Q: I’m a big guy (235 pounds) who gets rear tire pinch flats on rough roads. I ride on 700×23 tires at 115 psi. How can I avoid these flats? — Ted C.
COACH FRED: Most rear tire pinch flats are caused by some combination of three factors: not enough tire pressure, tires that are too narrow, or poor riding technique.
It sounds like you’re running plenty of pressure.
At 235, I suggest you try wider tires — 700×25 or even 28. The wider the tire, the greater the air volume and more protection for the rim. If your fork doesn’t have enough clearance for wider tires, run the widest one you can on the rear and use a narrower tire up front.
As for technique, pay attention to the road surface. Scan ahead for things with abrupt edges — mainly potholes or cracks. When you spot these potential tire biters, think “light.” Level your pedals and lift your hips off the saddle slightly to reduce weight on the rear wheel. Slow way down for railroad tracks and other obvious places where you might pinch-flat.
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