Had the tires just been remounted on the rims before the blowouts? Sometimes the bead doesn't seat right when you put the tire on, and then it will blow. When you mount a tire, inflate to 30-50 psi and then check the bead all around on both sides to see that it is seated. If there is a high spot, let out some air and seat it properly. If a low spot, try letting out air to reseat. If that doesn't work, put some liquid soap on that part of the bead when you inflate. Only when you are sure that the bead is seated should you inflate to full pressure. If the tires had been on the rim for awhile and just now exploded, then I don't have a clue what to tell you. But trying a different tire is probably a good step. Also watch for temperature changes - don't inflate to max pressure when it's 30 degrees and ride when it's 80. We had a thread on that awhile back. Sorry for your frustrating ride. Hope your luck changes.
Welcome guest, is this your first visit? Click the "Create Account" button now to join.
Results 1 to 14 of 14
Thread: 3 Days, 2 Bikes, 6 Flats
Hybrid View
-
05-30-2006, 09:08 AM #1
Grease Monkey
- Join Date
- Jan 2006
- Location
- Massachusetts
- Posts
- 2,556
-
05-30-2006, 09:29 AM #2
Live your dreams...
- Join Date
- Jul 2003
- Location
- North Andover, Massachusetts USA
- Posts
- 1,643
Deb's advice is probably all that you need...
But there are two articles on flats that might be worth a read.
The first is on the TE site at http://www.teamestrogen.com/articles/asa_levers.asp.
Another is on Sheldon Brown's site at http://www.sheldonbrown.com/flats.html.www.denisegoldberg.com
- Click here for links to journals and photo galleries from my travels on two wheels and two feet.
- Random thoughts and experiences in my blog at denisegoldberg.blogspot.com
"To truly find yourself you should play hide and seek alone."
(quote courtesy of an unknown fortune cookie writer)
-
05-31-2006, 06:54 AM #3
I'll cycle for Doritos
- Join Date
- May 2006
- Location
- Rochester, NY
- Posts
- 13
Thanks Deb and Denise,
The front tire had a flat the previous day which we patched and rode 40 miles on it, got up the next day and inflated to 114psi. Thinking back I did make a sharp left turn before the kaboom, so maybe the tube was pinched at that angle. New gaterskins arrive twrrw.
Nice links with great pictures...you must have to have super strong nimble fingers to get that tire on w/o levers!
happy riding!
-
05-31-2006, 07:19 AM #4
Live your dreams...
- Join Date
- Jul 2003
- Location
- North Andover, Massachusetts USA
- Posts
- 1,643
Well, I know that I can't get tires on without levers! But I thought the article was interesting anyway...
Originally Posted by lette
--- Denisewww.denisegoldberg.com
- Click here for links to journals and photo galleries from my travels on two wheels and two feet.
- Random thoughts and experiences in my blog at denisegoldberg.blogspot.com
"To truly find yourself you should play hide and seek alone."
(quote courtesy of an unknown fortune cookie writer)
-
05-31-2006, 07:20 AM #5
Grease Monkey
- Join Date
- Jan 2006
- Location
- Massachusetts
- Posts
- 2,556
Now I'm wondering what it could possibly mean when the tire says "115-125 max". Does that mean that the max pressure you should use could be 115 or 125? So maybe it's within specs if a tire blows out with 124 psi? Crazy way to label a tire. Don't feel like you need to inflate a tire to it's max. It may roll better and handle better for you at a lower pressure, plus it will probably last longer. If you're getting pinch flats, the pressure is too low (or the potholes too deep). If you're getting blowouts or frequent punctures, the pressure is too high. Another tip (which you probably don't need) is to always make sure that the valve stem is straight and fully inserted into the rim. Regarding installing tires without tools, it takes strong fingers to start the job, and sore thumbs to finish.
Reply With Quote
