Punctures

[FreeFlow Bikes]

I use Continental GatorHardShell tyres and touch wood haven't punctured using them. I switched from Schwalbe Ultremo ZX tyres as I was getting punctures everytime I went out with them.

 

[Steve Lancashire]

Thank you for the info FFB

 

[Garz]

You can buy slime in bottles for about £8 from halfrauds. TBH it's hateful stiff as it gums up valves for a pastime. It'll also only work on fairly small holes and it adds a lot of rotational weight.

Just carry a couple of spare tubes and some levers in a saddle bag with some glueless patches and a co2 inflator/mini-pump. You should be carrying them anyway on a ride of 20 or 30 miles.

This.

 

[Steve Lancashire]

Hello there everyone,
Just thought I'd ask your opinion about something I'm considering.
With all this bad weather, and very probably a lot more ahead of us over the next month or two, I was considering buying a contraption that the back wheel fits on to, and effectively turns it into an excercise bike that can be used indoors.
I was thinking about this as I'm beginning to lose some level of fitnes, as I haven't been out on my bike for about a week now, but I want to do something to keep a certain level of fitness over the next few weeks before the weather improves, and I can get out on my bike a lot more than I am at the moment.
I know I'm a wuss not wanting to ride in heavy rain/sub zero temps, as I see lots of other cyclist out on the road in these conditions.
My questions are,
1, Do these contraptions actually work?
2, Do other members use one, if so, how do you rate them?
3, Where is the best place to buy one, Halfords/Decathlon, or possibly a LBS?
TYIA

 

[Garz]

1. Yes
2. Yes - can be boring but for fitness 8/10
3. Decathlon do a great value Tacx one

 

[Steve Lancashire]

Nice one Garz, just the kind of feedback i've been looking for. Thank you.

 

[Steve Lancashire]

Cheers for feedback mate.

 

[Garz]

Your welcome. I got a tacx one from Evans' a few winters back when the snow hit and didn't want it ruining my momentum. I got a bag and front wheel stand boxed unit which has been pretty solid for me. Have not used it this year as we have a 7month old tearing around and I cba building it and putting away the bike each session.

Good luck and post back what you decide on Steve!

 

[eck]

Back to fixing punctures for a moment: I'm wondering if, at the price, your bike has quick release wheels? If not, you'll also need to take a spanner (probably 15mm) to get the wheel off. (Apologies if this is a blinding glimpse of the bleedin' obvious.)
Also, for indoor riding, think about rollers instead of a turbo. Ok, maybe not as much a range of resistance as a turbo, but keeping up 20-25mph in a big gear on rollers is a good enough work out. And much more "engaging" (ie scary) than just sitting on a bike clamped to a turbo.

 

[GlenBen]

Ive fitted schwalbe duranos after peoples advice on here and love them. Not done a million miles on them yet but they run nicely and havent punctured so far. Never been a fan of slime though.

 

[Mello]

Over the past couple of weeks, with the snow and ice, I have had to revert to my Tacx Turbo Trainer. It not the same as being out on the road but its the next best thing and I think it has help me to maintain my fitness levels.

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

+1 for rollers over a turbo. It will build core stability and teach you how minimal weight shifts on the saddle can have a big effect on direction as opposed to turning your bars. Great technique to learn and helps when you are out on the road for dodging last minute pot holes/glass/debris etc. Resistance rollers have enough in them to let you know you're having a workout.

 

[Biker Joe]

If you're looking for tyres with excellent puncture protection, and that are also very hard wearing, I can recommend Vittoria Rubino Pros. I did over 6,000 miles on one set with zero punctures. I've now changed to wider tyres on my cross bike, and my OH has the Rubino Pros on her bike, to see if she can wear them out. Her original set lasted about 8,000 miles, I think, also with zero punctures.

I agree with lulubel.
I always use these on my road bike and can't fault them in any way.

 

[Ningishzidda]

More punctures on thin road tyres is a myth.
Firstly, they have a smaller area of contact, and secondly, it all depends on how many beer glasses were broken on the road the previous night.

I run Conti Supersonic 20 mm at 140 psi on my road bikes and haven't ( touch wood ) had a P*ncture for five years. It was on the island at A5 and M6 Toll. I remember it because I'd just departed Fitness First Cannock and ridden through a patch of glittery clear stuff.
On my MTB, I run Conti Ultragatorskin 26 x 1.125 at 100 psi and my last P*ncture was September. That was at the top of Leamington Spa parade outside a pub called The White Horse.

 

[HovR]

If you're looking for tyres with excellent puncture protection, and that are also very hard wearing, I can recommend Vittoria Rubino Pros. I did over 6,000 miles on one set with zero punctures. I've now changed to wider tyres on my cross bike, and my OH has the Rubino Pros on her bike, to see if she can wear them out. Her original set lasted about 8,000 miles, I think, also with zero punctures.

+1 for the Rubino range. I'm using regular Vittoria Rubinos on my commuter which haven't punctured once in the 1000 miles I've had them. They're quite slow wearing as well, the rear has only just lost its centre molding mark whilst the front still has it. Excellent value at around £12 per tire!

Tempted to try the Rubino Pros as my next tire on the nicer road bike, or possibly the Pro Slick variety.