What Are Goatheads?

Goatheads—also called puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris)—are a low-growing plant that produces hard, woody, spiky seedpods. Those seedpods are notorious for puncturing bike tires and ruining rides, especially if you’re not tubeless.

They’re common across many regions of the U.S. and Mexico, especially in hot, dry areas with disturbed soil.

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Why Cyclists Hate Them

Goathead thorns:

• Puncture tires easily and stick in the tread and sidewalls
• Often show up in patches—if you get one, you’ll likely get more
• Can break off and stay embedded in the tire, causing future flats (especially if you try to use a tube later)

If you’re riding in goathead territory, flats aren’t a surprise—they’re the default unless you’re prepared.

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Where You’ll Find Them

Goatheads love disturbed, sun-baked ground. Watch for them near:

• Road shoulders and bike lanes
• Trailheads, parking areas, and campgrounds
• Driveways, access roads, and open lots

Seasonal heads-up: They’re often worst in late summer and early fall, when seedpods are mature and scattered.

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Quick Field ID

Look for:

• A low-growing plant forming a spreading mat
• Hairy leaves with many small opposite leaflets
• Small yellow flowers
• The giveaway: spiky seedpods that break into hard “nutlets” with sharp spines

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The Golden Rule (Seriously)

If goatheads embed in your tire: LEAVE THEM IN until the ride is over.

Pulling them out mid-ride creates multiple holes at once—too many for sealant to handle. The best strategy is often: keep rolling, let the sealant work, and deal with it later.

What To Do If You Hit Goatheads Mid-Ride

• Keep riding if the tire is sealing. Spin the wheel occasionally to move the sealant around.
• Don’t stop to pluck out the thorns. You’ll likely make it worse.
• Stay on the trail. The edges are prime goathead zone.
• Use plugs only on holes that won’t seal.
• Add sealant if needed. Carrying extra can save the day.

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Prevention: The Best Setup for Goathead Territory

If your route crosses goathead habitat, this setup gives you the best chance of riding through without a full meltdown:

1. Tubeless tires (strongly recommended)
2. Fresh sealant + extra sealant
3. Tire inserts for “get-home insurance”

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What NOT To Do (Common Goathead Mistakes)

• Don’t pull all the goatheads out at once. Too many holes, too fast.
• Don’t rely on tubes as a backup. Embedded thorns can puncture a tube immediately.
• Don’t assume it’s just one. Goatheads come in patches.
• Don’t wander off-trail. Shoulders and disturbed soil are where they thrive.

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After the Ride: Don’t Spread Them

Once you’re done:

• Remove goatheads from your tires (carefully—gloves help)
• Check shoes, socks, and gear for stuck seedpods
• Throw them away (don’t drop them on the ground)

Goatheads spread by hitchhiking—on tires, shoes, pets, and vehicles. Cleaning them off helps protect other trails.

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Quick Checklist: Goathead-Ready Kit

• Tubeless tires
• Fresh sealant (topped off before the ride)
• Extra sealant
• Valve core remover
• Tire inserts (like CushCore)
• Plug kit (like Dynaplug)
• Mini pump / CO₂