<Road Cyclists Only> How often do you get a flat tire?

Question

What are the road conditions in your area? Do you have tiny cuts on your tires? Do you have tiny bumps on your tires? Describe the condition of your tires after riding them from new to 1000 miles.

Answer 1

I think 1000 miles is a good long distance getting out of a tire, especially for the rear.

If you ride in fear that your tire is too old, its best to go ahead and get new ones, in the least for your own comfort.

Yes, tiny holes, cuts do appear after awhile, for the most part they are okay. But if you start having flats frequently that tells you the tire is about to expire. Also, if the tire cross section bottom looks flat instead of a round D then its time for new tires.

Answer 2

I live in Arizona.

I get more flats than you can shake a stick at.

I NEVER go anywhere without patch kit and pump.

Answer 3

Road conditions are a lot of potholes and debris in the road. I do get tiny cuts occasionally in the tire, but rather than replace the tire, if it still has good tread I will put a patch on the inside of the tire, then put a piece of duct tape over the patch. The duct tape will prevent the tube from poking out after it&#039;s inflated.

I recently switched to Continental Gatorskin tires and haven&#039;t had a flat in about 2000 miles.  The rear tire is starting to show some wear, I will probably need to replace it in another 1000 miles or so. Front tire still has plenty of life left in it.  Probably won&#039;t need to replace the front until at least next year.

I heard a lot of good things about the Gatorskin tires, and decided to give them a try. They are a bit more expensive than other tires, but with longer tread life and reduced number of flats, I&#039;d say they&#039;re worth it.  I prefer the folding tire instead of the wire bead; they&#039;re a lot easier to change when you do get a flat and a lot easier to pack if you need to carry a spare.

Answer 4

I ride in neighborhoods with lots of broken glass.  I&#039;m constantly watching the road and going around glass, and I always ride about 3 feet from the curb to avoid all the debris.  I have slews of tiny cuts in my tires.  No bumps though.  Those are probably deep cuts that have damaged the internal support for the tire. (Time to get a new one).  

I don&#039;t get flats that often, but I do go through tires pretty quickly.  I get about 200 miles out of a rear tire, but that&#039;s ok because I dumpster dive at bike shops for tires.  When you tear them up this fast they don&#039;t have to be new.