Tyre & Puncture Wonderings

[Tom B]

I have developed a bit of a theory that tyres soften and lose their puncture resistance with age.
This is most noticeable on my works bike which runs 26" Schwalbe Land-cruisers.

Once I start picking up punctures they just get more and more frequent until the tyre is replaced. If I run the tyre flat (I have been known to walk 5 miles with a flat) then that seems to soften the tyre and make it more puncture prone. Seems to happen as the tread gets down to about 1½mm.

A few months ago I had a puncture a day for 5days until i replaced the tyre.


I have been using my commuter in all but the worst snow/ice for 2½ years now and it is still on its first set of Continental Contact Safety system tyres. I had no issues with flats but all of a sudden I have collected two punctures in a week.

I cant speak for contis but the Schwalbe certainly seem stiffer when new and floppy when worn...

There is also IMX puncture season of Late Oct/Nov and Late Feb/very early spring.

Do others concur?

(recommendations for Schwalbe 700×28 commuter tyre welcome - sees use on towpath alikes)

 

[sight-pin]

I don't have much exp in cycling but after every ride, i turn my bike upside down, wipe the tires over with wet wipes, it's easier to view any new minute holes with bits of glass in etc, to days ride revealed 4 new tiny holes with glass and other sharps, i use tweezers to remove.........(Dare say i'll have a visit from the puncture fairy now i have answered this)

Edit, I only have cheap tires though on both road bikes. http://www.decathlon.co.uk/zaffiro-road-bike-tyre-700x23-id_8343074.html

 

[fossyant]

Tyres puncture because they are wearing out, I.e tread/rubber depth. Simples.

 

[Bianchi boy]

Tyres puncture because they are wearing out, I.e tread/rubber depth. Simples.

Yes definitely the case in my experience, It does not matter what make of tyre you use , once they start to wear you WILL get more punctures, best tyres I've used are Michelin , tried the continental's etc etc but Michelin last longest in my experience.

 

[fossyant]

It's my experience. My new commute needed heavier puncture resistant tyres. The tyres I had were getting sliced up. The new tyres are cut to shreds but the debris hasn't got through the puncture protection

 

[User6179]

Specialized armadillos , you can run them till the tread falls off and the carcass is showing and they still wont puncture ,