Trainer flats

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Monte8
I've had four flat tires on my trainer in the past six weeks, and I can't figure out why!! This is the first trainer I've ever owned - Tacx Cycloforce Swing. I bought it used and the guy said he never got a flat on it. And I use around 100 psi, just like he always did. I tried different tubes, different tires, and even a different wheel on a different bike...and still I get flats!! The holes are always in similar locations - about 3 or so inches away from the valve, on the tread side (non-rim side), seemingly at the seam of the tube, i.e. where the tube ends are brought together and glued or whatever. None of the knowledgable dudes at the local bike shop have ever seen this type of problem. The trainer itself is the problem obviously - but WHAT is the problem with it?? The only thing that stands out is that the cog-side skewer end/nut has plenty of wiggle-room in the cup or cap that is clamped down on it when you affix the bike to the trainer. So, when I'm on the bike I can wiggle the bike a little back and forth, about an inch or so. Anyone out there had similar problems? Please help this is driving me nuts! One of the bikeshop guys suggests hiring a priest to perform exorcism. Worth a shot.

Sounds like it might be heat related.
It also could be related to the quality of the tubes, but I would check to see if you are either have tire slip or too much tire distortion from the trainer adjustment being too loose or too tight.
It also sounds like you need to resolve the "wiggle-room" issue.
Maybe a different skewer would allow it to be clamped down properly.
I don't know how you are mounting tires and tubes, but it is possible that the tube may be getting pinched under the tire bead. Check the step-by-step procedure on Park Tools:
http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQtires.shtml
Scroll down the the "Installing Tire and Tube on Wheel" section.
Steps 2, 8, and 9 are areas where I have seen problems.

Getting flats on your trainer??? Talk about bad luck! That's about the only GOOD thing I can think of about riding the trainer vs. riding outside! The fact that you're NOT going to flat!

From my own experience with trainers, there's always some play between the wheel skewer and the clamp "cup" or whatever you want to call it. I've had a few different trainers and this has always been the case so I really don't think that's your problem. Could be poor quality tubes but it seems like at least one out of the four would've held-up.

My guess is that you might be tightening the resistance roller on your trainer way too tight, resulting in an excessive amount of tire deformation and heat while you're riding. Take a look at your tire where it contacts the resistance roller. There shouldn't be much of a "dent" in your tire. If there is, try backing off the roller pressure and see if that helps. Use just enough pressure that your tire doesn't slip against the roller. Otherwise I have no idea. Good luck!

Pretty much what daveornee already said I guess! 😄

Hey thanks for the advice there meehs & daveornee - I'll give it a whirl and see what happens. Come to think of it the roller does seem to put quite a dent in the tire - now I just gotta figure out how to adjust that. Thanks again. 😄