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2008-05-21 5:16 PM

Member
109
100
Subject: fat guy on a bike....
hiya!
i am running into a consistent problem..
i am 260lbs and i get flats darn near every ride.
seems like every 50miles i get a flat.
9 times out of 10 it appears to be a pinch flat. im guessing it is just due to my weight.
i keep my tires at aprox 115-120

so i am looking at some options... but would like your feedback.
there is this interesting slime liner thing
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile_combo.cfm?SKU=4588&esto...

but perhaps i just need some better tires?
im using the stock tires that came w/ my trek 2100

i dunno... its just getting to be a huge nuisance. as well as costly.
thanks for the input!!
c


2008-05-21 5:56 PM
in reply to: #1417563

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Modesto, California
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
Remove the tire completely and check the rim tape , if you are getting that many flats I would replace it even if it looks good, and make sure tubes are not twisted or under bead when you inflate. Not sure what tubes you are using but if all else fails bing to LBS to see what they find.
2008-05-21 6:13 PM
in reply to: #1417619

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....

Yeah, check the tires, rim tape, and rims for any sharp edges.

I started tri's at 255 or so and never had a problem when running at 120psi.

It's not a weight issue IMO.

Do you make sure you are running 120 psi before EVERY ride?  I will lost 5 to 10 psi over a couple days....  I check pressure before I go out, every time.

Is it the same tire?  If so, it could be a small tear in the tire that lets the tube poke out and burst.



Edited by Aikidoman 2008-05-21 6:15 PM
2008-05-21 6:30 PM
in reply to: #1417563

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Extreme Veteran
395
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San Diego
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
I put 230 on my Trek and had the same problem in the beginning. My local bike shop switched me from normal thinner skinned tires to Specialized Armadillo which have thicker walls. Now the crap in the road have a harder time causing me problems due to my size. No more flats in the last 5 months.
2008-05-21 7:25 PM
in reply to: #1417563

Member
109
100
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
well i had a break from work so i just ran over to my LBS and they recommended some continental gatorskin tires.
it has kevlar sidewalls.
she said that i should have no problems with these tires and that the ones that came with my bike are good tires but are thin and therefore prone to flats.
also she recommended that i only put about 110 pressure in it as opposed to the 120 that ive been using.

i dunno about that. seems like the tire would be too 'squishy' but what do i know
2008-05-22 12:36 AM
in reply to: #1417563

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Veteran
184
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San Diego, CA
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
I have been using the continental gatorskin tires and have been very happy with them. Good luck.


2008-05-22 12:07 PM
in reply to: #1418342

Member
109
100
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
griepsma - 2008-05-21 10:36 PM

I have been using the continental gatorskin tires and have been very happy with them. Good luck.


how many miles would you say you've put on them aprox?
with how many flats?

thanks!!
2008-05-22 12:54 PM
in reply to: #1417563

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Veteran
184
100252525
San Diego, CA
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
I put them on about 300 miles ago, and have not had a flat since the have been on. I have been running 115 PSI, but have been thinking to up it to 120.
2008-05-22 2:45 PM
in reply to: #1417563

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Champion
5575
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Butler
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
Definately check the rim tape.  On my first bike it came with cheap yellow rim tape that was shifting as I rode and causing flats at the stem.  I replaced the rim tape and no problem.  As far as PSI, check the tire recommendations, if they suggest 110 don't go over that.  The gator skins are nice if you are getting puncture flats but if you are getting pinch flats they will do nothing to help.  If you get flat I suggest keeping the tires so you can compare if it happens in the same place everytime that way you can see what is causing the problem easier.
2008-05-23 6:31 AM
in reply to: #1417563

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Expert
773
5001001002525
Alexandria, NH
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....

I would say it's not because of your weight because I am close to your weight and haven't had a flat in forever (note to self carry that extra tube).  Slime is good for small punctures but pinch flats are something different. 

1.  Take a cotton ball and run it inside the tire.  If it snags on something find out what it is.  Sometimes tiny pieces of glass or whatever get embedded in the tire.  Slime would likely prevent this.  If you want to go slime just buy the slime tubes because it's way easier.   

2.  Do you mount your tires the exact same way every time?  It's easiest if you mount the label at the valve stem so you can determine if there is consistency in your flats.  How do you mount them?  I would wonder if this isn't just a mounting problem where you are pinching the tube between the tire and the sidewall (just a tiny bit) and eventually it just pops which is somewhat of a pinch flat.  I did this once and when it exploded in my living room I learned a valuable lesson. 

3.  It could be the rim tape but it all depends on where the hole in the tube ends up.  If it's on the outside then it's not that.  Rim tape is cheap compared to C02 and tubes.  Feel free to change it. 

There are a lot of potential problems but I think my suggestions should give you a pretty good head start on flat free riding.  Let me suggest Specialized Armadillo's as tires of choice should you desire new ones.     

2008-05-23 3:51 PM
in reply to: #1417563

Member
109
100
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
i do appreciate all the input.
i am actually going to have my buddy put tthe new tubes/tires on and watch how he does it.
im wondering if im pinching the tubes myself as well


2008-05-24 6:00 PM
in reply to: #1417563

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Champion
16151
50005000500010001002525
Checkin' out the podium girls
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
Rim tape: Buy Velox tape for road wheels. Great stuff. Helps tremendously to avoid those stoopid spoke flats.

Install: Try and inflate just a tiny bit before puting the tube in. Get it round before inserting it. After you get both tire beads in, inflate a little, vent all of it, then fuly inflate. You'll seat the tire beads in the rim fuly and the tube won't get stuck in there b/c you put in in while inflated.

Tires: I like Vredestein Fortezza Tricomps. Really flat resistant. Michelin Pro2Race get high marks as well as do Specialized Armadillo.
2008-05-24 9:55 PM
in reply to: #1417563

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Extreme Veteran
335
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Herriman, Utah
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
I just went through a similar problem. I got three flats in five miles -- the last coming before I'd even got back on the bike! Took to my LBS and they shook their head at that crappy yellow rim tape that's been talked about. It was obvious, to him, that that was the problem. We put on some thicker stuff and I haven't had a flat on my last two 10-plus mile rides, so I think that's progress!

You could totally see the indentation of the spoke hole on the tube.... Glad the bike manufacturer could save a couple of bucks so I could pay about $25 more (three tubes and new rim tape).
2008-05-24 11:30 PM
in reply to: #1417563

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Master
1219
1000100100
Sachse
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
I agree with others...check the rim tape. I started riding at over 300 (now 230s), and I have only had 1 flat. I do not think it is a weight issue.

good luck...

Kenny
2008-05-26 10:19 PM
in reply to: #1420805

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Extreme Veteran
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Virginny
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
Christris - 2008-05-23 7:31 AM

2. Do you mount your tires the exact same way every time? It's easiest if you mount the label at the valve stem so you can determine if there is consistency in your flats. How do you mount them? I would wonder if this isn't just a mounting problem where you are pinching the tube between the tire and the sidewall (just a tiny bit) and eventually it just pops which is somewhat of a pinch flat. I did this once and when it exploded in my living room I learned a valuable lesson.



my problem was similar - i was using tire irons to put the tire back on, and getting multiple flats in a week. my LBS convinced me to just stretch the tire back on. i haven't had a flat since (last fall). i also check around each side of the tire to make sure i can't see the tube before pumping up to avoid what chris said above.
2008-05-26 11:41 PM
in reply to: #1417563

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Master
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Hamilton, Victoria
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
I don't believe that it is a weight issue either. I have done over a thousand miles on my wheels (Mavic Aksium Race with Rubino Pro tyres) and have had only two punctures; one was a nail, the other was glass - BTW I am well and truely a Clyde. My friend on the other hand, who is about 170lbs, flats every other ride. Check your rim tape, check the tyres, or change them cause that's where the problems lies for sure. 


2008-06-10 9:36 AM
in reply to: #1417563

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Regular
80
252525
Houston, TX
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....

Is it possible that your tube is not set inside the tire and wheel frame properly?  Perhaps it's being pinched?  I really don't think it's your weight; I rode at 340+ lbs and never got a flat. 

 I do use "toughies" inside my tires; always have.

Good luck to you... flats are no fun

 

2008-06-10 10:00 AM
in reply to: #1417563

New user
31
25
Urbandale, IA
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
macscac - 2008-05-21 5:16 PM
but perhaps i just need some better tires?
im using the stock tires that came w/ my trek 2100

i dunno... its just getting to be a huge nuisance. as well as costly.
thanks for the input!!
c


Check the inflate to pressure - I have a trek as well and my inflate to is only 100 PSI. If you are over-inflating that may compound the problem.

300+ miles on the stock tires, 258 pounds of weight on the bike .... 0 flats .... where is that damn wood to knock on now???

Good luck - that is a highly frustrating experience!
2008-06-24 11:56 AM
in reply to: #1417683

Member
12

North Carolina
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....
I had the EXACT same experience.  4 flats in 5 weeks all on the rear tire.  Switched to the Armadillo on the back (which reminds me, I need to change the front tire as well) and I haven't had a flat since.
2008-07-16 8:35 AM
in reply to: #1417563

New user
56
2525
Subject: RE: fat guy on a bike....

Just out of curiosity, has anyone tried to foam fill a tire on a bike?

I have done this in the past with farm equipment and stuff that is prone to flats. They basically fill your tube with a two part foam that expands and acts just like air. When your tires wear out you just cut them off and do it over again.

 I don't know if it will work with the pressures required but it seems like a good solution.

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