Best ways to minimise punctures on bike

DanielDeronda

I've got a fairly old Boardman Hybrid (Comp Performance Series).

I've not ridden for a few years & noticed the original Continental tyres supplied on the bike (Ultra Race) 700x28 punctured a lot.  I was only travelling on main roads so not off road at all.

I was recommended Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres which are now fitted but haven't ridden since.

Are there any other recent innovations in reducing punctures or anything else I can do? Punctures have been the bane of my life!!

Have been quoted £120 for a road ready service by my local Evans Cycles. Don't know if that's excessive.  I don't have any other cycle shops near me, unless I can get my bike collected for a service.

Really want to get back in the saddle especially in the summer for cycling round London & Reading.

cymruchris

Not so much recent - but tubeless tyres have been around for a while, and you can add a puncture self-healing fluid to the inner tyre to instantly repair minor punctures. (Larger punctures - nothing much will stop it)

There are also 'airless' tyres available now that are semi-solid. I don't think they're quite as comfortable - but in your situation that could be a useful option if you're only riding on the streets of London?

amanda1024

Colleagues have recommended nip nip for a service in the past: https://www.nipnip.co.uk/

Veteransaver

My general advice for avoiding punctures is make sure your tyre pressures are close to full psi. And check tyres aren't worn too much or have any cuts or nicks in them.
Other than that it really is a lottery in my experience.

MacPingu1986

The Schwalbe marathon tyres are *excellent* - You shouldn't have many problems with those. For reference I use some pretty durable tyres on my road bike (Conti 4 seasons) which arn't as durable as the marathons and average a couple of punctures a year in London on around 50-70 miles of commuting a week all year round.

Main points are take care when fitting that you're not trapping the inner tube against anything, and if/when you do get a puncture, properly check the tyre (inner and outer) to get rid of the piece of glass/chipping that causedit - otherwise it'll just puncture the replacement tube.

Lorian

Schwarble marathons definitely. I commuted by bike for some years and never got a puncture after switching to well inflated marathons 

Wyndham

I've got a 'self-sealing' inner tube. Costs about 3 times as much as a 'normal' one, but is tougher, and does something (?) with small punctures to seal them. Not 100% sure how it works, but after 3 punctures in around a month, this and a new tyre seem to have sorted me out.

In terms of service - depends on what the bike is worth, but £120 sounds OK to me. But check what they do for that. Remember you are paying a specialist for their expertise. My view is I'd rather have it done by a 'reputable' name and be sure that the bike is then safe, then save some money and have less confidence (and maybe something which doesn't end well!!)

subjecttocontract

I find the best way to avoid punctures is to not ride my bike. I have a mountain bike in my place in Spain......haven't been out to the property in 2 years.....result = no punctures. I can almost guarantee the first day I ride it will result in a puncture.

bouicca21

In addition to making sure tires are at the right pressure, I regularly check them over for any bits of glass/stones before they have a chance to work their way through to the inner tube.  

Nebulous2

I had a fairly short daily commute, and used marathons, not the plus variant. I hadn't a puncture with them for years. I checked the pressure and oiled the chain and pivot points on the gears and brakes once a week, either Sunday or Monday morning. I'd agree with checking the tyres for anything lodged.

In addition to that, and it can be difficult in traffic while trying to keep safe, try to be aware of debris on the road and avoid running over it. 

csikijanos

I would not expect tyres called Ultra Race to be very sturdy - they sound likely to be light and fairly smooth. Marathons generally last well. Higher pressure gives a faster harder ride and more punctures. Be sure the rims are clean and the tape covers spoke ends. Slime or similar can help. I used to commute 25km each way on rural roads and only punctured once in two years, but the roads were mostly better maintained then and didn't require as much dodging around as when I rode in London. I have also considered foam tyres for a very long ride but have not yet tried them out.