Puncture proof 700x28c tires???

Telegram Sam said:

I have fixed four punctures in as many rides and I am looking for a set of tires that really works- I have read all about the Kevlar this and reinforced that, but I don't know what direction I want to go in...I take that back, I will not fill my tubes with green [censored].
Any suggestions folks?

No such thing as puncture proof,unless you use 'airless tires', and they are much worse than green [censored]. Slime works poorly for road tires,but specialized airlock tubes have a good reputation,and specialized armadillos are pretty bulet proof,but not invincible.

I would use anything except IRC tires. I was averaging one flat per 8 miles at the start of this summer. I swear by Vittoria tires.

By the way, I had been riding 700x20's. I can't seem to find too many shops carrying anything but 700x23. Why aren't 20's popular anymore? I'm 6'3", 197 lbs, race recreationally, and need all the rolling resistance forgiveness I can get.

Specialized armadillos seem to have a pretty good rating online. I pulled out a large piece of warped tire eating metal the other day, no puncture thank goodness. Have been doing a lot of commuting in roads with lots of broken glass, etc.

Ask you lbs to contact their Schwalbe rep and see if he can get you some Marathon Plus in the size you want. They are not readily available at that size in most shops but Shwalbe do make them. Make sure it's the Plus you ask for, not the standard ones.

They are brilliant, absolutely bomb proof. Used to get a puncture a week on my hybrid, haven't had one for months, and never had one on these tires. They are better than kevlar as kevlar is fairly ineffective against glass.

I heard about the Armadillos and road them on a Sirrus Comp...They seemed really hard to me at the inflation they were at, but they sound like they may be worth a shot-I have not even seen the airlock tubes. I will also look into the Schwalbe...although I am sure they are expensive, anything to not have a puncture every ride! Damn Goathead thorns!! Thanks for the input folks
I knew the green [censored] wouldn't be a good bet- just threw it in as a joke really...wifeys got it in her hybrid and I told her from now on she fills her own tires
Cheers

mr tuffy liners... it's a thick rubber that goes inbetween the tire and the tube... also they make triple thick tubes that are puncture resistant... as far as 20c im not sure they make a tuffy or 3x thick tube... but the tuffy you can cut up a larger one to make it work, just make sure you tape down the edges.

I have Armadillos on my MTB and Road bike, my number of flats has decreased significantly (but is still not zero). I am pleased with them, would not go back to any other tire. I live in bike Hell, Houston.

KakenBetaal said:

Specialized armadillos seem to have a pretty good rating online. I pulled out a large piece of warped tire eating metal the other day, no puncture thank goodness. Have been doing a lot of commuting in roads with lots of broken glass, etc.

boudreaux said:

No such thing as puncture proof,unless you use 'airless tires', and they are much worse than green [censored]. Slime works poorly for road tires,but specialized airlock tubes have a good reputation,and specialized armadillos are pretty bulet proof,but not invincible.

I'll second your feeling about airless tires. I rode some for about 9 months. I can't really say what's worse, riding on airless tires or riding on your wheel rims. 🙄

I'm running 700 X 23 Specialized Armadillos on my road bike. So far no flats (knock on wood). As others have already said there's no such thing as "flat-proof" tires.

Sounds like Armadillo's are the winner.
None of you guys think they are hard huh? First impression in a ten minute ride I guess

Telegram Sam said:

Sounds like Armadillo's are the winner.
None of you guys think they are hard huh? First impression in a ten minute ride I guess

It all depends on what type of riding you are doing and how much you way. We have just started using 700x28c Continental Ultra Gatorskins and are very happy so far. They are used for daily commuting on a tandem and have a pretty good reputation on the tandem list. I weigh 98kgs, stoker 50kgs.

meehs said:

I'm running 700 X 23 Specialized Armadillos on my road bike. So far no flats (knock on wood). As others have already said there's no such thing as "flat-proof" tires.

I looked at them in the LBS and they seem so thick and stiff that I would guess one would be giving up a lot of speed compared to a racing slick. Has that been your experience?

I guess life is all about compromise...

Has anyone tried using a really high pressure tire and tube (140+ PSI). Probably not a very soft ride, but I would think that a piece of glass wouldn't stand a chance against a surface that hard. With Specialized Pro slicks, I see a HUGE difference in flatting between 80 PSI and 100 PSI and more is always better, right? 😉

Telegram Sam said:

Sounds like Armadillo's are the winner.
None of you guys think they are hard huh? First impression in a ten minute ride I guess

Well, they're definitely not the most compliant tires ont he market. But that's the price you pay for the flat resistance. There's always a trade-off.

I decided that I was losing more time fixing flats than gaining using light tires. Wish I didn't have to use Armadillos, but non-monogamous people wish they didn't have to use condoms either.😄

Randybaker99 said:

I looked at them in the LBS and they seem so thick and stiff that I would guess one would be giving up a lot of speed compared to a racing slick. Has that been your experience?

I guess life is all about compromise...

tdants said:

By the way, I had been riding 700x20's. I can't seem to find too many shops carrying anything but 700x23. Why aren't 20's popular anymore? I'm 6'3", 197 lbs, race recreationally, and need all the rolling resistance forgiveness I can get.

20s don't necessarily have less rolling resistance.You are just kidding yourself on that issue.

IEatRice4Dinner said:

mr tuffy liners... it's a thick rubber that goes inbetween the tire and the tube... also they make triple thick tubes that are puncture resistant... as far as 20c im not sure they make a tuffy or 3x thick tube... but the tuffy you can cut up a larger one to make it work, just make sure you tape down the edges.

That junk still dosn't work and will turn a good road bike into a lead sled. Add some green [censored] for extra rotating weight.

Telegram Sam said:

Sounds like Armadillo's are the winner.
None of you guys think they are hard huh? First impression in a ten minute ride I guess

Yeah,they are hard and heavy. I'd rather deal with flats.As someone said,it's about compromise, and no free lunches either.

I had a flat caused by Mr. Tuffy, the tire shield folded over when I put the tube in, and the sharp corner at the bend eventually wore through the tube and caused a flat. I threw them away.

boudreaux said:

That junk still dosn't work and will turn a good road bike into a lead sled.