Just got a road bike. Already had 2 flats. Is being overweight a factor?
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chivalryder wrote: »If the tyres are run at the proper pressure I'd expect the ultra sports to be at least as durable as the gp4000 black chilies... Being trading rubber rather than race, they should probably be more durable if anything. Obviously wear is also influenced by rider weight and the road surface, but frankly, I got that distance at 250lb. And on road surfaces that are rough enough that I usually kill the tyres with Flint cuts to the tread or sidewall before wearing out the rubber, so unless your continually riding dirt trails, you could treat my distance as a reasonable enough benchmark I reckon.
Nice. Thanks. I run them right at 120 psi. During my commute I have about 1 mile of rough paved gravel and when I ride on it, it's like I can hear/feel the tire disintegrating with every revolution. I guess most of that is from me being used to the more cushy MTB tires along with worry the Conti US will go the way of the Rubena V99, prematurely. Now I can put that to rest...
120 psi? How heavy are you? That sounds like too much pressure, especially if you ride on rough surfaces from time to time.
Aim to keep the pressure at a level that allows a bit of bulge where it contacts the road. It will actually reduce rolling resistance and allow the tire to form over small irregularities on the road.
Apps like Berto Tire Pressure can do the math for you, so you can get the pressure just right.
Read the first post. Op weighed in at 285lb a month or so ago... 120psi in 25mm conti tyres(which come up as pretty small, nearer 23 from Michelin or Vittoria do example) is not too far from optimal and will give that sag in the tyre you mentioned... 100 psi would be snake biting every time you rode over a cats eye!
I forgot this was the OP and all of the specifics. This thread is getting old and I usually don't re-read posts. My bad.0 -
tire pressure.. and if your using your same tires on trainer could also be a culprit.. there are tires specifically for the trainer
I have a trainer specific tire for the winter months.chivalryder wrote: »If the tyres are run at the proper pressure I'd expect the ultra sports to be at least as durable as the gp4000 black chilies... Being trading rubber rather than race, they should probably be more durable if anything. Obviously wear is also influenced by rider weight and the road surface, but frankly, I got that distance at 250lb. And on road surfaces that are rough enough that I usually kill the tyres with Flint cuts to the tread or sidewall before wearing out the rubber, so unless your continually riding dirt trails, you could treat my distance as a reasonable enough benchmark I reckon.
Nice. Thanks. I run them right at 120 psi. During my commute I have about 1 mile of rough paved gravel and when I ride on it, it's like I can hear/feel the tire disintegrating with every revolution. I guess most of that is from me being used to the more cushy MTB tires along with worry the Conti US will go the way of the Rubena V99, prematurely. Now I can put that to rest...
120 psi? How heavy are you? That sounds like too much pressure, especially if you ride on rough surfaces from time to time.
Aim to keep the pressure at a level that allows a bit of bulge where it contacts the road. It will actually reduce rolling resistance and allow the tire to form over small irregularities on the road.
Apps like Berto Tire Pressure can do the math for you, so you can get the pressure just right.
Read the first post. Op weighed in at 285lb a month or so ago... 120psi in 25mm conti tyres(which come up as pretty small, nearer 23 from Michelin or Vittoria do example) is not too far from optimal and will give that sag in the tyre you mentioned... 100 psi would be snake biting every time you rode over a cats eye!
There is def a slight sag on rear as I ride. I did get the Berto tire pressure app and it said I needed like 160 psi and for me to get within the proper range for the 25mm Conti US I would need to weigh around 200 lb max. Yeah... not gonna happen. Haha
This is why I have opted to go with mountain bikes, hybrids, touring bikes, and commuters. I'm currently riding on 2" tires. With my 240lbs *kitten* and a small load on the back, the rear tire is only holding 40-45psi and the front is holding 35-40 psi.
Very, very comfy. I don't feel any slower. Also, I have a background in mountain biking, so whenever I see a dirt trail, I end up turning down it.
Theoretically, with 2" tires, filled to their max PSI, the total weight the tires can carry is somewhere around 350 lbs.
Skinny tires can't carry very much, comparatively.
I should also mention, I'm not interested in racing. I'm working towards getting into bicycle touring. Skinny tires are useless for that, unless you're staying in motels every night, which I will not. I'll happily lose 2 or 3 mph cruising speed if it dramatically increases my comfort and surfaces I can ride on.0 -
chivalryder wrote: »tire pressure.. and if your using your same tires on trainer could also be a culprit.. there are tires specifically for the trainer
I have a trainer specific tire for the winter months.chivalryder wrote: »If the tyres are run at the proper pressure I'd expect the ultra sports to be at least as durable as the gp4000 black chilies... Being trading rubber rather than race, they should probably be more durable if anything. Obviously wear is also influenced by rider weight and the road surface, but frankly, I got that distance at 250lb. And on road surfaces that are rough enough that I usually kill the tyres with Flint cuts to the tread or sidewall before wearing out the rubber, so unless your continually riding dirt trails, you could treat my distance as a reasonable enough benchmark I reckon.
Nice. Thanks. I run them right at 120 psi. During my commute I have about 1 mile of rough paved gravel and when I ride on it, it's like I can hear/feel the tire disintegrating with every revolution. I guess most of that is from me being used to the more cushy MTB tires along with worry the Conti US will go the way of the Rubena V99, prematurely. Now I can put that to rest...
120 psi? How heavy are you? That sounds like too much pressure, especially if you ride on rough surfaces from time to time.
Aim to keep the pressure at a level that allows a bit of bulge where it contacts the road. It will actually reduce rolling resistance and allow the tire to form over small irregularities on the road.
Apps like Berto Tire Pressure can do the math for you, so you can get the pressure just right.
Read the first post. Op weighed in at 285lb a month or so ago... 120psi in 25mm conti tyres(which come up as pretty small, nearer 23 from Michelin or Vittoria do example) is not too far from optimal and will give that sag in the tyre you mentioned... 100 psi would be snake biting every time you rode over a cats eye!
There is def a slight sag on rear as I ride. I did get the Berto tire pressure app and it said I needed like 160 psi and for me to get within the proper range for the 25mm Conti US I would need to weigh around 200 lb max. Yeah... not gonna happen. Haha
This is why I have opted to go with mountain bikes, hybrids, touring bikes, and commuters. I'm currently riding on 2" tires. With my 240lbs *kitten* and a small load on the back, the rear tire is only holding 40-45psi and the front is holding 35-40 psi.
Very, very comfy. I don't feel any slower. Also, I have a background in mountain biking, so whenever I see a dirt trail, I end up turning down it.
Theoretically, with 2" tires, filled to their max PSI, the total weight the tires can carry is somewhere around 350 lbs.
Skinny tires can't carry very much, comparatively.
I should also mention, I'm not interested in racing. I'm working towards getting into bicycle touring. Skinny tires are useless for that, unless you're staying in motels every night, which I will not. I'll happily lose 2 or 3 mph cruising speed if it dramatically increases my comfort and surfaces I can ride on.
Good info. Thanks. I do have an MTB. Albeit a heavy steel 29/29er (29lbs/29") but it's durable as all hell. I used to commute with it last year but decided to n+1 in the offseason and wanted something I could train on. It was either the RB or a CX. Part of me wishes I bought the CX cuz like you, I love to hit a newly discovered trail to see where it leads. I do love the speed and response of the RB though.0 -
chivalryder wrote: »tire pressure.. and if your using your same tires on trainer could also be a culprit.. there are tires specifically for the trainer
I have a trainer specific tire for the winter months.chivalryder wrote: »If the tyres are run at the proper pressure I'd expect the ultra sports to be at least as durable as the gp4000 black chilies... Being trading rubber rather than race, they should probably be more durable if anything. Obviously wear is also influenced by rider weight and the road surface, but frankly, I got that distance at 250lb. And on road surfaces that are rough enough that I usually kill the tyres with Flint cuts to the tread or sidewall before wearing out the rubber, so unless your continually riding dirt trails, you could treat my distance as a reasonable enough benchmark I reckon.
Nice. Thanks. I run them right at 120 psi. During my commute I have about 1 mile of rough paved gravel and when I ride on it, it's like I can hear/feel the tire disintegrating with every revolution. I guess most of that is from me being used to the more cushy MTB tires along with worry the Conti US will go the way of the Rubena V99, prematurely. Now I can put that to rest...
120 psi? How heavy are you? That sounds like too much pressure, especially if you ride on rough surfaces from time to time.
Aim to keep the pressure at a level that allows a bit of bulge where it contacts the road. It will actually reduce rolling resistance and allow the tire to form over small irregularities on the road.
Apps like Berto Tire Pressure can do the math for you, so you can get the pressure just right.
Read the first post. Op weighed in at 285lb a month or so ago... 120psi in 25mm conti tyres(which come up as pretty small, nearer 23 from Michelin or Vittoria do example) is not too far from optimal and will give that sag in the tyre you mentioned... 100 psi would be snake biting every time you rode over a cats eye!
There is def a slight sag on rear as I ride. I did get the Berto tire pressure app and it said I needed like 160 psi and for me to get within the proper range for the 25mm Conti US I would need to weigh around 200 lb max. Yeah... not gonna happen. Haha
This is why I have opted to go with mountain bikes, hybrids, touring bikes, and commuters. I'm currently riding on 2" tires. With my 240lbs *kitten* and a small load on the back, the rear tire is only holding 40-45psi and the front is holding 35-40 psi.
Very, very comfy. I don't feel any slower. Also, I have a background in mountain biking, so whenever I see a dirt trail, I end up turning down it.
Theoretically, with 2" tires, filled to their max PSI, the total weight the tires can carry is somewhere around 350 lbs.
Skinny tires can't carry very much, comparatively.
I should also mention, I'm not interested in racing. I'm working towards getting into bicycle touring. Skinny tires are useless for that, unless you're staying in motels every night, which I will not. I'll happily lose 2 or 3 mph cruising speed if it dramatically increases my comfort and surfaces I can ride on.
Good info. Thanks. I do have an MTB. Albeit a heavy steel 29/29er (29lbs/29") but it's durable as all hell. I used to commute with it last year but decided to n+1 in the offseason and wanted something I could train on. It was either the RB or a CX. Part of me wishes I bought the CX cuz like you, I love to hit a newly discovered trail to see where it leads. I do love the speed and response of the RB though.
My current do-it-all bike weights a hefty 33 lbs dry, and I need a bigger frame.
I, on the other hand, weight 240 lbs. I could do with losing at least 60 lbs. No point in dropping 10 lbs on the bike if I can't drop 20 off my own *kitten*.
I love the versatility of it though. I'll be getting some touring tires so I can decent grip on all surfaces and the thread will be smooth so there will be less rolling resistance. It's not the fastest anywhere, but I can ride it literally anywhere I want, short of loose, soft surfaces.
Sure, I won't be able to keep up with the spandex-clad guys with calves as big as my thighs and I'll be a complete turd going up hills (that's more my problem than the bike), but road, dirt, gravel, rocks, packed snow, ice (with studs), grass, wood, rain, sun, sleet, you name it. I can ride in it.
I can train on it, tour, commute, have a blast through the forest,
I'm eccentric though. I don't follow the n+1 formula. I much prefer n=1. I put the extra money I would have spent on another bike into an investment. Then I'm be closer to financial independence at a younger age where I can ride my one bike all day, every day, and never have to sit in an office, wishing I were out riding my bike.0 -
Whelp.... I am back here after 3 flats in about 2 weeks. All on the rear.
The first I could not tell where the hole was because when I removed the tire the tube had a 3" long gash in it. Maybe from the removal or something. Not sure.
The second had just a tiny slit in it that I could not identify on the tire itself. I didn't see any signs of damage or puncture anywhere.
After the second flat I took my time looking at the wheel and didn't notice any areas of concern other than the rim tape looked slightly offset to the center of the rim. IE-the deepest section of the wheel, where the spokes go through, it's flush on the left side, but goes up the rise a bit on the drive side. I'll check the rim tape seam for an edge. It's gotta be that. (I hope). I'll do yet another inspection this evening.
When looking online for rim tape, how do I know what width I need? I see anything from 17mm-22mm. Tires are 25mm.
After replacing the tube I went for two 1 hour rides on the trainer without issue. Today was my first ride out on the road since replacing the tube.
I spoke to the LBS and they recommended Specialized rim strips over the velox cloth. I am very reluctant to try another non-cloth strip. Advice?0 -
IMO, go for the cloth tape. Measure the inner trough of the rim, it should be wide enough to cover that completely.0
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Thanks, Archon.
I did just that. I took the tube, tire & rim to the LBS and they inspected the tape and it was an identical match to Specialized rim strips. LBS guy said the tape was a little off center but otherwise fine so that not sitting well with me, I decided to get the Velox rim tape and they installed and remounted for free. The cloth tape was wide. Wide enough to cover the entire rim from bead to bead (as in the guy had to use a tool to tuck the tape under where the bead sits)
I took a 16 mile ride once I got home and seems ok, for now. *crossing fingers*0 -
Good luck, I hope it works as well for you as it did for me.0
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I weigh 285 also but haven't had any flats. I run 100-120psi in my tires. I did change out the wheels to 36 spokes. Originally had 16 spokes on the front wheel and 20 in the back.0
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Any update M1 since you changed to cloth rim tape?0
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FWIW, when I started cycling I also bought a Motobecane that came with 23mm Conti Ultra sports. I started getting flats with only about 600 miles on the tires. I thoroughly inspected the tires to ensure that nothing was embedded in the tire to repeat the punctures. I was running approx. 100psi. The punctures weren't pinch flats but punctures. I then purchased Conti Gatorskins and increased the width from 23mm to 25mm. The tires were more comfortable and went 3000 miles before suffering a flat. I have since lost weight and gone to a different bike (a lighter carbon fiber) and I still buy Conti Gatorskins to handle the mediocre pavement I ride on here in VT. No real knowledge or insight to impart just relating my experience.
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FWIW, when I started cycling I also bought a Motobecane that came with 23mm Conti Ultra sports. I started getting flats with only about 600 miles on the tires. I thoroughly inspected the tires to ensure that nothing was embedded in the tire to repeat the punctures. I was running approx. 100psi. The punctures weren't pinch flats but punctures. I then purchased Conti Gatorskins and increased the width from 23mm to 25mm. The tires were more comfortable and went 3000 miles before suffering a flat. I have since lost weight and gone to a different bike (a lighter carbon fiber) and I still buy Conti Gatorskins to handle the mediocre pavement I ride on here in VT. No real knowledge or insight to impart just relating my experience.
Good info. Thanks for sharing.0 -
I had some of those tyres, found them very poor. Get some continental gator skins. Very reliable puncture resistant tyres0
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Rear tube went PPHHHSSsssphsssst.t....t..... on the ride home from work. Its been a while since I had one on the old road bike. Hope this isn't the start of a trend. I thought immediately of m1xm0d3!
Yes...the guts of my old Fuji splattered like roadkill on the side of the road. Thankfully, the old pocket rocket and a spare tube got me home...a bit late though.
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I'm about 270lbs and have my tyres running at 110-120psi. I use Conti Gatorskins and rarely get a puncture (touch wood). When I have got one, it's because I've been running too low on psi or it's a pinch flat.0
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Figured I'd take tire off at leisure tonight before I commute again with it tomorrow and I figured out what gave me the rear flat last week. At some point earlier in the year when I put on some new tires, I must have squished the cloth rim tape over a little bit off one of the spoke heads when muscling on the new tire, since I found a crease in the tape and an exposed spoke head where the tube punctured. Guess it isn't hard to do as they don't have much adhesive. I put some new cloth tape on (a little wider gauge too) so hopefully all will go well. So I guess that is something else to be careful of: if you take your tire and/or tube off, don't shove over a little section of rim tape or rim strip as it will doom your tube eventually!0
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Puncture resist tyres were like a godsend for me. I was getting flats every week, twice a week, sometimes on consecutive days and it was really depressing. I got two Armadillo puncture resist tyres and they are so good. I do still occasionally get flats, but now it's about 2 or 3 times a year, rather than 2 or 3 times a week!0
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The year I had 7 flats, I switched to Gatorskins with the reinforced sidewalls. I believe using them has reduced my incidence of flats. I keep my air pressure at the max or even a few lbs. over. Riding in wet conditions seem to increase the risk of flats as the crud adheres to a wet wheel. I already got a flat from hitting a sharp stone. Awareness helps. I usually wipe my tires off after a ride. That removes any crud that is stuck on my tires so as not to allow it to produce a puncture on the next ride.0
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So far, so good. No flats since the velox tape was installed.0
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I have been riding with weights of 275-350 and have not experienced flats. I did have a blowout this past week. The tires showed some dry rot but the culprit was probably under inflation. My pump has a built in gauge and when I checked it the pump showed 15 lbs less pressure then the tire gauge I just bought, so I"m pretty sure that is what caused my sidewall to go. Of course my bike is used and they may have been the original tires from 1998 for all I know, so they were due to be changed. I should have changed them when I bought it.0
This discussion has been closed.