Pinch flats on Michelin Pro 4 SC

[annirak]

I recently switched to Michelin Pro 4 SC 23mm clinchers. On my first long ride, I dropped down a 3-inch curb and I immediately had a flat. My tubes were inflated to the requisite 100-110PSI. I was standing on the pedals.

When I installed the tyres, I carefully went round the whole rim on both sides, making sure the tape was flat and the tube wasn't caught under the tyre. I was using Michelin A1 AirStop Butyl tubes.

Is there something else I need to do to prevent pinch flats from minor impacts? Is it my rims? Should I just expect this from road bike clinchers?

 

[youngoldbloke]

Don't drop down 3" kerbs maybe? A little surprised you got the pinch flat. IME more likely to happen when you hit an edge, like the edge of a pothole.

 

[annirak]

Don't drop down 3" kerbs maybe? A little surprised you got the pinch flat. IME more likely to happen when you hit an edge, like the edge of a pothole.

I'll grant you that avoiding kerbs was my take-away, but I've also seen road cyclists bunny-hopping up and down kerbs fairly frequently, and not stopping immediately afterwards to change their tubes!

 

[fossyant]

I run the SCs and Endurance. The endurance is on my commuter with panniers. I have had a couple of pinch flats, but these were caused by big potholes (big enough to dent the rim). I'd take it easier hopping off pavements.

 

[JasonHolder]

A pinch puncture in effect is caused by impact deforming the tire and the tube nipping into a spot between bead and rim due to pressure. Personally ride my wheels hard down bridle ways daily/ curbs/ bunny hopping odd bits of bad road and landing in bad road after thr worst. Etc ultremo zx and most recently mich pro3 light SC. All fine, maybe learn to be extra giving with regards to taking as much weight off the bike as you can at impact.

 

[annirak]

Here's the damage:

Picture is taken edge-on. The green puncture is towards the tyre, the red puncture is towards the rim.

 

[JasonHolder]

Yup that's abnormal. Wonder what it was

Im discovering through expensive mistakes that continental GP4000s might be the way forwards. Or the turbo tires Mr H likes so much