Flat Tire City

Between my two bikes I had 8 flats in about 110 miles. The good news is that I'm getting to be an expert in tire changing, repair, replacement.

7/23/2010 update: Replaced both front and rear tires and tubes and rode 50 miles without incident.

7/30/2010: Road a hard 40 miles without incident.

8/1/2010 update:

After 60 minutes and 17 miles had two more rear flats today, one required AAA service (my wife). First was in a very similar place as prior flats...about 18 in. from stem. Found a very small hole in tube, but NO sharp objects. No glass, no wires, no holes in the tires...nothing! Replaced the tube on the road only to have it blow out before I got on the bike! After mounting I partially filled with CO2 and found no bulges. Then proceed to gush the CO2 into the tire. Picked up some stuff on the ground and heard a pop and there was my tire flat again! The tire was off the at a spot opposite the stem. Upon inspection the tire popped at a different spot then the first flat. I found no debris, sharp objects, or issues with the teflon tape. When I got home I brushed the inside of the rim with a firm plastic brush hoping to rid the wheel of any shards or glass or metal. Use my LAST tube and pumped to 100 psi...everything is OK for now.

Ordered 12 tubes and 12 CO2 canisters!

Lessons learned:
1. Inflate tire to about 30 pounds and then check that bead has set on rim. Carefully move all the way around the tire looking for any sign of bulging. Then inflate to 100 pounds or so and test.
2. Use only plastic tool to remove tire from rim.
3. Replace tires, tubes, and TEFLON rim liner at least every 3 years regardless of condition.
4. 2000 is probably too many miles on most tires.
5. Holes all the through tires must be patched otherwise tubes will eventually be pinched and flat.
6. On the rear put the chain in smallest cog on both front and back derailers...makes it easier to remove.
7. Carefully inspect tires...takes more than 2 seconds...for wire, glass, or other punctures. All debris must be removed.
8. A tire which won't give up the reason it's flatting tubes must be replaced. (3 tubes and you're out!)
9. Use force from palm to reconnect wheels.
10. Double check that wheel is secure especially when you have a helper who disconnects it without our knowledge!
11. Release and engage brakes before removal or replacement of wheel.
12. I won't us patched tubes and keep a couple for emergency replacements.
13. Brush inside of rim with soft brush or blow off with air to remove any debris trapped under teflon tape.

These are random, but we get the drift?

8/29/2010 Update:

The final chapter: Had another flat after a 50 mile ride. Took wheel to bike shop where there surmised that the rim tape needed replacing! After about 150 miles no more flats!