How to avoid punctures

Here's a few tips on how to avoid the dreaded punture. We've all had a few but most are avoidable with a bit of preperation before you cycle. Basically there are two types of punture, Pinch flats which are caused by the tube being pinched between the road and your wheel. These are usually caused by low tyre pressure and then there's the regular puncture caused by sharp objects such as glass and stones. Follow this checklist to maximise your chances of having either.
1. Tyre Pressure
               Check your pressure before your ride. Don't rely on a quick thumb push pressure check, use a track pump with a pressure guage. A good guide for pressure in a road bike is 100psi for winter rides. A bit more for heavier riders and a bit less for very light riders but always 90-120psi.
2. Inspect Tyres
             After inflation check your tyres for small sharp objects like glass. Remove them gently using a very small screwdriver or similar. It's not a bad idea to wear glasses doing this as they can fly . This will stop them making their way into the tyre as you cycle later. If your tyres are excessivley worn,perished,cracked or have large cuts replace them with a good quality winter tyre (don't skimp on tyres as you will spend more on tubes than the difference in tyre prices).
3. Now you're on the road. Stay Alert!!!
          When you're on the road keep your eyes peeled, watch for potholes,glass,loose gravel. If you spot any of these avoid it safely making sure not to swerve into traffic. If you're in a group let the others know of the hazard.
Here are some tyres I'd reccommend in order of my preference

1. Schwalbe durano plus folding tyre €40. Excellent punture protection plus great grip in the wet. Nice low rolling resistance(for a winter tyre). A little difficult to fit the first time due to their toughness but easy enough to refit once they take the shape.
2.Continental gatorskin. €33. great puncture protection, A little prone to cuts due to it's harder compound rubber. Wet grip is not great.
3.continental gp4000s . Good all year round tyre , excellent grip, not as puncture proof as durano plus but rolls better.
4. Schwalbe Ultremo €55. Brilliant grip and rolling. Save these for the summer!!
5. Vittoria Diamante pro light. €44. Another fast rolling tyre for summer use.
Black tyres have better grip than coloured ones as the dying process affects the copmpound!! True.

Happy Cycling
Stephen