Punctures, the curse of cycling?

[anonymous-user]

I seem to be very unlucky with punctures...
Brand new mtb, Specialized tyres, 40 psi, I was the only one out of 5 to get a puncture the other evening.
50 mile road ride 2 weeks ago, 2 punctures on 23 mm tyres 100 psi. Slime tubes fitted, same ride today, 2 punctures saved by the slime but glasses now green splattered!.
I average 1 puncture a week in 15 mile commute on road bike 32 mm tyres 80 psi..
Is this normal?, I spend more on tubes than petrol!!. Whats the secret for a puncture free life? I'm tempted to shod my roadbikes with Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres with extra kevlar band backed up by slime tubes !!, any other recommendations?

[anonymous-user]

Jimbo. said:

Where do you position yourself in the road? Ride as many feel they need to i.e. in the gutter, and yes, you'll get all manner of punctures, as that were the crap accumulates. Position yourself 18"-2' out and you'll be in the "swept" area of road, therefore less potential for punctures.

Probably something in this. My rides are usually around the south Chilterns & bits of flint are the main cause around these parts. I do ride in the ''swept'' area but after a downpour etc the bits get washed into this too. I think I'll get shot of the ''branded but rubbish'' tyres (Boardman road bike & Kona CX with road tyres for commute) & opt for some Kevlar type. I'd rather carry a bit of extra weight than get punctures!. So I'll spend another £100 today on 4 tyres. I only save £15 a week on petrol by cycling!!

[anonymous-user]

majordad said:

I wonder if some people are prone to punctures, my wife is ! Mite it be too heavy for the bike/tyre ? Mite it be only riding every other week, ie, rubber goes hard. It's a curse though and I am surprised how often bikes puncture compared to cars, why and why have bike owners/manufactures not solved the problem by now ?

Not 'too' heavy at 13st/6ft1. Bearing in mind it happens on my mtb with 2.2'' tyres & roadbikes with 23mm & 32mm tyres all inflated to correct pressures.
But I have done 80 miles since Sunday on commutes on 32mm tyred CX bike all puncture free ! so maybe my bad luck has run its course. Also have a pair on Schwalbe Marathons on order for the commuter bike (only £29 a pair free postage) so hopefully they will prove more reliable. I'll gladly lose a couple of minutes due to heavier tyres, if it avoids frequent roadside repairs!