On Tuesday, November 27, 2012 5:16:23 PM UTC-8, wrote:
Not that kind of flat. Here in Northern Illinois it's been a while since I've had time to ride but 55's on Sunday beckon. Check out the bike and the back tire is flat; not sure how long it's been that way. Swap out the tube, holds air, but there's a definitely flat spot on the tire. Will that work itself out over time or is the tire toast?



Steve

The first thing to do in a case like this is to remove the tire and inspect it carefully. Look for cracking rubber on the treads or sidewalls or shredding of the rim of the tire. If you see any of this throw the tire away.

If the tire looks serviceable other than a flat spot check that spot to see if it is in the treat or simply a set from being flat for so long. If it is just from being flat, inflate the tire and see if it's still there. If so you can ride it carefully for awhile to see if that spot comes out. If after a mile or two it doesn't replace the tire.

Remember that perfect inner tubes lose air over time and given enough time will go flat with no problems. That's why you always check a tube by pumping it up and passing it through a bucket of water and look for an actual leak.