For the past few weeks I've constantly been getting flats along the inner side of my rear tube and I'm not exactly sure what's causing it. The flats always start as a very small puncture along a thin line in the tube, which then turns into a large tear in the tube even after I patch it. They always happen in one of two spots along the rim and only where the tube would touch the rim.
There's nothing stuck in the rim or in the tire, and there aren't any obvious sharp spots on the metal or spokes poking through the tape. The only thing I've noticed is that the rim tape is a bit loose one one side, but I don't know if that could cause this or what to do about it if that's the case
In case it's relevant, I'm using 26×2 inch tires, 26x(1.75-2.125) tubes, and inflating them to 60 psi. I ride anywhere between 40 and 70 miles a week and I'll generally get a flat after 15 to 20 miles on a new tube
by mrdude05
5 Comments
Are all the tubes coming from the same box? Could be something as simple as a defective batch from Schwalbe or whatever brand you’re using.
Also does the tire have any obvious damage on the outside? If not, could be the loose tape if it has a sharp enough edge to rub on the tube enough to cut it.
Yes could be a bad set of tubes but run your finger inside the tire a few times and on the inner rim. Could be a sharp small piece of metal from the rim. Give it a good inspection. Even check the rim tape and where the spokes connect. Just one little piece of me or something still stuck in the tire will cause a problem. Let us all know what you find. I have used like screwdrivers and metal tire removers and that can scuff the rim and leave a small piece causing issues. If you look at the wheel in the dark with just a bright flashlight you will be able to see better sometimes.
Get new rim tape. Something wider that fits snuggly between the bead seat.
Just at a glance, I’d say the rim tape is too narrow.
That looks like someone used hockey tape as a rim strip. This would normally be fine, if they had applied two orbits. But that sort of tape job will be distorted by the high pressure inside an tire and the result is the cut you see.
Get a good, and slightly wider rim strip. I like the Velox cloth ones.