How many of you guys have taken the extra step to install a puncture free tire?
My current flat defense system is:
1. Kevlar tires: Schwalbe Big Apple 2.35" on the front and a Armadillo Hemisphere 1.95" on the back.
2. Mr. Tuffy liners front and back.
3. Downhill tubes front and back; as thick as thorn-resistant tubes, but all the way around.
4. Road kit contains 2 spare tubes, patch kit, C02 cartridges and C02 dispenser; plus a Snickers bar because those things really *are* satisfying.
Why not simply carry a small bottle of SLIME and a hand pump in your bag? Before I install my kit ( received today) I'd like to consider why I should bother with a tire upgrade?
I can't say you *should* upgrade. There are a number of flatproofing systems out there, each with its pros and cons. One problem with doing research on the internet is that, no matter what product you are looking up, you always find 50 people who loved it and 50 people who hated it.
When I was researching flatproofing systems, I spoke to 2 local bike mechanics who had tried the Slime system and didn't like it. I can't remember why though. Since then I guess I've been a little prejudiced against it. Also, the solution I use works, so I have no motivation to change.
BTW: interesting review of air free tires:
http://felixwong.com/news/2006/12/air-free-tires/
Seems to me a few onces of SLIME and my mini-pump will weigh far less.
Maybe... but once you put an engine on your bike, you no longer have to worry about every gram. Motorized bikes are sometimes called "engine assist", but the motor puts out so much more power than an average person, it's really you assisting the engine, not the reverse. I go up steep hills at about 10-15 mph using an R/S 35cc which is hauling close to 300 pounds, so I don't worry about saving a few grams with a mini-pump.
Personally I think those little teeny bike pumps are for the birds. I used one once - NEVER AGAIN! The C02 solution is more expensive up front, but if you spend the money on a decent flatproofing solution, you will very rarely
need to fill your tires on the road, so it is almost a one-time expense.
Hope this helps,
-Sam