Guest poster Don Blount on flats, tires, and prudence.
When I received the first flat to my rear tire (below), while out on a Saturday ride, I didn’t think too much of it. I just changed it and went on my way.
A week later, while on my way home from a 20-mile ride, I heard a sudden clanging from my rear tire. A curved tree branch had sliced through the sidewall and bottom of the tire. The tire wouldn’t hold a tube, even with a boot, and I called for pickup. The branch also stripped paint off the seat tube of my bike (below). That was the source of the clanging sound.
I later checked the mileage on the tires – more than 2,600. Yikes! I ordered a new set of Michelin Krylions and installed a spare rear tire so I could continue riding until the new ones arrived.
With all of the junk on the road this time of the year, I feel more comfortable with new tires on my ride. I won’t wait so long to change them next time around either.
Ed. note: Any thoughts about how long you should keep tires until replacing them?
I think it depends on many factors, but I like to think I can get 3,000 miles from a set of tires.
My OEM Bontragers had no signs of casing after 3,000 miles and only one flat which I think was a pinch flat. My replacement set of Krylions did not make it to 3,000. I will be interested in an update on your Krylions. My set showed signs of dry rot on the sidewalls within a month or so of installation.
I also had another flat three days ago, brand new tire. In this area we get what we call goatheads, I think they could puncture lead sheeting.
I have taken to carrying two tubes.
And another flat! I found the rear tire flat Sunday night while checking the bike for a Monday ride. This one was a caused by a tiny piece of metal that worked its way into the tube.
I went through a round of flats and cut tires a few weeks ago. I replaced the rear with a Bontager Race Lite Hardcase at the time and love it. Today, while adjusting my saddle I gave the front a once over and it needs to be replaced. My guess is that the tires were the originals from when the bike was new (I bought it used).
I recently had a small branch rip the front fender off it’s supports on my commuter, and have it secured with tie wraps for now. Got my first flat of 2010 last week also. The Fall can be tough on bikes.