Sir_Geek wrote:
I've been experiencing an extremely frustrating rash of flat tyres....I later noticed a small dent in the side of the wheel - perhaps this is the source of my problems?
It's hard to say without seeing your rim. It would probably have to be a sharp spot, though. Consider the possibility that there is something small and sharp stuck in your tire. You put a new/patched tube in, the sharp object causes your tube to puncture. You patch or replace the tube, the sharp object strikes again.
You can carefully run your fingers gently all over the inside of your tire, hoping to feel a sharp spot. Take care not to slice your finger on it! A better way is to take an old pair of panty hose and carefully run it around inside the tube. The hose will find the the sharp spot even better than your finger, with less risk of a cut finger. (Having panty hose is an advantage of NOT being a gentleman. A single knee-high takes very little space in your tool kit.)
It's also possible that your tire is worn out. Worn tires punture more easily as they are thinner. Also, old puncture wounds in your tire can fill up with sharp bits of sand that rub your tube until it punctures.
Be aware that bike lanes and shoulders may have lots of glass and other debris. Motor vehicle tires "wash" debris into the bike lane or shoulder. It stays there (unless the governmental unit sweeps the space). Bike tires aren't big enough to push the debris out.
Judy (who is not a gentleman, but has fixed a lot of flats)
This message was edited by judyrans on 10-4-05 @ 2:52 PM