Make Your Bike Tire Thorn Resistant

[@Z_question]

Home Depot "Orbit UPC 2 in. x 50 ft. 20 Mil PVC Pipe Wrap" $5.24 a roll it is thin and fits perfect. Nails, Screws, Thorns glass and more. it's made to protect under ground pipes

[@gfotinakes316]

Very interesting. I hope others see your comment. Thank you

[@slicktmi]

I have tons of this stuff I'll line my tire with it

[@GunsGamesPlanes]

Please tell me this works! I have 8 neighborhood kids and I have become the bike repair man🤣

[@heathershearer570]

I'd like to try this! In terms of installation, how do you proceed? Do you stick it to the inside of the tire and then add the tube?

[@quietlion33]

Does it work?

[@mikecrook8434]

When I was 11 (back in 1964), my stepfather made my bicycle tires thorn-resistant (we called them stickers) by doing the same thing. It worked great. My tires never got another flat. The composite materials available today work much better obviously.

[@gfotinakes316]

I was riding my bike in '64 also and having flats with those "goat head" thorns. I used that liquid sealant and it worked okay. Many times I would be riding along and I would hear hissing then some goop would come out and seal the hole. I wish my father knew what your stepfather knew at the time. Have agreat holiday.

[@er6nman]

I did the whole "Thorn resistant" tube thing for a bit but got tired of replacing the much more expensive tube, because of the valve. So, I started doing this a few years ago with the bad T/R tubes and just buy cheap tubes and use the thick ones for wraps. Also! I've never had semi slick tires before (only knobbies) until I bought a used bike with them and because of their age, I won't use them for long rides, but did cut the wire bead off and use them for liners now and the best so far. Tuffies work, if they don't shift side to side. The tire wrapped within a tire, is tougher and doesn't have that problem and so far, will ride anywhere without hesitation, but do always carry a spare tube regardless. 4 bikes (2 mtb, 2 cruisers) and at least 20 miles a day/4 days a week and have walked a lot of miles because of flats and doing everything I can to avoid any more walking.

[@gfotinakes316]

Wow! I only go 6 miles a day on my Electra Townie 8i. I am on paved paths all the time. I avoid thorns which cause most of the flats on Orange County California bike trails. Thanks for your comment. Keep up your fitness program!

[@er6nman]

@@gfotinakes316 Just trying to keep myself from getting fat and lazy after retiring. Keep in mind, the smoother the tread being used for an insert/liner, the better. And depending on fitment of the tire used in the outside, it can be a wrestling match to install. Hope it helps! Oh! Before the stupidly high h gas prices, I'd drive down to O.C. And ride 2-4 times a month, but now just roll from home in the I.E. On the P.E.T. Most times, with periodic explorations through the dirt and rocks of the local hills.

[@8_x_9.]

I used to fix flats on location where the puncture happened.~15 minutes.

[@8_x_9.]

@@gfotinakes316 Old larger dried up blackberry thorns can puncture tubes on trails too!!!

[@gfotinakes316]

Thankfully we have none of those in southern California!

[@paulcombes3782]

This is awesome . Thanks George . I like reliability hacks for bicycles , and this is a good one . . . SYDNEY AUSTRALIA .

[@gfotinakes316]

Your welcome, I am in Orange County California and it is good to hear from you "down under". Enjoy your biking!

[@tmayberry7559]

Just cut an old inner tube and insert better coverage of tire. I use this method all the time especially in the rear tire and you can run at lower pressures. I run 40 /60 or more depending on tire size

[@gfotinakes316]

Great tip! By the way, in what state are you viewing my video? I would like to add a pin to my map for all my video replies. Thank you!

[@breakingames7772]

I'm in Detroit,I built a 1500 watt ebike but literary the streets here are nothing but glass, people drive around smoking weed and tossing liquor bottles out so I get a flat almost every day riding 6 miles to work, I tried duck taping the inside of the tire which made the ride horrible, I tried pipe insulation, it works but it. Flattens out to paper thin, I'm trying this option today, but along with the extra tube I'm cutting my old tire tread off and inserting that also

[@pixelatedmushroom]

what do you mean by "cut across the oval"

[@LTroznoff]

This is perfect for those who live in the desert thorns are everywhere

[@gfotinakes316]

Yes, I agree, and the cost is nothing more than an old used tube.

[@Chuck-pj7qo]

Yeah I tried tire liners too and all that did was help me experience the sheer Joy of having my valve stems rip off. Bring tools and an extra two-minute tire you'll be fine

[@gfotinakes316]

Please explain, I do not understand your comment.

[@8_x_9.]

👋 Hi. Great video. How did it worked out with the extra tube protection on the long run?Thank you.

[@gfotinakes316]

Perfect, I never got another flat. (Maybe I just managed to dodge the thorns. :)

[@brolisimo]

Depends where you drive. If you drive on streets only this might last forever. I put this system on my electric bike and done over 1000km in few months. I drive mostly on canal routes(loads of crushed glass), and on forest/bush trails. Never had a puncture from glass, but had two punctures recently in one week from a similar spike (I think plum tree), which went through tire and inner tubes like through a butter. So I am thinking of upgrading to a proper liner ;)

[@michaeljohnson254]

just had this idea youtubed it too see if it would work....putting liner in tire first works soo much better man and no need for tape

[@gfotinakes316]

I agree! Ride safely...

[@michaeljohnson254]

@@gfotinakes316 you too thanks for posting this for the masses!!

[@ClavinZKL]

I had a cheap tube that u was gonna use and i bought a slime one instead and us that one, long story short it got punctured and i changed it by using the cheap tube i had, i even put alike in it BUT after literally some hrs it went flat anyways i bought 2 slime tubes yesterday and today i changed it and i said to myself let me check the tyre. And what do you know it had 2 thorns in the tyre and thats why it punctured my tubes i tried getting them out but they where small. I ended up just cutting them with a nail clipper (i didint have anything else) lets hope the small piece of the thorn punctured this new tube aswell. And when it does ill use this slime tube for this.

[@gfotinakes316]

Wow! What a story. Good luck with all those thorns.

[@ClavinZKL]

@gfotinakes316 haha I try.

[@hopenavajo1391]

Where can I get the blue tape at.

[@gfotinakes316]

You can buy it in the paint supplies area of any hardware store. Where are you writing from?

[@hopenavajo1391]

@@gfotinakes316 including Walmart

[@orangestoneface]

extra tube over made tires feel so stiff heavy l tink l remember

[@gfotinakes316]

I haven't noticed that. I put about 60# air pressure in the tires and they ride great. Even if they might be heavier, I ride for the workout anyway. Thanks for the reply, take care and stay safe.

[@thedistance1155]

@@gfotinakes316 does it feel slower? When you put some extra tube protection?

[@gfotinakes316]

@@thedistance1155 My bike is a one speed cruiser type bike. I put about 65# of air in the tires and I have noticed no difference in the speed or resistance. If my bike had a narrow racing tire it probably would make a difference.

[@another3997]

It can make a difference, but it really shouldn't be too noticeable. I guess it depends on how much your current rims and tyres weigh, and the pressures you use.

[@grupposoleblufranto7971]

Does this still working right now I want your answer because I'm tired from Holes in tires

[@gfotinakes316]

It is still working with the "goat head thorns" that I have trouble with. I don't know what you are running over, but my thorns are fairly big and nasty. I hope this helps. What country are you riding your bike in? see the thorns: www.mortonsonthemove.com/goat-head-thorns/

[@grupposoleblufranto7971]

@@gfotinakes316 I ride my bike in North Africa, where the roads are rickety and there are many holes. I will use your advice, but what do you think if I make an inner tube for a truck or a car? I think it is better to protect the tube. Thank you for replying and exchanging experience

[@TheRoybus19666]

i did not quite understand the problem you had with the valve stem and why the sealant was not working .....was the valve inside the stem faulty or was there a hole in the stem itself

[@gfotinakes316]

There was a hole at the base of the stem. By the way, what state are you in? I like to put a pin in my map for all of my replies. Take care!

[@ClavinZKL]

What machine is that? Id want one.

[@gfotinakes316]

That is a Ryobi air pump. It really works well on bike tires, but takes a long time on car tires. Are you in the U.S.? If so, you can just get them on Amazon. Good luck!

[@ClavinZKL]

@gfotinakes316 Ok thanks, and sadly no.

[@Gorylla88]

Have you had any kind of problem in the long run…?

[@gfotinakes316]

I have not had any problems but I don't ride that bike much anymore. The tire still inflates well and holds air.

[@Gorylla88]

@@gfotinakes316 Was the result uniform over the whole tire or did it cause bumps at some points....?Thanks again

[@gfotinakes316]

@@Gorylla88 The tire was uniform with no bumps. I was not aware that it was even there. Remember, this is a larger beach cruiser tire, not a racing bike. By the way, where are you riding? State or country?

[@josefredydiaz127]

Nice thanks 👍👍👍

[@gfotinakes316]

You are welcome, ride safely!

[@tom_olofsson]

Thanks for the demonstration.

[@gfotinakes316]

You are welcome Tom! I hope it works for you. By the way, what state are you in? I like to put a pin in my map for all of my replies. Take care!

[@tom_olofsson]

@@gfotinakes316 Chicago, Illinois.

[@Rekmeyata]

This is nutty idea, I tried this years ago and it didn't work well at all, all you're doing is adding weight while adding very little in the way of flat protection. If you want better flat resistance you need to use a RhinoDillo Tire Liner, which is better than the Mr. Tuffy, it weighs a little less than using an old tube, it's a lot tougher against penetration than using an old tube, and it has one end with a soft tip edge to prevent the liner from chaffing the tube and causing it to leak after time, unlike the Mr. Tuffy. The first line of defense against flats is supposed to be the tire, so buy a tire that has very good anti puncture liner built into the tire, the Schwalbe line of tires have the best flat protection depending on the model, one model is claimed to be flat proof?! I haven't tested that tire to find out, but I do have the Schwalbe Amotion tire and that is rated very high against punctures and so far no flats on my touring bike, but I do use the RhinoDillo liner for extra insurance.

[@gfotinakes316]

Wow! You sound like you have had a lot of experience with this stuff. As for me, I just wanted a quick free fix and it seems to work well against those "goat head" thorns in my area. Thanks for all the information, I am sure it will be helpful to other readers.

[@Rekmeyata]

@@gfotinakes316 I use to live in the Mojave Desert of Calif, guess what was all over the roads out there? Goatheads, and I tried the old tube wrap thing and it didn't remotely work. I even tried Slime, and it didn't work either, but there is newer liquids that does work better than Slime does, but those liquids only last about 3 to 6 months than you have to add more, once you do that the weight is more than a liner. Back when I lived there the only good tire they had against goatheads was Specialized Armadillos, since then Continental came out with better tires, and Schwalbe came out with the best tires against flats. A rubber tube wrap is till nothing more than a thin piece of rubber which is easily penetrated by any sort of sharp object. Don't believe me? fine, take a thumb tack and press it against the tube, the tack will go through it like butter; try the same thing with a RhinoDillo liner and see what happens, see how tough it is to get that tack through the liner vs the tube. Again, the first line of defense is the tires, if you don't want flats start there first when it comes time to replace your tires, then add a liner if necessary.

[@Kenaroni]

@@RekmeyataThanks for the tip on those particular brand liners. I have a friend in Denver Colorado and he has the same problem with goat head thorns. I’ve only seen photos of them and they sure are wicked looking. He tried liners and slime and nothing worked, so he switched to solid tires. I’ve been using some other brand of liners for a few years with no flats, so I’m sold on the idea.

[@Rekmeyata]

@@Kenaroni I used to live and ride out in the Mojave Desert of Calif, I also tried Slime and liners, but the Clear Motion Rhinodillos were not around back then, all there was were the Mr Tuffy's and they didn't work that good, they sort of worked though. And thorn-resistant tubes did nothing except add a lot of weight. Since I no longer live there I can't test against goat heads, so what I did was take a tack and tried to drive it through a Mr. Tuffy I had, the tack went through fairly easily, and then I did the same thing with the Rhinodillo and it bent the tack. Also, it was a lot tougher to cut the Rhinodillo with scissors, whereas it was easy to cut the Mr. Tuffy. I know that the Rhinodillo is better than the Mr. Tuffy, will it stop anything from penetrating it? I doubt it. Slime doesn't work for high-pressure tires, once the psi gets above 70 the high pressure will just blow the slime right out of even small pinholes, at least that was my experience in goat head country using slime. Again, the tire is your first line of defense, get a good highly flat-resistant tire, then add a liner if you want extra insurance against flats.

[@phischmo56]

Great advice. I hadn't known about liners and Schwalbe tires until I read your comment, thank you. I ride a commuter e-bike and spent a week in a hospital because of a thorn in the front tire. I took a turn at about 25 - 30 mph and the front tire collapsed. The higher speeds tend to work against puncture-proofing as well. A tire going at 30 mph is more susceptible to puncture, I believe. But I think I'll try the RhinoDillo liner. It doesn't appear as though Schwalbe makes a 26" X 1.95" tire, unless you know of an online outlet you can direct me to?! Thanks for the education, man! I mean that...

[@darrolgreen1835]

Not against "Goat head" thorns Any 1 do the tire in tire? Bfd, CA.

[@gfotinakes316]

It has worked well for me for several years now. Thanks for your comment.

[@benjammin6228]

tannus armour makes a big difference.

[@gfotinakes316]

I never heard of these before. I looked them up, have you tried them?

[@ranborenbo884]

How one more inner tube can make inner tube punctureproof i think this is almost same as one tube

[@gfotinakes316]

Most punctures where I live come from thorns. For thorns, this is a near perfect solution. Have a safe and happy holiday.

[@ranborenbo884]

@@gfotinakes316 i didnt tried yet,maybe u r right ty for showing ur solution and stay safe too :)

[@gfotinakes316]

@@ranborenbo884 I am in California, are you in another country?

[@ranborenbo884]

@@gfotinakes316 im from Serbia near Italy and i really love cycling but punctures are so anoyinng sorry for bad english

[@gfotinakes316]

@@ranborenbo884 Your English is great for a second language. I am Greek-American. All four of my grandparents emigrated to the U.S. around 1910. My Greek language is that of a 5 year old. By the way, I ride a one speed bike with large tires. I don't know if my solution will work for you on a bike with narrow tires. Пазите и будите сигурни. (Гугл преводилац)