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Comment by mbrameld | Hacker News Reader

The first scenario in the FAQ sounds more like a pinch-flat to me. This happens when you ride up a curb or over a rock and the tire compresses, pinching the tube between the rim and the curb. Running higher tire pressures, using a product like CushCore, or as the author discovered running stiffer casings can all help reduce the incidence of pinch-flats.

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A pinch flat (aka snake bite) will generally have two pinholes, making it relatively easy to identify.

With that said I have never had a flat on the outside of the casing without actually an obvious sidewall tear/puncture. Definitely possible, but I would say it is far less likely.

I'd also add an important point - never replace a punctured tube without thoroughly checking the inside of your tire for sharp objects. You'll likely only make this mistake once.

I've never really found a good way to check - visual check can miss things, running your hand around the inside works but you're liable to get something such in your hand! Wiping a around can work. But I've not come up with anything better? Maybe a tissue, or microfibre cloth will snag more easily and avoid missing something?

I take the chance and run my hand on the inside. Gloves should usually work well too, though I use fingerless on road.

For off-road riding (cross) I pinch flat almost exclusively so I don’t bother checking around. It is pretty obvious when you smack a root or rock.

I am often still wearing my biking gloves anyways, so I run my hand around inside, and then toss them in the wash when I get home.

Thank you for the hint.

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