Vent: Run of flats!

Before my ride today, I noticed my rear tire had deflated. That's the second rear flat in as many days. The first one: The rubber around the valve stem had separated. No sharp edges in the hole in the rim, as far as I can tell. The tube was a year old, and DBF suggested I try to be consistent in my use of the little nut thing that comes with them. Okay, one I can live with.

The second one...I found a hole in the tube. Only one, and I hadn't ridden over anything sharp. No corresponding holes in the tire. It was along a seam on the "inside" of the tube, so the only thing I can think of is that it was a bad tube and the seam split overnight.

Those used both my spares. I picked up some new ones on my way home from my ride...after having kept my fingers crossed the whole way.:rolleyes:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Owlie

The first one: The rubber around the valve stem had separated. No sharp edges in the hole in the rim, as far as I can tell. The tube was a year old, and DBF suggested I try to be consistent in my use of the little nut thing that comes with them. Okay, one I can live with.

---

Best to be consistent about NOT using the little nut thing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Owlie

The second one...I found a hole in the tube. Only one, and I hadn't ridden over anything sharp. No corresponding holes in the tire. It was along a seam on the "inside" of the tube, so the only thing I can think of is that it was a bad tube and the seam split overnight.

---

With a hole on the inside of the tube, check your rim strip. Make sure that any sharp edges of the nipple holes are covered. And if the rimstrip had a big divot at each nipple hole, replace it.

I had tire troubles today too. Found a couple of goatheads. The big one was near the sidewall so I didn't touch it and held my breath. The other broke off and probably didn't go in deep enough to damage the tube. I rode the six miles home, pulled the big one and whoosh, flat tire. Luckily, it was the front so easy to change.

Performance always has tubes on sale so I have a good supply.

It's the second tube I changed this year, my bike sat in the basement all winter with a flat back tire so I had to fix the flat before my first ride of the season.

I hope I'm done for the rest of the season.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DebW

Best to be consistent about NOT using the little nut thing.

---

Oh? Why? (I'm also confused as to why they come with the nut thing anyway, as I've been ignoring them.) I'm all for being a little lazy!

Quote:

---

With a hole on the inside of the tube, check your rim strip. Make sure that any sharp edges of the nipple holes are covered. And if the rimstrip had a big divot at each nipple hole, replace it.

---

I didn't specifically check this, but aside from a scuff around the hole for the valve stem, I don't remember it having holes or anything in it. If I end up with another flat, I'll definitely check it! (And this means I must remember to put a bit of duct tape or something in my seatbag...which means I need a new seatbag--mine's full!)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Owlie

Oh? Why? (I'm also confused as to why they come with the nut thing anyway, as I've been ignoring them.) I'm all for being a little lazy!

---

The only thing the nut collar is good for is keeping the valve from sinking into the tire when the tube is completely deflated and you're trying to get the pump on the valve. They can cause the tube around the valve to tear sometimes, so you have better odds of making your tubes last if you don't use them. And tube changes are quicker without.

I did not know that. Thanks!

Perhaps it's time for new tires ;)

Maybe better quality tubes. Tubes do not last forever in a seatbag or at home. I found that out the hard way.