How to Eliminate Flats?

Ken Sullivan wants to ride to work every day, but he is scared that he may puncture, making him late. His question is what is the best way to avoid punctures and about solid or airless tires.

Question:
I would like to ride my bike to work, but I can’t afford to have a flat on the way. I own a road bike and would like to know if airless tires are the best solution or if I should look at other solutions?

Hi Ken.

A solid or airless tire is one answer, they are tricky to fit, but there is no way you will have a puncture and for what you want, they could be perfect. All puncture resistance does cause an amount of drag on the ride, but you will have the security of no flats.

Your other options include fitting a puncture proof strip which is like a rubber strip that runs between the inner tube and the underside of the tread on the inside of the tire. This strip will stop most sharp object going through the top of the tire, but will not stop anything from going through the side wall and it still has air inside. These strips can also slip round inside the tire leaving you vulnerable.

There are also tires with a puncture proof strip already fitted, these work well, but if you want 100% security then the solid, airless tires are the answer.