Flat Prevention, Part 3 of 3: Upgrading Your Tires

What have we learned so far in the exciting journey of flat prevention?

First, keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure! Next, while riding, do your best to avoid grit, glass, and other debris!

And, if that doesn’t cut it? Upgrade your tires.

As with most things in life, better quality tires are going to cost more. We tend to stock tires in all sizes with the thought process of good (least expensive), better (middle of the road), and best ($$$). The best, at the Wheelhouse, are Continental Gatorskins and Gator Hard Shells. The former feature puncture-resistant casing, sidewall protection, and wear-optimized tread. The latter adds additional sidewall protection.

These tires (actually, all tires) have been relatively difficult to come by throughout the pandemic, so we’ve been snatching them up size by size as we’ve been able. As I write this, our distributor is out of stock of several sizes of Gatorskins and all sizes of Hard Shells. We sit about the same at the moment, but that changes week to week.

If you are interested in upgrading, expect to spend in the $120 to $130 range for two tires. We can install for $12/each.

If we don’t have your size in stock, we can definitely find you a comparable or get a deposit and snatch you up some Gators as soon as they come into the warehouse.

Even after all of this, sometimes flats still happen. And in that case, you can always come by the Wheelhouse for a quick flat change ($12 + cost of tube). Or, do it yourself! Our next service series will take on changing your own flats: what you need and how to.