 Tools:
Puncture Repair Kit,
Bike Pump, Spanner (if
needed to remove wheel nuts)
Time: 10-30 minutes
If you're going to be doing a lot of cycling,
you've got to accept that sooner or later you are
going to get a puncture. They're a pain in the
ass, but with a decent puncture repair kit, you'll
be able to repair the puncture and be on your way
in no time!
Punctures are usually caused by sharps objects
(such as a piece of glass or a splinter) piercing
the tyre and inner tube. 'Snakebite' punctures are
caused by hitting a hard bump, which pinches the
tube creating two holes. If the inner tube is
punctured at the bottom of the valve or if there
is a large tear, then it isn't really repairable
and the inner tube should be replaced. It's always
a good idea to carry a spare inner tube when
you're on a bike ride.
1. Firstly, you'll need to remove the wheel
from the bike (punctures can be repaired whilst
the wheel is on the bike but it's not
recommended!). If you have quick release then this
takes two seconds, if not use a spanner to undo
the wheel nuts. Once the wheel is removed, have a
quick check for any obvious causes of the puncture
and remove any sharp objects found to avoid making
more holes while you're doing the repair.
2. Ensure the inner tube is deflated and then ease
the flat end of the tyre lever (two may be
required for tight tyres) between the tyre and the
rim taking care not to catch the tube with the
tyre lever. Now carefully slide the tyre lever
along the inside of the tyre, bringing the tyre
outside the rim. One side of the tyre should now
be outside the rim so you can carefully remove the
inner tube.
3. If you haven't already found the cause of the
puncture, run your fingers along the inside of the
tyre until you find it (be careful though, this
could be a sharp piece of glass so don't be too
vigorous). This is very important, as there is
nothing more frustrating then fixing a puncture,
replacing the wheel and setting off again only to
get re-punctured 5 minutes later! (It's happened
to me and it's really not funny.)
4. Locate the puncture by inflating the inner tube
and listening for a hissing sound or running your
hand around the outside of the tube and feeling
for the escaping air. Mark the puncture with the
chalk or crayon and then roughen the surface with
sandpaper. Blow away any excess dust.
5. Apply the glue over the puncture area according
to the instructions on your puncture repair kit,
as this does tend to vary. Again, follow the
instructions on your puncture repair kit for
applying the patch. Once you've done this,
partially inflate the inner tube so that it holds
it's shape to help prevent the tube from getting
pinched by the tyre (and also check the patch is
holding).
6. Starting with the valve, replace the tube,
tucking it against the rim all the way around the
wheel as you go. Again, starting at the valve,
push the tyre wall back inside the rim, taking
care not to catch the inner tube. Put the wheel
back in the frame before you fully inflate the
tyre to save you having to open the brakes. Pump
up the tyre and then done!
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