Ever heard of this?

[uforgot]

Found on Sheldon Brown:

Tire Savers

Some punctures are caused by glass slivers or thorns gradually working their way through the tire tread. What can happen is that a small sharp object may be picked up by the tire, then gradually work its way in over the course of several tire revolutions. The pointy thing is driven in like a nail into wood by repeated blows against the pavement. A formerly popular device called a "tire saver" or "flint snatcher" used a loosely spring piece of wire (generally made from a bicycle spoke) to constantly brush the tire tread in hope of dislodging glass slivers and the like before they could penetrate all the way to the inner tube.

These are of dubious value in practice, but may be of help in backward areas where throwaway beverage bottles are still legal, and glass slivers are a major problem.


Also found this pic on the net.

[Mr. Bloom]

what is a goathead?

[OakLeaf]

One of the guys I ride with in Florida has a similar thing made out of fine chain (think the weight of a medium gauge pendant chain).

Something about my new bike's geometry (or maybe I just haven't got all my handling skills back, which is likely, but I think it's the bike too), I can't wipe my rear tire with my hand. The front tire is easy enough, though - not much farther a reach than the water bottle.

[silver]

what is a goathead?

I know something that Mr. doesn't. Though I admittedly only know about them from you ladies. a goathead is a plant bur, a thorny thing that falls off a plant in the southwest.

[sundial]

I know something that Mr. doesn't.

LOL! Shall we hear yet another admission from Mr. that you possess greater knowledge?

[Ninabike]

Those tire savers also went by the name "flint catchers". I used them years ago with sewup tires and never had a flat. I've looked for them in recent years but could never find any.

[spokewench]

what is a goathead?

YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW!

Seriously, it is a little thorn like thing with numerous hooks on it that when it works into your tire it is a little hole making monster! If you live near them, you MUST slime your tires.

spoke