**Subject:** A Solution to Punctures for Fellow Bike Enthusiasts
Dear Bike Lovers,
As fellow enthusiasts in this community built on teamwork and knowledge exchange, I would like to share my experience as a newcomer (despite being in my 70s and having cycled all my life) regarding a common challenge we all face: punctures. I believe I have found the perfect solution for myself!
**No More Punctures!**
Many of us have encountered punctures and have sought various solutions, from purchasing “Slime” bottles and “Slime” inner tubes to investing in Schwalbe “puncture-proof” tires at £35 each. Ultimately, I discovered solid tires from Green Tyres (link), which have provided some success, albeit with limitations. While Slime is effective for tiny, slow punctures, using glue patches for repairs can be tricky. Green Tyres, priced at only £35 each (cheaper than Schwalbe since they do not require an inner tube costing £5-£10), do wear down like regular tires. When they become bald, they must be replaced—especially in winter. Additionally, replacing a spoke or nipple can be frustrating due to their tight fit on the rim.
After much experimentation, I found the best alternative that has kept me puncture-free for over ten years. I use a Schwalbe tire (e.g., 26x200) and insert an old, worn-down Schwalbe tire of a smaller width (e.g., 26x175) inside it, having cut off the metal beads cleanly. This “inner tire” not only protects the sides of the outer tire but also prevents damage from side impacts, such as those caused by brakes or debris.
When the outer tire wears out, I simply replace it and can use the “inner tire” for another bike or wheel if needed (provided I start with an appropriate size, such as 26x175 inside 150 or 26x195 inside 175, and so on).
The additional weight of a few hundred grams or the slight increase in rolling resistance is negligible, especially since we are all riding electric bikes, which typically weigh around 10 kg more than standard bicycles.
I encourage you to consider this solution. As I mentioned earlier, it has kept me puncture-free for over a decade, even as I cycle daily in winter and adverse weather conditions, navigating bike lanes littered with glass and plastic debris from accidents and discarded bottles.
Thank you for allowing me to share my experience, and I hope it proves helpful to you! Or what do you think about my “free” solution...?
Dear Bike Lovers,
As fellow enthusiasts in this community built on teamwork and knowledge exchange, I would like to share my experience as a newcomer (despite being in my 70s and having cycled all my life) regarding a common challenge we all face: punctures. I believe I have found the perfect solution for myself!
**No More Punctures!**
Many of us have encountered punctures and have sought various solutions, from purchasing “Slime” bottles and “Slime” inner tubes to investing in Schwalbe “puncture-proof” tires at £35 each. Ultimately, I discovered solid tires from Green Tyres (link), which have provided some success, albeit with limitations. While Slime is effective for tiny, slow punctures, using glue patches for repairs can be tricky. Green Tyres, priced at only £35 each (cheaper than Schwalbe since they do not require an inner tube costing £5-£10), do wear down like regular tires. When they become bald, they must be replaced—especially in winter. Additionally, replacing a spoke or nipple can be frustrating due to their tight fit on the rim.
After much experimentation, I found the best alternative that has kept me puncture-free for over ten years. I use a Schwalbe tire (e.g., 26x200) and insert an old, worn-down Schwalbe tire of a smaller width (e.g., 26x175) inside it, having cut off the metal beads cleanly. This “inner tire” not only protects the sides of the outer tire but also prevents damage from side impacts, such as those caused by brakes or debris.
When the outer tire wears out, I simply replace it and can use the “inner tire” for another bike or wheel if needed (provided I start with an appropriate size, such as 26x175 inside 150 or 26x195 inside 175, and so on).
The additional weight of a few hundred grams or the slight increase in rolling resistance is negligible, especially since we are all riding electric bikes, which typically weigh around 10 kg more than standard bicycles.
I encourage you to consider this solution. As I mentioned earlier, it has kept me puncture-free for over a decade, even as I cycle daily in winter and adverse weather conditions, navigating bike lanes littered with glass and plastic debris from accidents and discarded bottles.
Thank you for allowing me to share my experience, and I hope it proves helpful to you! Or what do you think about my “free” solution...?
