Ever heard of this?

[sbctwin]

I had them on my old Gitane...STICKER FLICKERS is what I called them. I NEVER had a flat with these things...

[singletrackmind]

What about a tire liner? I use the cheaper, heavier tuffys but there are lighter versions. Works for me both mountain and road though the worst we have prolly doesn't compare to a goathead. Doesn't save the sidewall, just the tread area, which, again, works for me all but one time so far. In 15 years of using them.

[smilingcat]

I just use my hand to clear debris off my wheel.

You don't have to rub your hand hard against the tire. If anything, you just want to brush lightly. I "brush" the wheel between my thumb and my forefinger. glove is a must and I have yet to get cut with glass shards, sharp pieces of metal or a nail.

The front wheel is done by placing the hand in front of the brake caliper where the wheel has cleared the brake calipers and rotating away from it. If you are unsteady, you can brace your hand against the brake caliper.

The back wheel is done by reaching between your leg and just behind the seat tube. Never place your hand where you can get your hand caught between the brake caliper and the wheel. Also when you do this, its easier if you are coasting and not pedalling. Riding a straight line makes it easier too.

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am I just too cheap or what? I patch my tire until they have about a half a dozen or so patches. Never had reliability issues with patched tires. I just find it so wasteful when people throw away the tube wih one simple flat. newer glueless thin patches are useless. The old fashioned with glue kind works really well.

tire liners/protectors. they worked really well for me, though I haven't used them in a long time. It's a bit of hassle.

smilingcat

[mimitabby]

The goathead is a light green low-lying plant with pretty little flowers. Its seed pods are deadly. when the pods get hard, the plant is almost invisible, as it blends into the background. YOu will not know what hit you; that is; until you check your tires.

[singletrackmind]

am I just too cheap or what? I patch my tire until they have about a half a dozen or so patches. Never had reliability issues with patched tires. I just find it so wasteful when people throw away the tube wih one simple flat. newer glueless thin patches are useless. The old fashioned with glue kind works really well.

tire liners/protectors. they worked really well for me, though I haven't used them in a long time. It's a bit of hassle.

smilingcat

I keep a patch kit too, along with a spare tube in case the patch kit doesn't cover the job......though I always end up using my kit on other people's tubes (no flats, knock on wood).
The liner is a bit of a hassle the first time you get it in there, no doubt about that!