Pinch flat or cut sidewall

[CSG]

How do you tell the difference between a pinch flat & simply a cut? I have had 3 sidewall failures this season. The last one I was running 20psi in the tire so I doubt it is a pinch.

Next question:
If these are all in fact cuts would I do better with less sidewall (IE 14" wheels)?

 

[scmo777]

Scott, do you have any photos of where they are and what they look like, where do you ride/ ie, terrian---sand, rocks, etc. 20psi seems a little high maybe tire is not able to have any give. what type of tires also, have all three been the same brand.

 

[CSG]

I have not taken any photo's. I can though. Two of the flats happened while using the Goodyear MTR. The last one was while running original Bighorn's. The terrain at these races was very rocky. Constantly sliding sideways across & into rocks. Luckily on the last race I was far enough ahead that my tireballs allowed me to maintain the lead. Not so lucky with the other two. I normally do not run that much pressure in the tires. This course had alot of very sharp narrow turns so I aired up the rear to lessen the understeer. Was a little too much though as it was loose on corner exit.

 

[scmo777]

Scott were we ride there are not alot of rocks but there are some spots that do, one thing that happened to me was I too was constantly getting a flat on my right rear tire, and it looked like I was tearing the tire but to find out it was actually my wheel, it was tacoed and it would let air out when i hit it perfectly and then my tire would debead and get torn up, so maybe check you wheels for dents.,, Just my experiences

 

[CSG]

Thanks, I will look the wheel over real good when I take this tire off. I wish I had a set of the ITP Bajacross to try out. I know they are an 8ply but don't know how the sidewall is constructed. I believe that tire when properly grooved would work well in my terrain.