4 tyres in 3 weeks, What am I doing wrong?

[RedBike]

I've gone through 4 rear tyres in the space of 3 weeks.
I keep getting big holes in the side walls of my tyres.

I'm commuting with heavy panniers and 23mm tyres. It's a Ribble winter bike so larger tyres wont fit. I have the tyres pumped up to about 100psi which seems allright as I've never pinched flatted.

I've tried several differnt tyres so it can't be the make. Two Conti GP 3000, a Mitchelin pro race 2 and an Ultra-gator.

My brake blokes are no where near the tyre. I'm so paranoid i've actually set them slightly too low.

My plastic sks mudgaurds do occationally lightly catch the tyres on the climbs but there's no marks on the tyre walls or visable signs of the guards rubbing.


What else can I try?
Do you think this has anything to do with the fact they're busy putting loose chippings everywhere?

 

[fossyant]

Check rim for damage - eg sharp edges - there is something wrong with it. Does it run true ?

 

[Over The Hill]

Are mice eating the tyres?

"Big holes in the side wall" I had a lot of rubber bits eaten on a bike a few years ago.

 

[RedBike]

Are mice eating the tyres?

It's odd you should post that. Yes there are bits of rubber on the floor around the tyres.

Whats more, all the flats have happened either over-night or within a few yards of me setting off in the morning.

Yesterday I did 80miles (no problems) I got back washed the bike and carefully checked the tyres - not a mark on them.

This morning when I came to the bike I had yet another flat tyre caused by a great big hole in the side-wall of the tyre.

It only seems to happen after I wash the bike off. Are mice attracted by soap?

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

... if it has cheese in it, then maybe.

I'll get my coat

 

[domtyler]

Rats , possibly dogs.

 

[RedBike]

Dogs, in my shed?

I though mice was stretching things.

 

[tdr1nka]

Is there any chance you are over inflating the tyres or leaving them up against something hot?

 

[Oldlegs]

If it helps you can fit 25's on the Ribble winter frame. It says up to 23 on their website but mine runs no problem with Conti Ultra Gatorskins 25's.

 

[BADGER.BRAD]

Suspend the bike from the ceiling or walls so the little bar stewards cannot get to them if they are then OK it will prove the point , They really do seem to chew anything!