Can't find cause for two flats

I got my second flat front tire in about a month today. Both times I could not find anything in the tire that would have caused it.

The hole is on the side of the tube. I still have the tube I patched from the first flat, and the holes aren't in the exact same place, but they are close (couple of inches apart).

Is this just coincidence, or could I be missing something? The tire looks fine. I checked the wheel, too, and didn't find a rough place. The tape is okay.

Also, did I do any damage by rolling the bike-with-flat-tire about a mile to the subway? Both tire and wheel look okay.

Have you been riding regularly? If so, two flats a month apart is just coincidence. If there'd been something in the tire or wheel, you would've had a problem a long time ago.

Probably just coincidence.

I've had three tubes that flatted for no apparent reason. No holes, no nothing. The best thing we could think of is that I got tubes from a batch with bad valves (they were all purchased at the same time.):confused:

If the holes are on the side of the tube, especially if there are 2 holes on one side of the tube, then it is likely a pinch flat caused by low air pressure in the tire.

I second that idea. Pinch flat.

Does that mean I should pump my tires to a higher pressure? I usually keep the tires at the lower end of the range -- not for any particular reason.

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Originally Posted by PamNY

Does that mean I should pump my tires to a higher pressure? I usually keep the tires at the lower end of the range -- not for any particular reason.

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Higher pressure (within the range) rolls easier, lower pressure is often more comfortable but harder pedalling and increases the risk of pinch flats. You can also get a pinch flat from hitting something - a rock, big stick, kerb hopping gone wrong etc.

Are you riding a road or mountain bike? Road bikes use a higher pressure per tire. I usually keep my tires at 95 - 100 psi. I ride a road bike. You should check the air every time you go out for a ride.

I'm a...
high-pressure-religious-pumper-kinda-tire-gal lol:rolleyes:...
result = never had pinch flat to date.

About every other day to pump the tires in busy riding season. Thus, if it's been more than two days... you pump the tires before the bike ever leaves the house.

I take mine to at least 110+ish psi... but never exceeding what's on the tire label. Yea, it's less cushion, but changing a tire beside the road is a way more uncomfortable PITA imo lol.


Good Luck:).

There was a "Ladies Night" at a LBS last night. There was a woman from Giant there who apparently drives around the country giving assorted presentations from Giant - she is also a mountain biker. Anyway, her purpose last night was to give us a little clinic on road-side repairs - though it turned out to just be on how to change a tire. I had hoped that we might touch on what to do if we have a chain break, but that is beside the point.

There was a pretty lengthy discussion on tire pressure and how best to determine what is best for you. She recommended an experiment - lower your tire pressure to the lowest rated for your tire, ride around the block and see what you think of that. Raise the tire pressure 5 pounds and repeat the ride around the block. Rinse and repeat until you decide which pressure in your range gives you the best ride. Then, using THAT pressure, take it for a gentle moderate length ride - whatever that means to you and see how it goes.

It seemed a nice way to determine what works best for you - she explained that the upper pressure rating is just their way of telling you "if you add more air it will be over-inflated and that can be dangerous" - you don't have to run at that pressure to be safe from a flat.

Anyway, it was an interesting discussion and I am glad that I went.