Ever heard of this?

[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