So what’s the most effective way to avoid flat tires?
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Depending on the wheel set and tires, I highly recommend going tubeless. Pretty much standard now for mountain biking.
I only switched over to tubeless about 2 years ago. Being an avid mountain biker, about every 10th ride I’d manage to ride over a thorn which would cause a slow leak necessitating an inner tube change.
When I brought a new bike with 2.6” tires I decided to give tubeless tires a go. Partly this was due to the fact that inner tubes for plus size tires are hard to come by and they’re heavy; adding about a pound to the rotational weight.
Tubeless does require tires that are tubeless ready. usually designated by a code; such a Maxxis’s “TR” marking. Rims also need to be tubeless compatible. That said, there are lots of differences in just how “compatible” some rims are with tubeless setups. Some rims are super easy, like RaceFace ARC. Others can be a real struggle to seat the tire.
If you’re going to go tubeless, I also recommend being a rapid tire inflator like the “Airshot”. Inflating tubeless tires requires basically supplying a sudden shock-wave of air to the tire and popping the bead onto the rim.
Now if all that sounds like a big pain, the plus side is four-fold.
1. Reduction in rotational weight, especially on wide tires like a mountain bike
2. Self-sealing of small punctures due to the liquid tire sealant used with tubeless tires
3. A more compliant tire due to removal of the inner-tube
4. Ability to run tires at lower pressure providing for better traction over uneven surfaces.
Thanks.