More tire/tube questions

[cyclingnewbie]

Do any of you put powder between the tire and the tube? I have had a rash of flats lately, and I'm getting all kinds of advice from people. The powder is supposed to make it easier to get the tube in and out.

And, has anyone used the flat tires rather than the round ones? Are they worth the extra cost? What's the advantage.

Thanks.

[Veronica]

Are you asking about Kevlar beaded tires (can be folded) and wire beaded tires (can't be folded)?

Veronica

[annie]

I've used powder/corn starch on my tubes. I find it's messy enough that I don't bother anymore. But I know those who do. It's a matter of choice. No biggie.

annie

[cyclingnewbie]

Veronica:

I'm not sure what I'm talking about. A friend just bought new tires and said he bought folded tires that came flat and he had to make the curve in them as he put them in the rim, as opposed to the tires that are already rounded, in a round circle, not flat.

[Veronica]

It sounds like he got tires with a kevlar bead. The bead is what actually holds the tire onto the rim. The only advantage that I know of to a Kevlar bead is that it can be folded so if you're touring it makes it easy to carry a spare tire. I don't think the bead has any impact on flat protection.

Are you getting pinch flats - these usually have two little holes one on either side of the tube like snake eyes? You can avoid pinch flats by making sure your tires are inflated properly before each ride. Or is it debris on the road?

Veronica

[cyclingnewbie]

My recent flats have been puncture flats from debris. I've decided I'm just going to get a couple of new tubes and go on. The tubes with punctures I might patch, but they are more than a couple of years old and it might be worthwhile to just spend a few bucks on new ones. I might put a slime tube on the back, since that one is such a pain to change. I rode casually for three or four years without a single flat, and this year I've had several. Maybe it's just because I'm riding more. I have new tires this year, so that can't be the problem. But, I will never get past the "newbie" stage if I don't learn some of this stuff. This forum has been a great help! Thanks to everyone who posts. They have made me think about stuff I didn't know I needed to think about! :-)