why more punctures on wet roads?

[PawPaw]

that's the question. probably been addressed multiple times, but I am questioning the conventional reasons, those being:

- rain washes glass and sharp stones to the shoulder.
- more sharp stones carried onto road with mud.
- tires are softer and more prone to glass penetration.

the first two sound plausible, but not so much the third.

[hosko]

A forth possibility would be that the rain prevents you from being able to see the glass as clear as a dry day, so instead of riding around it, you hit it.

Maybe...

[kb]

My guess is surface tension of the water on the tire lets small objects adhere for longer.

[Comedian]

My guess is surface tension of the water on the tire lets small objects adhere for longer.

Yep...I'm plus one on that!

I also think that the water acts as a lubricant for the glass to cut it's way through.

[il padrone]

Yep, sharp fragments stick more when your tyres are wet.

[mitzikatzi]

..snip..

I also think that the water acts as a lubricant for the glass to cut it's way through.

+1

[PawPaw]

I raised this topic because we were talking with some Uni of Qld racers yesterday after Nundah Dome, and they said 7 A graders had punctures either riding over or during their crit race. We also had punctures in our races. Never seen such a large cluster.

[jules21]

..snip..

I also think that the water acts as a lubricant for the glass to cut it's way through.

+1

+ 2 that's my guess

[MREJ]

It always seems that there is more rubbish on the surface somehow.

[Kenzo]

My guess is surface tension of the water on the tire lets small objects adhere for longer.

Yep...I'm plus one on that!

I also think that the water acts as a lubricant for the glass to cut it's way through.

this comedian tells the truth...

[Mulger bill]

My guess is surface tension of the water on the tire lets small objects adhere for longer.

Not an issue with my Gators in the wet. The sideways sliding action in the turns scrapes the carp off

[DavidL]

..snip..

I also think that the water acts as a lubricant for the glass to cut it's way through.

+1

+ 2 that's my guess

That is what would have allows a chip of quartz to slice through my tire yesterday where as in the dry......

- David.

[Yagan]

Water acts as a cutting lubricant. When cutting any rubber it can be hard dry. Add water and knife of scissors go straight through. When cutting conveyor belt I used to use spray and wipe. The moisture makes a massive difference. Where dry rubber will roll over a stone or glass. If your tyres are wet the glass will go straight through. Try it with a old tube and scissors and see for yourself.

[elStado]

Hrm. I don't notice any difference with punctures wet or dry, as I never get them. Schwalbe Marathons here.

[trailgumby]

My guess is surface tension of the water on the tire lets small objects adhere for longer.

Not an issue with my Gators in the wet. The sideways sliding action in the turns scrapes the carp off

Yep, them goldfish are pesky critters. Although you'd think they'd make a nice snack. Maybe the 'gators are fussy about thin sharp bones.

[master6]

Water is to rubber, as oil is to metal.

[wombatK]

Water acts as a cutting lubricant. When cutting any rubber it can be hard dry. Add water and knife of scissors go straight through. When cutting conveyor belt I used to use spray and wipe. The moisture makes a massive difference. Where dry rubber will roll over a stone or glass. If your tyres are wet the glass will go straight through. Try it with a old tube and scissors and see for yourself.

+1. Another example: watch your windscreen wipers bump and screech if you turn them on with a dry windscreen. Or compare dragging a squeegee across a dry window v's wet window. That's why wet roads are the puncture fairies' playground.

Cheers

[greyhoundtom]

Well there you go.............another good reason for not riding in the rain or on wet roads.

Gee you guys have certainly made me feel better about being a wimp for not riding during wet and cold Melbourne winter days.

At least now I can stop using the "my CF frame will melt in the rain" or “my CF frame might crack when it is really cold” excuse.

[master6]

Well there you go.............another good reason for not riding in the rain or on wet roads.

Gee you guys have certainly made me feel better about being a wimp for not riding during wet and cold Melbourne winter days.

At least now I can stop using the "my CF frame will melt in the rain" or “my CF frame might crack when it is really cold” excuse.

You might be the worlds best tyre changer ght; please dont be offended by my suggestion.
I have seen lots of people change tubes on the roadside, and I cringe in 90% of cases. The vast majority of people are hopeless. Last week was a typical case. My mate punctured, and I bit my tongue while he changed tubes. Five km down the road "i've got another flat" he moaned. I was not surprised.
Time to bring out one of my spare tubes for him. This time I gave my tongue an easy run, and insisted on doing the change myself. Some people might call me a smartarse; honestly, I am more comfortable being modest, but what do you do? Stuff all your spare tubes and get the cab home?

View the bit of wet weather as an opportunity to polish your tube changing game

[wombatK]

I am more comfortable being modest, but what do you do? Stuff all your spare tubes and get the cab home?

Just another case of the "give them fish" v's "teach them to fish" argument ? Sure, the latter is lots more difficult, but
in the long run, it's more effective. Is it worth thinking of the next wet weather puncture as an opportunity to
work on some teaching skills ? And carry some good quality glueless patches to fix any pinch-flat problems etc.,.

[master6]

I am more comfortable being modest, but what do you do? Stuff all your spare tubes and get the cab home?

Just another case of the "give them fish" v's "teach them to fish" argument ? Sure, the latter is lots more difficult, but
in the long run, it's more effective. Is it worth thinking of the next wet weather puncture as an opportunity to
work on some teaching skills ? And carry some good quality glueless patches to fix any pinch-flat problems etc.,.

Are you the politician with "wayward" Cabcharge Vouchers"?

[wombatK]

Are you the politician with "wayward" Cabcharge Vouchers"?

Wish I were - then I'd never have to walk home if my teaching efforts
failed

[tomdex]

Well there you go.............another good reason for not riding in the rain or on wet roads.

Gee you guys have certainly made me feel better about being a wimp for not riding during wet and cold Melbourne winter days.

At least now I can stop using the "my CF frame will melt in the rain" or “my CF frame might crack when it is really cold” excuse.

You might be the worlds best tyre changer ght; please dont be offended by my suggestion.
I have seen lots of people change tubes on the roadside, and I cringe in 90% of cases. The vast majority of people are hopeless. Last week was a typical case. My mate punctured, and I bit my tongue while he changed tubes. Five km down the road "i've got another flat" he moaned. I was not surprised.
Time to bring out one of my spare tubes for him. This time I gave my tongue an easy run, and insisted on doing the change myself. Some people might call me a smartarse; honestly, I am more comfortable being modest, but what do you do? Stuff all your spare tubes and get the cab home?

View the bit of wet weather as an opportunity to polish your tube changing game

Perhaps you could explain what 90% of people do wrong (or could do better!) when changing a tube on the roadside?
Forgive me, but your comment proves that you are an 'arrogant smartarse' and not willing (or able) to tell your 'mate' where he could improve his skills...............

[master6]

you are an 'arrogant smartarse' and not willing (or able) to tell your 'mate' where he could improve his skills...............

W ait A while. I gave him a demonstration on June 10 ,2012. That was three months ago.

As they say, W ait A while.

[slipperysucker]

Reminds me of a visit to W.A. They were slow, and unhelpful. $2 a day is about their value.