Constant flats. Help me Chainlink, you're my only hope!!

Please excuse the corny title, I'm just completely frustrated at this point.

I have had a total of 6 flats on my bicycle since building it last year. Since then I've changed tube brand, added thicker/wider rimtape, adjusted seat placement, and even replaced a cheepy tire with a Thickslick. Still running into the flat tire headache. The flats all seem to be pinch flats. Every time I inspect the tube, tire, and rim there is never any left over debris; stones, glass or otherwise. Everything looks great and appears to be in perfect working order.

I think the problem is that my rim is just too sharp. Not the spoke end area, but the actual rim. It completely destroys tire lever while replacing tubes. I've had a few shops replace my tube just to be sure that it isn't user error, only to come up with the same issue. So, here's my question: is it possible to have my rim filed down so that I can actually ride my bike without constantly getting flats? I've tried everything else I can think of.

I have two other bikes I can ride, but this is the one I really want to be on. It's my baby. I miss it. Any shop or fix suggestions are much appreciated. I was considering checking out Heritage since I've heard so many good things.

The bike is the white one in my profile, so if I can avoid having to change the rim I'd be ecstatic.

Thanks in advance.

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Permalink Reply by Tandemonium on June 11, 2014 at 3:27pm

This is a work-around, but you could also try a thorn resistant tube. Get the kind that is thicker through the entire cross section. You might find that what causes a pinch flat on a normal tube will only be a 'scratch' on a thick thorn resistant tube.

My wife and I had flat issues on the tandem about one month ago. No flats in 200 miles since installing a thorn resistant tube. Give it a try, it is a cheap solution that could save you replacing the rim.

Permalink Reply by Tominator on June 12, 2014 at 4:42am

Wow, what a cool tool. I never saw that before. I always use tire irons to get my tubes on without issue. More than 30 years now.

notoriousDUG said:

You are not getting pinch flats if there is only one hole, you are getting a puncture or damaging the tube when you install it or inflate it.  

I very much doubt you have any issues with the rim, it sounds like you are pinching it when you put the tire on.  DO NOT use levers to put it on, it is almost impossible to not get the tube caught in some manner.  Even if you do not puncture it then you put a blemish in it that will eventually rupture.

If you have an issue getting the tire on the last little bit get a bead jack. (Although I suggest purchasing it at your local bike shop...)

Permalink Reply by Jamais716 on June 12, 2014 at 4:52am

I got a bead jack cause tires were a b*tch to mount on my road bike and it's great!  At the same time, I also got a set of Schwalbe Marathon plus and haven't had to use the bead jack since.  :-) 

Permalink Reply by Chris Mailing on June 13, 2014 at 4:03pm

Also, check out the VAR tire lever tool, which is small enough to carry in your saddle bag and includes a simple bead jack.  Unfortunately, it is not distributed in the U.S., so you have to buy it overseas.  One source is http://www.cyclebasket.com/m5b0s281p92/VAR_Special_Tyre_Levers_ (price is in British Pounds).  I purchased mine back when they were distributed in the U.S. and they've worked beautifully for decades.

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