With the correct tools and know how, a puncture needn’t be a catastrophe. Whether you own a Road Bike, Mountain Bike, Hybrid/Commuter Bike, BMX, Folding Bike or a Cyclocross bike, this step by step guide to puncture repair will get you back in the saddle in no time.
For this simple guide you will need
- Puncture Repair Kit or spare inner tube
- Tyre Levers
- Pump
- Old cloth or rag
Step 1: Remove the wheel
Firstly take the wheel out of the frame. If your bike has quick release skewers then loosen these and release your brakes. If you are changing the tube in your front wheel then this should now just pop out. If you are changing a rear wheel, ensure your bike is in the smallest gear prior to loosening the skewer. Once your chain is sitting in the smallest gear pull the rear derailleur back to allow the wheel to drop out.
Step 2: Remove the Tyre
Once the wheel has been removed from the frame, the tyre needs to be taken off the wheel itself. Tyres vary. Some are quite loose fitting and will be easier to remove from the rim than others. It’s always worth carrying a decent set of tyre levers with you to make this process much easier.
Insert one tyre lever under the edge of the tyre (also known as the bead) and lever it away from the rim of the wheel. Some tyre levers will have a hook on one end allowing you to hook this onto a spoke. If not, just hold the tyre lever ensuring that the tyre is being held away from the wheel rim. Using the second lever, repeat the process about 10-15cm away from the first lever and run it around the wheel to separate the tyre from the clincher of the rim – the tyre should now be completely lifted from one side of the wheel.
Step 3: Check the tyre and tube
Remove the valve cap from the wheel and the lock ring if there is one. Gently remove the tube from the rim of the wheel. If there is nothing obvious causing the puncture, use a pump to inflate the tube slightly and place it close to your ear listening for escaping air. Another trick is to fill a bowl with water and look for escaping air as you place the tube in it.
Step 4: Investigate the cause of puncture
Once the puncture has been determined, remove any debris from the area and sand down the affected area of the inner tube using the sand paper supplied in the puncture repair kit.Run a moist cloth or rag around the rim and inside of the tyre to ensure no debris is left. – You wouldn’t want to go through all this and then have to repeat the steps due to a bit of debris or a thorn stuck in the tyre.
Once the area is smooth, use the adhesive that will have come supplied in the puncture repair kit to rub an approximate 1cm circle over the part of the tube that was penetrated and wait a moment for the adhesive to become thick and sticky.
Place a patch from the puncture kit over the affected area and compress to ensure there are no air bubbles. Leave for a minimum of 5 minutes so the glue can dry.
Step 5: Refit the inner tube
Lightly inflate the tube using the pump to make the inner tube take shape.
Place the inner tube back onto the rim, starting at the valve and work it around the wheel. This can be easier if you put one side of the tyre on the wheel before doing so.
Step 6: Refit the Tyre
Now the inner tube is lying between the tyre and the rim, start putting the free side of the tyre onto the wheel using the two tyre levers. Start at the valve and move both tyre levers away to persuade the tyre into the clincher of the rim. This bit can be slightly tricky the first couple of times you attempt it, especially in the last 4 or 5 inches of the tyre.
Step 7: Inflate the tube
Inflate the tyre. If you are unsure of the PSI needed, it should state on the tyre wall. Or check with your local bike shop.
Step 8: Refit the wheel to the frame
Once the tyre is inflated to its optimum PSI put the wheel back into the frame of the bike and tighten the skewer. Don’t forget to reconnect your brakes before setting off again.
Top tips:
1. Always carry a spare inner tube. If you get a puncture when out and about, it’s quicker to replace the inner tube than patch up a tube on the road side. You can fix the punctured inner tube when you get home!
2. Obvious as it sounds, try to avoid thorns and glass!
3. Keep your tyres pumped up to their optimum pressure - it’s worth investing in a good upright pump if you ride a lot.
Sportsister, The Women’s Sports Magazine
Rutland Cycling is a multi-award-winning company that boasts over 30 years in the cycling industry. They began life as a small, family-operated hire centre located on the North Shore of Rutland Water, at Whitwell. Offering bikes for hire, bikes to buy and parts, accessories and clothing, Rutland Cycling, having been voted the UK’s Best Independent Cycle retailer (2010 &2011) offers the best value and experience you will find. www.rutlandcycling.com
