Which Tyres?

Merlin have tubed type, but they're just as tough to get on initially. Give em time, they do stretch out a bit. Just take 2 half decent tyre levers when you go out for a ride.

Yeah she'll be right mate, just pump it up to 100psi overnight then deflate to your desired pressure and ride. The tyre will stretch from the overinflation and from general riding. I found the GKs tricky to mount the first time but now they go on with just my thumbs.

Alternatively you could look at some of the WTB tyres in 30c or 32c

I ordered 32mm tubed type from them buy got TLC, do you have the tubed one?

This sounds promising, are you running TLC ones out of interest?

Have seen the WTB ones but they only come in tubeless variant which has out me off a bit.

Yes I'm running TLC tyres with tubes, no problems so far. Apparently it's terrible for rolling resistance but I'm running 35c tyres at 30psi so rolling resistance is not my top priority.

I've also got the WTB Expanse tyres in 32c which I run with tubes. Easy tyres to fit and they're no heavier than similar tyres that are tubed only.

Thanks for this, bought some different tubes so will give them a go with your advise. Have never had issues with fixing punctures, fittings tubes before....feel like a right noob!

Ok cool, many many thanks.

Is your rim tape in good condition? I've had blowouts before from budget rim tape!

How many sets of tyres did you order?
If you have a spare pair of 32mm tlc gimme a shout.
Edit: I ordered tubed type ages ago (they were cheap), got tlc version delivered (which I was happy about). They do give, but I find all the Panaracer tyres I've used a bit snug with my rims (Mavic), don't worry about it so much, see it as character building, repairing a road side puncture with gravelkings gives much entertainment for passersby.

Good question, will check the tape out today. I wouldn't have thought so though as the wheels are DT Swiss and less than 2 years old.

This is why I always align tyre labels and valve and if a weird flat happens (no glass, etc) I check to find where the tube holed. Inside or outside of the tube for starters? If it's outside, double check the tyre, checking the bead and flexing the rubber to see for any embedded wire/glass.
If it's inside the tube then you've got a rim or rim tape issue (fuck you, TABR 2017!).

My money is still on the tube catching on the bead because it's too wide.
@edscoble knows all about fitting an inner tube too wide for the tyre don't you Ed :)

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The bead will stretch and become easier to get on and off once left on the rim and inflated for a while. I had this same issue with Challenge Paris Roubaix, at first near impossible to get on the rims.

Have all looked like this. Pretty sure always on the outside of the tube

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That's a spoke hole puncture, no?

You're sure it's on the outside of the tube?

One was sufficiently violent I ended up spilling my porridge

Euphemism?

Sadly, no. It was hot porridge too. Still not a euph.

Actually, no. I've just taken out the one that is currently in and I can see a little raised bump which looks like that's another one waiting to happen. On the inside

Thought so. New rim tape time. Tesa tape in the correct width is my new fave.

Yep, think that must be it as I've just put the tube on the rim to line up where it would be and where there are two holes is where there are two little bumps on the tube.

Nah, Velox for use with tubes. Tesa for tubeless.

I used to have that opinion too. It was wrong.

I've been using Tesa in all my recent wheels. All tubed at the moment. No issues at all and it's cheap

I went velox cloth thinking oh yeh great but then it gets wet the glue doesnt stick and your spoke holes appear . Great if you never ride in the rain or a puddle otherwise complete sh,,, get the tessa yellow stuff . Clean the rims with alcohol wipes Before and never look back.