010025
Athens, Ga.
Subject: RE: Two Flat Tires
Did you maybe pinch the new tube in the tire when you installed it? And if you could only inflate it about half of normal, that could cause problems too.
2008-11-13 2:04 PM
in reply to: #1806876

Veteran
263
1001002525
Subject: RE: Two Flat Tires
Thanks. I've heard about CO2 inflators. Are they easy to use, and how much do they cost?
2008-11-13 2:09 PM
in reply to: #1806886

Champion
5575
5000500252525
Butler
Subject: RE: Two Flat Tires
lengthcroft - 2008-11-13 2:04 PM Thanks. I've heard about CO2 inflators. Are they easy to use, and how much do they cost?
You can get them for less than $20 and refills run around $2.  Yes, they are fairly simple to use.

2008-11-13 2:41 PM
in reply to: #1806828

New user
2

Shorewood
Subject: RE: Two Flat Tires
Riding on low PSI a pinch flat was entirely possible,  I'd go to Walmart and pick up a box of 25 Crossman CO2 cartridges for about $12~$13  bucks total.  (I usually carry 3 of them on a training ride with 2 tubes).  After a ride in which I've replaced and refilled to new tube whith CO2 I always bleed the CO2 (fully) and then re-inflate normally with a floor pump.  I've heard that a tire fille dwith CO2 lill loose its fill at a rapid rate...  (Not sure if I necessarly believe it or not but...)  Smile
2008-11-13 4:30 PM
in reply to: #1806828

Expert
1379
1000100100100252525
Woodland, California
Subject: RE: Two Flat Tires
If there is a hole in your tire that goes all the way through, perhaps left by whatever caused you to flat the first time, that could cause a flat in your new tubes too.
2008-11-13 4:37 PM
in reply to: #1806828

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: Two Flat Tires

Could also be the rim of your tire. I'd suggest taking tire completely off your rim and inspecting the tire. Easy way to not cut your fingers is use small piece of cloth or tissue to see if it snags on anything. Check the rim of your tire. Then put it all back together.

Could have been underinflated caused the second flat or that you got a pinch flat when you put the tire back over the tube.

Other thing I'd suggest is after you inspect and redo the tire/tube, practice changing the tube. Try doing it 10 times over the course of the weekend. Then next time you get a flat it will be much easier.

 

 

2008-11-13 4:52 PM
in reply to: #1806828

Extreme Veteran
589
500252525
Gig Harbor
Subject: RE: Two Flat Tires

Forget the CO2 containers - you need to buy a good portable pump - I have a great one - it is light, did cost 50 bucks but it is tottaly worth it !

On STP this year I had 0 flats - but my 2 friends had a total of 9 !!!! My pump works fast has presta and schrader - no adapter - and it pumped their tires up to 105 psi fast.

 

2008-11-13 5:14 PM
in reply to: #1807313

Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Two Flat Tires

I'm not sure how you got the first flat (so you should check the inside of the tire for any sharp or  pointy objects).

If I were a betting man:  If you only got the second half filled, you got a pinch flat.  You hit a bump which pinched the tube between the tire and the rim.

A Co2 pump costs about 15-20 bucks.  That what I bring all the time and I don't even have a hand pump.  I also bring a spare tube, and two Co2's.  I also have a very small patch kit, which is a package of mylar bandades for the leak.

If I get a flat, I replace the tube and use the Co2.  If for some reason, I get another, I have the other Co2 and the patch.  If I get a third, I call for SAG with my cell phone.

2008-11-14 3:58 PM
in reply to: #1806828

Elite
3022
20001000
Preferably on my bike somewhere
Subject: RE: Two Flat Tires
Sounds like the second was a pinch plat. My buddy got 2 inexplicable flats within 10 minutes of eachother, and after the second one discovered he only inflated his tires to about 65lbs. This doesn't answer the first flat, though.
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