Tips to Avoid Flat Tires on Your Cargo Bike or E-Bike

[Bike Shop Girl]

This thread is for the general discussion of the How To & Tips Tips to Avoid Flat Tires on Your Cargo Bike or E-Bike. Please add to the discussion here.

 

[Nacho Bikes]

On our 2 cargo bikes, we’ve been running Tannus Armor inserts. Over 1000 miles on one bike and nearing 300 on another, we’ve had zero flats. Out here, bull thorns are everywhere.

 

[CuriouslyCultivating]

Great article! FYI - your links to the pump and gloves are swapped.

 

[linnefaulk]

I got my second flat close to home. (The first was a slow leak and I was able to ride to the shop.) a kind gentleman with a truck got me home (it was a mile) and I called AAA for a tow. First I had to explain to the dispatch that it was a bike. (There is no option for bike in the app which they make you use). Then they sent a truck without a bed. I wasn’t sure if or how it was going to work. But it worked and I learned at the LBS how to change the tire.

 

[djionut123]

Want to also add that tire inserts work a treat for those running tubeless setups, Tannus armour has kept me puncture free since installing them, and if you do puncture, you can ride home safely where you can address the puncture.

 

[Barb Schwendtner]

My tip is to try swapping out your tires at home before you have to fix a flat on the road. This practice will give you confidence and make a flat, or the thought of one, less stressful. Tip 2 is to keep the spare tube in the box so it doesn't get damaged (add painters tape when it starts to wear out). A tube in a baggie easily gets damaged by other cargo.

 

[CharlesNMalden]

My hands are about as old and infirm as the rest of me; in UK I joined the Environmental Travel Association's recovery plan and make sure I have their number and my membership number in my phone/cell where I can find it!

My tires/tyres are about 8,500 kilometres old, and I plan to replace them soon. I'll reuse the Tannus Armour liners and apply latex Slime to new puncture-resistant tubes.

I carry a WooWind electric pump, which pumps all our wheels with a brilliant connector to Schrader valves. It also doubles as a phone power bank.
It is important to me that I have rehearsed wheel removal - roadside repairs are best equipped with experience.


I carry a washing pouch with a motley collection of tools. They have come in handy on small group rides.

 

[Timberdoodle]

what grade of tires are y'all doing all of this to?

I've literally run over sharp metal and all manner of road FOD shenanigans for 1200+ miles and my tires just spit 'em.

That being said, my Benno Boost has what are basically moped tires.

 

[CharlesNMalden]

what grade of tires are y'all doing all of this to?

I've literally run over sharp metal and all manner of road FOD shenanigans for 1200+ miles and my tires just spit 'em.

That being said, my Benno Boost has what are basically moped tires.

The stock Schwalbe tyres supplied with Tern GSD get a lot of punishment on UK roads. On previous bikes I've worn Schwalbe Marathon plus. Carrying my wife on the pillion and also when riding solo I am particularly aware of the consequences of delays.


So at 8500 km am ordering new rubber. They'll be Schwalbe Pick Ups, I'll reuse the Tannus Armour liners, and get new puncture resistant inner tubes, filling them with sealant, too.

 

[Timberdoodle]

Thanks Charles! yeah when you do all that with the new tires, I'd certainly love to see pics and such. It'd be fantastic to have in the hip-pocket when I eventually get another ebike.