Ok, that's it.

[makbike]

Have you closely inspected the inside of the tire to make sure there is not a tiny piece of glass or metal present? I once found a metal wire sticking through just enough to reach the tube, hence my repeated flats.

Hope you undercover the reason soon!

[SouthernBelle]

Hi all,

We've used different brands of tubes from different shops, the holes have been in differing spots. I haven't looked at the last tube. We used one of my old tires that's still ridable just to use a different tire.

A couple of things have come to mind since I talked to Meg.

1. She may need new rim tape. This is an older Bianchi probably never been replaced.

2. When we were futzing around with the defective tire, it had an ear-splitting blowout right after we aired it up. Could a blowout of that nature have damaged the rim.

3. OK, more than a couple, this bike had larger tires, I think they were 700x28, we are trying to work with 23s or my old one is a 25. It seemed to clinch on OK, but could it be that these rims are too wide for that tire.

random thoughts,

[DebW]

Hi all,

We've used different brands of tubes from different shops, the holes have been in differing spots. I haven't looked at the last tube. We used one of my old tires that's still ridable just to use a different tire.

A couple of things have come to mind since I talked to Meg.

1. She may need new rim tape. This is an older Bianchi probably never been replaced.

Definitely replace it. Cheap insurance, and it might really be the problem.

2. When we were futzing around with the defective tire, it had an ear-splitting blowout right after we aired it up. Could a blowout of that nature have damaged the rim.

No, but it might damage the tire and cause it to not seat well in the future. OTOH, a rim with a major dent or flat spot might lead to tire blowouts. But usually they are caused by not seating the bead properly. When you mount a tire, always check the bead seating after you've put ~30 psi in the tire. Don't inflate to pressure until you're sure the bead is properly seated.

3. OK, more than a couple, this bike had larger tires, I think they were 700x28, we are trying to work with 23s or my old one is a 25. It seemed to clinch on OK, but could it be that these rims are too wide for that tire.

Probably it's OK, as most rims can handle 23-28 fine. But to be sure, measure the inside width of the rim and compare to this table on Sheldon Brown's site (scroll down to the red and green table).

[Meg McKilty]

Ok, I have decided to go to our LBS (Jolly) and see what's up. This is frustrating and my knees are wearing out quickly from all of this running trying to keep in shape without the aid of my cycle.

I'll update when I get an answer.

[SouthernBelle]

Let us know what he says, & let me know if you are riding tomorrow.

[Meg McKilty]

So I went to a bike shop and they took off the tube, listened to it, tried inflating it. Nothing happened. Inspected the wheel, the tire, all that jazz.

Put the tube in the tire, pumped it slowly, making sure the bead was seated correctly, and pumped slowly still.

The tire works fine now. I have lost all esteem in my tube and tire changing abilities.

Then I rode home in horrible pours of rain. Everything on my bike was SOAKED.