Thud thud thud

On my ride to work this morning my bike's back end felt like I was rolling over train tracks. I stopped and checked the brakes and spun the wheel to see if it was catching or being obstructed but it wasn't. Later while it was parked in my office I noticed that the tread was not aligned at one point. I took it over to the LBS think that the wheel need trueing. Turns out the tire went bad.

I took the opportunity to purchase an Armadillo. Everything around here has thorns or spines or glass. We'll see how well it holds up.

It never occurred to me that tires could fail that way. I certainly can see the justification of carrying a spare tire. Wouldn't want to have to travel a great distance with the back end going thump thump thump

This happened to me a few weeks ago. I went to check my tires before my commute to work and my back (why is it always the back?!) tire was completely flat. So I change the tube and, sure enough, the sidewall of my tire is buldging out. I rode gingerly to and from work without taking any extra loops on the way home and got some new tires that night.

I think this is something that you just have to expect once in a while and be prepared with a spare tire at home.

Sidewall blow outs are scary. I now carry tire boots just in case- tho Tony says a folded up dollar bill works just as good. If the tube is bulging it will pop in short order, so never ride on it.
Coyote- I also reccomend continental GP4000's. I have had a total of two flats in the 2.5 years that I've been using them. And the first flat- sidewall blow out. :eek:

Running Mommy did you know that the Continental GP4000 comes in colors? :D They are totally awesome. They don't come in my size but Conti makes one called a Ultragatorskin that looks interesting.

Hopefully I'll get a road bike soon and I'll keep the GP4000 in my mind. Tires that match the bike would be fun.