How can a tyre puncture?

cormie · 08-07-2010 12:22am #1

Hi,
I've been using my turbo trainer quite a bit I'm glad to say (thanks again for all those who helped!) and I've had my first puncture. The tyre itself looks like it still has a bit of life left in it, I have a replacement ready to go but I'd like to get as much out of it as possible, but it's leaking air. I pumped it up again and it's slowly but surely deflating. I'm about 95kg so I'm just wondering is it likely it's just the tube, or should I just go and replace the tyre and tube? The tyre was all red new but has black lines appearing now from use but it doesn't look so bad as though the tube has been hitting the resistance wheel causing it to burst itself and it's just a slow puncture too (still half the air in it after maybe 20 minutes).

Just wondering what the advice is really? To get as much life as possible or to just replace and be done with it. I certainly don't want to lose another tube due to a balding tyre anyway

Any feedback appreciated

Raam · 08-07-2010 12:30am

Find out where the hole is exactly. Then match that up to where it was on the tire, just in case there is something stuck in the tire. Failing that, it could be the valve leaking. Dip it in water to find out for sure.

Raam · 08-07-2010 12:31am

On another note, I think I emailed you to get a lift to Cork a few weeks ago when I was doing Mizen to Malin!

cormie · 08-07-2010 12:57am

Thanks for the reply. I don't recall that email at the moment I'm afraid?

Don't think it would be the valve, as I kept the pump connected and the pressure still went down on the gauge. Can't really think of anything that could have gotten in the tyre either considering it's just on the rolling resistor the whole time.

I'll probably just end up replacing both the tyre and tube. Sure it's a small price to pay for the benefit I get from it anyway

Raam · 08-07-2010 9:12am

If you really want to see where the hole is, take it out of the tire, and pump it up a little. Then place it in basin of water and you should see bubbles emanating from where ever the hole is. You tire might be fine and it could just be a dodgy tube.

I emailed you back in March. Don't worry, you responded very promptly.

blorg · 08-07-2010 11:05am

Is that the turbo tyre I sold you? You really shouldn't have to replace a tyre just because you puncture, just replace the tube. It is the tube that does the leaking, not the tyre. I would go through a lot of tyres if I replaced one every time I had a puncture.

cormie · 08-07-2010 11:11am

Ah that's good to know Raam

I remember the oul bubble trick from when I was a child!

Yup, that's the one Blorg, same tyre still, few black steaks on it from wear but still plenty of red on it still. Just wondering really is it likely the tyre is at fault since the tube wouldn't have the same impact and risks to it as it would on the road (potholes, glass etc) and must it mean that the tyre is wearing too thin causing extra wear on the tube thus causing it to leak?

Can't really see the tube having much work to do fitted to a trainer wheel causing it to go by its own accord?

blorg · 08-07-2010 12:03pm

It does happen. You will only be able to diagnose if you take out the tube and find the puncture. Personally I would replace the tube not the tyre; maybe try an extra thick tube, the one I put in was a lightweight road tube. I have seen suggestions that heat can be an issue. Could be an issue with the rim tape either- again you will only work it out when you find the puncture.

cormie · 08-07-2010 12:20pm

Thanks again blorg, will give it a go just replacing the tube first so

Drapper · 08-07-2010 1:01pm

why a turbo in the middle of the summer in lovely weather?

cormie · 08-07-2010 1:37pm

I don't keep to any regular routines and I'm often tight on time, it's handy to be able to just hop up onto it and get a good workout in 20 minutes before a shower when I can. Glad to say I've been keeping it up too

That's the reason I bought it

How can a tyre puncture?

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