We have included a special section on Goatheads--a major cause of flats in the Treasure Valley.  While nothing works 100% of the time, we have some proven solutions for dealing with them.

Goatheads

Puncture Vine (Tribulus terrestris), better known as Goatheads, wreak havoc with cyclists in the area.  The plant is a low lying weed with spikes.  It grows in a patch and spreads rapidly.  As the heads dry they become very hard, and the spikes are long enough to puncture a standard tire and tube instantly.

Goatheads seem to thrive in late summer and early fall, but cyclists run over them all year long.  If you ride through a patch of Goatheads you will probably spread them around.  Unfortunately, they have several spikes and will puncture more tires if they fall off your tire and end up back on the road.  So, you must be vigilant and extremely lucky to avoid riding over them.

A common misconception among riders is that Goatheads can be avoided by not riding off trail.  However, Goatheads have an amazing knack for migrating.  They attach themselves to strollers, bike tires, shoes, etc. and catch a ride until it’s time to drop off in some unsuspecting location.  Mainly right where you like to ride!

As a general rule, if you notice a Goathead in your tire, resist the temptation to remove it until you get home.  It may look awful, but your tire will probably not leak until the head is removed.  While riding, it might fall off, however it may also stay in your tire for a long time without causing a leak.

Another option is to try slowly removing it part way.  If the tire leaks, reinsert the spike back into the same hole.  As soon as you pull it out completely, you may or may not hear the unmistakable sound of air escaping-Hissssssssss!  Don’t panic.  If you have tire sealant (like Slime) installed, try spinning the wheel for a minute or so; you will lose some air but will likely be able to pump up and continue riding.  If you are using road bike high pressure tires with sealant, don’t expect good results- it works best with standard mountain bike tires.

If you ride through a lot of Goatheads at once, the tire sealant may not work effectively.  Unless you have a compressor or floor pump with you, it will probably be difficult to supply enough air to collectively seal all the holes.  The air will leak out faster than you can pump.  You may have to repair or replace the tube to ride any further--a good reason to always carry a spare tube.

Consider installing other flat prevention items such as thorn resistant tubes and/or tire liners.  They both do a good job, the liner is much lighter compared to the heavy duty tube.  However, the heavy duty tube offers more protection.  For ultimate flat protection, try combining all three items mentioned: tire sealant, heavy duty tube and liner.

When repairing flats, make sure you remove all the thorns from both the inside and outside of the tire and use care to dispose of any so no one else will ride over them.  Be especially careful to not leave any Goatheads laying around the garage where you could track them in the house.  They are extremely painful to step on in your bare feet and will leave a lasting impression.

The best way to deal with sharp objects is to avoid them, but flat prevention products such as tire liners, tire sealant and thorn resistant tubes and tires can help.  These products combined form a effective flat prevention barrier.

Tire liners are usually made of a durable Polymer which is flexible. They provide a protective shield that resists initial impact of sharp objects. They are very effective against Goatheads and other small objects.

They add some spin weight, but for most people the benefits are worth it.  They can also protect your tube in the event of a tread failure in the tire.  I have seen people ride with the liner exposed through a rip in the tire and still it protects the tube.

There are several different types of tire sealant out on the market, with pro and cons to each product.  For example, some are more prone to clog the air valve and clump up when cold.  The most popular sealant is the green stuff called Slime.

Most sealant products loose some of their effectiveness in a year or so and need to be replaced to maintain effectiveness.  The sealant may not stop the leak completely and over time you may have an accumulation of many slow leaks.  Then it is best to change out the tube and sealant and start fresh.

Correct tube size is very important in effectiveness of tire sealant. Use a 26 X 2.25 tube for standard mountain bike tires.  If you use an undersized tube, for example 26 X 1.5, it will be stretched when inflated, and the slime will tend to leak through the stretched opening.  Also, an undersized tube is more likely to tear.

Some of the drawbacks of tire sealant are: it can also make a big mess if the tube rips, it can make patching a tube a challenge and it can clog up the valve stem and cause a leak at the stem.  If you use a tire sealant, keep an eye on the valve core and remove it occasionally to clean it.

With all these potential problems why would any one use tire sealant? Because most of the time it works like magic--you run over an object and hear the sound of air escaping, and as you spin the wheel it seals itself up.  It’s a great feeling and happens often enough to keep us buying the stuff.  The key is to have the right size tube and a good pump, and to spin the wheel until it seals itself.

Thorn resistant tubes and tires rely on thickness and strength to defeat sharp objects.  The drawback is they can also can add a lot of extra spin weight and have a less lively feel.  Some tires have a special Kevlar fabric on the outside of the tire to lower weight and add durability against flats.

A thorn resistant tube is over 300% thicker on the outside- compared to a standard tube.  Most small objects will not penetrate the extra thick tube.  In addition, thorn resistant tubes are substantially thicker all the way around which helps prevents flats from spokes and rims.

In addition, don’t wait until the threads are showing before replacing your tires.  You are more likely to get flats during the last 25% of tire wear due to a reduction in tread thickness, accumulation of sharp objects in tire and weakening of the tire casing over time.

Proper Tire Inflation

Proper tire inflation is one of the best ways to increase safety, performance and confidence both on and off the trail.  Know how to use your pump and change a flat before you go riding and carry a spare tube, patches and tools.  Practice tire repairs at home first; this builds confidence you can handle one of the most frustrating and common repair issues on the road.

The number one cause for wheel damage is under-inflated tires.  Many bikes are ruined by riding on a low tire and jumping or hitting a curb--kids are especially good at this.

A simple investment in a pump can prevent this damage.  A pump is one of the first things I recommend purchasing to get the most out of cycling.

Correct pressure will minimize rolling resistance and create a safer and more comfortable ride.  Low tires contribute to many accidents and the effects of a low tire are magnified when cornering and braking.  If your bike feels abnormal, this could signal a problem with a flat or low tire.  Stop as soon as possible and thoroughly check out the situation, this can help avoid an accident or breakdown.

Even with no holes, tubes lose air over time.  Check tire pressure before every ride, especially with road bike tires-- these high pressure tires require 80 to 115 PSI.  Most tires require pressure between 40 and 60 pounds of air.  Be sure to check your tire's sidewall for proper inflation ranges.  As you ride, occasionally stop to check you tire pressure while riding, this could save you time and a long walk back.  Be careful when using a compressor, many blowouts are caused by over-inflating tires at the local gas station.

Most mountain bike type tires will require inflation once or twice a week to maintain optimum performance.

Cycling is a great way to spend time with the family and provides you with a fun way to exercise.  However, misfortunes on the trail can turn an otherwise pleasant adventure into a challenging mishap.  Try and minimize these by learning a few basic tips and repairs and your chances for a successful trip are in your favor.

Future Articles: Cleaning and Lubricating