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Road Cycling: Always getting Punctures on wet roads

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    • CommentAuthorFree Membermicksta
    • CommentTimeSep 3rd 2008
     
    micksta

    Im pretty new to road cycling, having only had my bike for just over a month. Ive been out on rides a number of occastions both wet and dry conditions, but seem to get punctures everytime I ride on a wet road!

    Not sure why this would be, either its the way I cycle or maybe something wrong with the tyres themselves?

    My tyres are Continental Duraskin and they can be inflated to 120psi, I usually inflate to 100psi, which has been no problem on dry roads.

    Does anybody have any suggestions to what may be the cause?

    • CommentAuthorFree Membertribix
    • CommentTimeSep 3rd 2008
     
    tribix

    Hi Mick

    Generally speaking, punctures will happen more frequently on wet roads for a couple of reasons.

    There tends to be more debris washed onto the roads after a rain which could result in a puncture. Additionally the debris has a tendency to stick to your tire more than it would in dry conditions. 

    For these reasons Keep your tires inflated to their recommended pressure level (as
    listed on the side of the tire in pounds per square inch, or PSI),
    since flat-causing debris is more likely to get picked up by wet and
    underinflated tires.

    • CommentAuthorFree Membermicksta
    • CommentTimeSep 4th 2008
     
    micksta

    Thanks for that, maybe its due to my tyre pressures then. I will try and inflate them to the max 120psi on the side of the tyre and try a wet ride again and see what happerns.

    Makes sense though what you say about debris sticking to wet tyres. So guess trying to cycle on routes which are more main roads and likely to be clear would be a good course of action as well.

     

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberBigSeven
    • CommentTimeSep 5th 2008
     
    BigSeven

    One other tip, I have noticed that some riders new to road riding tend to ride at the extreme edge of the pavement, due to nervousness of passing cars etc.
    While it's obviously a great idea to stay out of the way of auto traffic (!), there is a lot more glass, stones, and other debris at the edge of the road that there is a bit closer to the center.  Any kind of debris at all can flat a road tire.

    Depending on prevailing traffic conditions, I try to stay a foot or two (1/2 meter) away the edge of the pavement.  If there is a broad shoulder with a solid line marking the auto traffic lane, I try to ride about a foot or even less to the safe side of that line.  Various riders have various styles and there is the obvious factor of traffic, of course.  But as someone new to road riding, try to notice how other riders in your area ride with respect top the edge of the road.

     Another important factor is tires.  There are many types and grades of tires at a range of prices and they can be expensive.  But a very lightweight tire designed for racing might not fare reliably on the roads you ride.  At your local bike shop, tell them you have been getting a lot of flats (in the rain or not) and ask them what they suggest for a tougher tire, or if they think that might be your problem.

     Good luck!

    • CommentAuthorFree Membermicksta
    • CommentTimeSep 18th 2008
     
    micksta

    Big seven, thanks for that. Ive been watching the cycling on Eurosport cable channel mainly the spanish grand tour. Must admit ive been trying a few of the positions out on my bike and it has helped my performace get better.

    I could probably do as you suggest and ride `further out` into the road, most of the roads I cycle down are main roads, so I should be able to come out a little more and not get in the way of the traffic. I already avoid drain covers and bumps in the road if I see them and can go around them traffic permitting.

    Im also going to purchase the Continental GP4000 tyre, from reviews these seem a hardier tyre than my current Duraskins.

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberAquinas73
    • CommentTimeSep 19th 2008
     
    Aquinas73
    Try Continental Gatorskins. These are fantastic.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberCO_Roaddog
    • CommentTimeSep 23rd 2008
     
    CO_Roaddog

    I have used two different set of wheels for training and for racing. In my training wheels I put kevlar tire liners (like Tuffy's). I know that are some other brands out there that I've seen at Performance, REI, and Nashbar.

     Something else I was reading on some tires had to do with thread-per-inch (TPI). Tires that have a higher TPI typically have a lower rolling resistance and lower tread life. While those with lower TPI also have more rubber and better puncture resistance. 

    I like Conti tires a lot and mostly using the 4-Season and also the Michelin Pro2.  

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