You know the flat tire thing pisses me off too...here in AZ we get these little tumble type weeds or something that when dried out leave like little land mine thorns just long enough to puncture a tube....I want to take an aluminum slat from a broken blind and put it inside the tire then put in the tube...I think it will work but haven't tried it yet...giving the protection from the pesky thorns but still having the air in the for the cushion ride....if anyone ever tries this idea please let me know how it works.
