The Dreaded Flat

On Wednesday's Beechworth ride on the return leg back to Wangaratta around Everton the bunch Captain found himself with a flat tyre. It's one of those things that happen and it's never usually at a good time, I've had people flat right in front of me about 500 metres out from the end of a race just as the speed is really ramping up. Ruins any chance they had of winning after doing all the hard work to be in the mix at the pointy end of the race. In my 3 1/2 years of doing a reasonably serious amount of riding I've had 2 flat tyres out on the road (in the same event) and found my bike in the shed with a flat tyre twice (the best type of flat).

Even the Bunch Captain is not imune to the dreaded flat.

What's the best way to avoid getting a flat? Not ride your bike is probably the only sure fire way of avoiding one. I've tried a few different things,latex tubes,tubeless tyres with sealant and tough Gator skin type tyres.I've experienced flat tyres with all combinations except the Gator skins (touch wood) but I'm sure their time will come. Hopefully not for a long time. I'm currently running Continental GP4000s with Vittoria latex tubes in the wheels I use for special occasions/racing. I've found this combo rolls pretty nicely and the tyres give pretty decent wear for a light racing type tyre. I always try to remember to inspect the tyres on my bikes pretty closely at least once a week but should probably do this before each ride. At least in the country we don't have as many issues with broken glass as our city counterparts. I'm always hearing stories of flat tyres caused by glass from my Melbourne mates who ride Beach road regularly.  

Various related paraphernalia

I'm yet to try singles/tubulars whatever you want to call them and feel as though they are not worth the hassle. Saying that lots of people swear by them for racing so it would be good to have a ride on them to see what the fuss is all about. 

Happy cycling this weekend and I hope it's a flat free one for you. I'm off to check my tyres as I'm heading down to Lorne for Amy's Gran Fondo. Just hope I havn't jinxed myself by writing this post.