Deb and Ridebikeme,

Thanks for the additional info. As bike mechanics, you both have more expertise and a wider sample size than the typical bike owner, so your input is extremely interesting.

I don't think the Bonty tubes are short. It's been a couple of years since I've handled one of the Bonty Superlights, so I can't say that conclusively.

Another factor in my case might be the tires that were originally mounted. I don't remember the model of the tire, but it was a Bontrager, very lightweight with no tread. When I had my blow out, one of the guys who was around while I was changing the tire commented on how flimsy the bead was. Maybe Deb's right about the cause in this case -- maybe the tire did separate from the rim due to the flimsy bead.

At any rate, after than incident I switched to the Bontrager butyl tubes and some Continental Grand Prix tires. I just didn't want to take any chances with severe flats, especially with 650C wheels, where borrowing an extra tube could be a problem.

The bummer of the whole thing was that when I first got my bike, I felt like it was the PF Flyers of bikes -- the equivalent of jump higher, run faster. Jobob used to tease me about having helium in the tires. After switching to the heavier tubes/tires, that PF Flyer/helium feeling went away, and hasn't come back since. Ah, the price you pay to avoid flats!

-- Melissa