Flats Suck

We've all had them, flat tires, whether it was rolling over a nail, glass, a rock, or something else, flat tires have ruined thousands of rides across the world. Flat tires occur when something sharp such as a thorn, a piece of glass, or a rock punctures through the bicycle tire and into the inner tube. The inner tube is what hold all the air, so when they are punctured, all air is lost from the tube, making your bike virtually impossible to ride without damaging your wheel. Sharp things aren't the only thing that can cause havoc in your wheel. Pinch flats, (also known as snake bites or punchers) is when the inner tube folds over itself and causes two small slits in the tube.

Fixing flat tires. There are a few options that can save your ride from being ruined if a flat occurs. The most common, and simple way of fixing the problem is to replace the inner tube. Starting fresh is always a good thing. You can also buy a patch kit, which includes the tools to patch the whole causing the  flat with glue and a rubber patch. Patching takes longer and isn't as easy as just buying a new tube, but it can do just as good of a job if done correctly.

There are other ways to prevent flats before they even happen. Extra thick inner tubes and tire liners can be bought to decrease the chances of objects piercing the tube. "Slime" can also be used, this product lines the inside of the tube with sealant, which stops small leaks in the tube. 

The best way to prevent flats is to set up your bike tubeless. Tubeless allows your tire to be on the wheel without an inner tube. This system works the best because it uses a very powerful sealant that stops most every puncture within the tire. I personally run my bike tubeless and I love it. Because there is no tube inside, this allows you to have less air in your tire, which can increase traction in corners and while climbing. 

I've had probably over 100 flat tires in the past 3 years of riding. I use tubeless now so I have less to worry about. Don't let a flat ruin a good time!