Flat tires - how much of a problem should I expect?

[bikerjohn]

Hmmmm, do other bike shops "slime" the innertubes?

I have used "Slime" for several years now in the tubes of all bikes. Seriously good stuff! You don't need to pester a bike shop to install the stuff. You can purchase pre-Slimed tubes. Also consider buying Slime.
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Easy Instructions for adding Slime compound to inner tubes and tubeless tires are on the package.I add it to inner tubes that have Schrader style valves, -very easy to do and great insurance for staying flat-free while on the road. One thing to note is my recommendation for replacing a punctured "Slimed" tube: Once punctured, it is difficult to patch a slimed inner-tube. Patches don't adhere well a wet inner tube.

 

[bikerjohn]

The controversy between "Stan's" and Slime continues? I have used both over the past several years. SLIME has proven it's superiority to me. Stan's has coagulated into a rubber mass inside my tubes during off-season storage. I get multi-year use with Slimed tubes, -it holds up without coagulation during off-season.

 

[Skelzie]

Two flats in 9800 miles, pretty lucky for road riding. I carry slime with me. When I get a flat, I remove the stem core, squeeze in 8 oz. of slime, screw the stem core back in and spin the tire to distribute the slime. This has worked every time, one flat being a roofing nail (not a micro puncture). When I get home, I change the tube that I slimed to get home. Carry an 8 0z. bottle of slime, stem core wrench, and CO2 cartridges all fit in my small seat bag. Much easier then carrying wrenches, tubes, etc., changing a rear tire on an ST-1 on the road is not easy.

I like your solution of using slime as a quick fix until you can home and replace the tube. Thanks for the information.

 

[bikerjohn]

John, do you use the recommended amount of slime, more, less? And do you have any problems with wobble at speed?

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Wow, J.R.! I've just read your "wobble"question. Do you assume that a liquid compound in bike tubes contributes to wobble? While wobble is a serious issue if trying to ride "no-hands" -it's impossible to do with my e-bike. I attribute the e-bike wobble situation to the geared hub motor.