First on the trail flat repair.

"VincentMalamute-Kim" (VincentMalamute-Kim)
11/04/2020 at 22:37 • Filed to: None

Single bacon strip didn’t close the cut closer to the tread. Two worked. Tire wouldn’t stay inflated so then found the second hole.

The second hole partly under the rim, next to the bead seems weird. I didn’t think the plug was going to work in that location.

Tread is worn anyway so I’ll be installing a new Maxxis tomorrow. I think I’ll go back to 14psi. This was at 12psi (145 lbs on 27.5 x 2.8 tires).

I was mystified by the second hole right at/partly under the rim margin. Thinking about it, that’s exactly where the rim would puncture the tire in a pinch flat.

So my only question is would the sidewall plugs hold were I to keep this tire in service ? I’m used to the car tire sidewall punctures that are dangerous. If the plugs here failed, no biggie, just annoying walk back.

DISCUSSION (14)

TheRealBicycleBuck > VincentMalamute-Kim
11/05/2020 at 08:07

I agree that it looks like a pinch flat. You must have caught a rock on the left side since most pinch flats get both the left and right sides of the tire at the same time.

I wouldn’t worry too much about using that tire as a spare, but I wouldn’t continue using it as a primary tire. The repair will create a stress point which is likely to cause more wear around it as the sidewall flexes.

stuckMTB > VincentMalamute-Kim
11/05/2020 at 08:25

I’ve got a bacon strip kit but have no idea how to use it in a pinch! How do these work exactly ? This would be in lieu of carrying a spare tube?

OPPOsaurus WRX > VincentMalamute-Kim
11/05/2020 at 08:55

14 spi???? shouldn;t you be up in the 30's? i was riding with lowerr psi and the guy at the bike shop said it would cause a lot on pinch punctures

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > VincentMalamute-Kim
11/05/2020 at 09:34

I think you will need to properly patch those from the inside using a glue on patch. Plugs have a tendency to work loose.

VincentMalamute-Kim > TheRealBicycleBuck
11/05/2020 at 10:31

Thanks for confirming. This is my first tubeless pinch flat so wasn’t entirely sure. I like the explanation that includes science.

I remember hearing a loud bang from that side shortly before. That must’ve been the rock hitting the rim through the sidewall.

VincentMalamute-Kim > OPPOsaurus WRX
11/05/2020 at 10:39

The fat tires take really low pressure. I think I read that the 5" tires run like 4 psi or something. Mine is a plus tire at 2.8".

I looked up the psi chart for 2.8" tires for my weight to confirm. I misread the chart. 12-14 psi for front tires. 13-15 psi for rear tires. I read that a 1 psi change at these low pressures make a large difference.

I really like the traction and small bump absorption of the low psi.

VincentMalamute-Kim > stuckMTB
11/05/2020 at 10:42

Same as a tire plug if you’ve ever done that. Thread the bacon strip through the tool like the eye of a needle. Insert into the hole. Remove the tool leaving the plug in place. I found that using a flat screwdriver tip to hold the plug while removing the tool helps.

I still carry a spare tube in case of larges gashes that are not pluggable. And I carry a patch kit in case that tube gets holed. If pluggable though, this was a lot less work than dismounting the tire, installing a tube, remounting.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
11/05/2020 at 10:45

Good tip. I can see that loosening on the flexing side wall. I just plugged my road tire but that was on the tread.

I assume the plugs will be fine in that location without the need for a patch?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > VincentMalamute-Kim
11/05/2020 at 11:15

I sold my rear 27.5 wheel with 3" tire, now I only have a front, I slightly regret it. It’s almost a fat bike tire but not quite. I think I would just like a fat bike with 4.5"-5" tires.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
11/05/2020 at 11:17

I love the traction and the cushion. I hate the weight.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > VincentMalamute-Kim
11/05/2020 at 11:20

Yeah, that was my conclusion too. I’m 99% on the 29" wheels now I rode the 3" tires for a while but really didn’t like the rolling resistance and mass.

OPPOsaurus WRX > VincentMalamute-Kim
11/05/2020 at 11:36

are you sure there is no metric conversion or something. this is just a random chart I found but still looks to be a lot higher. your chart may vary i guess but it could explain the pinch puncture .

Kinja'd!!!

TheRealBicycleBuck > OPPOsaurus WRX
11/05/2020 at 13:52

T hat chart looks like its for tubed, not tubeless. I was surprised at how low the recomm ended pressures are for tubeless.

OPPOsaurus WRX > TheRealBicycleBuck
11/05/2020 at 14:03

interesting, I didn’ t think there would be a difference.