First two way commute scuppered...

[JamesM]

...by a dreaded p*ncture (is that the right way to spell it? I'm still new here!)

Had all my gear on ready to go. Got the bike out and the rear was flat. I didn't have time to mess about fixing it, got changed and got the train as normal (If it happened on the way, I'd have to get on with it and be late)

Never mind. Gives me more of an excuse to play with it over the weekend!

I've got a specialized CrossTrail Sport with the standard tyres which are "Specialized Borough XC Sport 700x45c, 60TPI, wire bead". I do most of my cycling on canal tow paths with a bit on-road and some paths with a slight risk of debris such as broken glass etc. Would getting different tyres be worth it? If so, what?

Cheers

 

[summerdays]

That's why you need another bike

 

[HLaB]

I thought the tyres on my commuter were wide (700x37c). I don't think different tyres will make much difference to p'tures as along as they are pumped up to near maximum psi (I'd guess 85 in this case, though I could be wrong). You might want to fit narrower tyres to improve speed/ make them roll easier but it'll be a compromise on comfort so its up to you.

 

[goo_mason]

You can't beat Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres for that extra, bomb-proof p*ncture protection.

If punctures continue to plague you, they're certainly worth considering.

 

[Amanda P]

I don't think a single puncture can really justify changing the tyres - that would just put off the first commute for longer while you choose them, get them and fit them. Even Marathon Plus aren't totally p***ture-proof.

Fix the flat, ride 'em for a few weeks and think about changing them if you get more visits from you-know-who.

 

[Plax]

Your tyres are probably fine as they are. As others have pointed out if it becomes a reoccuring problem think about changing them then.

I have the Marathons. I've only have two punctures with them in nearly 1,600 miles which isn't too bad going. I've just bought a spare set in the sale for when my current set wear out. I was thinking about getting the Marathon Plus but I struggle quite badly getting the normal Marathons on and off and the Plus's are supposed to be worse.
Compare this to my Tioga city slicker II tyres on my hybrid - only one puncture in approx 1,100 miles and I get get them on and off the wheel easy peesy. Probably helps that they are 38c compared to a 32c I suppose!

 

[hackbike 666]

I use armadillo's but I constantly hear good things about the Marathon tyres.

 

[JamesM]

I did the commute in this morning - took exactly an hour for the 14.21 miles, which includes a 2 minute break. Quite pleased with that.

When I fixed my tire it was the smallest little spike that got me - the kind of thing a marathon plus would have laughed in the face of! As Phil recommended, I think I'll see how I get on in the next few weeks - if I get many more, I'll think about changing the tyres...

 

[sw3008]

Iit was the smallest little spike that got me - the kind of thing a marathon plus would have laughed in the face of!

Not necessarily, I've got them on my new bike & found I'd got 2 "small" spikes stuck in mine when I was just about to go home the other day. Nearly sliced my fingers finding them in the tyre.

 

[eldudino]

I've still yet to suffer a puncture but I can imagine it spoils your day! My bike's still wearing its Bontrager tyres from the factory and I've got to say they've been fantastic. Grippy, handle loose paths (good for slicks anyway) and the odd glass/hedge clippings. I'm seriously thinking about replacing them with the same when the time comes. http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/107794.html

 

[Tynan]

the bit you find in the tyre might just be the tip snapped off of something much more substantial and unpleasant

 

[JamesM]

I managed to shave 5 minutes off my previous time in to work (only the second time I've done it), I was two minutes faster than my previous best on the return, 7 minutes better than my next best (it's the fifth time I've done that direction)

I think I got away with it with a quick wash and spray. Might need to get another base layer for when I was this one though.