Best recommendation on how not to get punctures?

- good tires, the best for puncture protection (in that size) are probably the Schwalbe Durano Plus ( http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/racing_tir... ), but that comes at a price - these tires are heavier and have a slightly higher rolling resistance

- keep the tires pumped to their maximum recommended pressure

- decent inner tubes

- good rim tape (Schwalbe high pressure fabric tape, http://www.schwalbetires.com/accessories/rim_tape )

- don't ride where the cr*p accumulates

Some people have a pathological fear of flats. It is irrational. Flats are not that common for cyclists who have good tires. If you have a problem, it isn't difficult to repair. Last year I rode 10,000 km and I had one puncture which I was able to pump back up and ride home before it went flat again. If you take the time to learn how to repair flat tires and equip yourself to repair them you will stop worrying

1) Keep tires inflated to the proper level at all times.

2) Don't ride next to the curb (gutter). Always ride 3 feet (one meter) away from the curb.

3) Always keep your eyes scanning ahead. Look for potholes & other road imperfections.

4) Mr. Tuffy tire liners work well. So do thorn resistant tubes. Green "Slime" does NOT work.

5) Best road bike tire IMHO - Continental Gatorskins!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=searc...

A tube that is 700cx23-28 will have thicker wall that one that is 21-23 even when both will fit your tires. That will give you some protection at minimum cost.

700cx 25 tires will also give a thicker wall as they are not intended exclusively only for racing.

You can also get tires that have an extra layer of harder rubber for protection.

http://rd.bizrate.com/rd2?t=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazo...

Or use a liner:

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/20867-343_MRTUT0-...

I use Continental Grand Prix 4000, Not a flat since I installed two months ago, about 700 miles. This ones are not cheap thou.