Punctures !

simski81

Hi there

I am pretty new to MTBing and am commencing both the sport and training having just got a place for the Transalp next year.

Over the weekend 2 of us managed to get 3 punctures each in 5 hours - this seems like a lot? We are both running on Continental SpeedKings in a 2.2 which were supplied with our Focus bikes. Presumably we have the option of upgrading to a more hardwearing tyre (albeit at the loss of some performance)?

Is this experience normal and should we just get better and quicker at fixing punctures? OR should we upgrade the tyres or go tubeless? Does anyone have any recommendations for better tyres for general XC riding?

Thanks

S

wordnumb

I don't know about this tubeless lark. When I started riding seriously I was frustrated by regular punctures, so I tried a few different tubes at different psi on different terrains. Figured out what suits my riding and how to tweak for different conditions. Almost never have a puncture now, I regularly ride 20-30 miles xc without carrying a spare tube or pump.

simski81

how would you vary the pressure for sharp gravel v. mud - are softer tyres less prone to punctures?

The Fopster

Had same issue with Conti Speedkings. Swapped to tougher mud tyre to suit the winter conditions and STILL got punctures. Realised it's the hawthorn hedges that at this time of year are dropping all sorts of dead bits (often with help of quick trim from local farmer) that have tough and sharp thorns (wonder why they call then Hawthorn...doh!). Now have those gunky goo filled tubes and so-far so-good: am puncture free. Will put Contis back on in the spring, as otherwise seemed a good tyre.

ride_whenever

I have gone tubeless, painless procedure and no punctures since. Nearly rolled the tyre off at the weekend (it's a ghetto setup) but it re-sealed with no air topup and just a hint of sealant leak.

.blitz

Lightweight tyres are one of the easiest and cheapest ways of disguising a fairly ordinary OE wheelset. 2.2 SKs must be in the 500g bracket which to me is XC race territory.

But if you like the SKs try the Protection version or some MK Protections, maybe in a 2.4 size (they're not that big). 2.2 Protect MKs weigh in at close to 600g so you will notice the difference but the extra strength means you can compensate with lightwight tubes and run lower pressures.

I ran a 2.4 Snakeskin Nic up front through the summer with a paper-thin Cheng Shin tube and it was indestructible.

steelo

I think you need to put it into perspective a little bit.

If you are riding along a country lane where the hedges have just been trimmed then the likelihood is that you will get a puncture or two, if you are riding along well-kept hardpack cycleways then you are far less likely to pick up any punctures. The more you ride the higher the chances are that you will get a puncture etc. etc. (Try to avoid broken glass )

Going tubeless will definitely result in you noticing thorn punctures far less but you run the risk of complete blowouts if you role the tyre off the rim.

Also - the more punctures you get, the more practice you'll get fixing them and the quicker you'll be able to swap the tube out. I always carry a couple of spare tubes and sometimes go months without a puncture and then have 3 in one ride and end up borrowing a spare tube from a mate.

dunker

specialized armadillo elite tyres are fantastic though a bit pricey and a bit more weight but worth it if you're a puncture magnet.

bails87

I had loads of punctures on the Coni Explorers that came as standard on my bike. Swapped them for Schwalbe Racing Ralphs, with Conti lightweight tubes, and didn't have another one for 5-6 months. the next time I got a puncture (from a thorn) was when I'd taken the Schwalbes off, so I'd recommend them. Nobby Nics are probably most suited to all round conditions at this time of year.