FAST AND EASY PUNCTURE REPAIR

Getting a puncture is one of the  most frustrating things about cycling. It can be really annoying to wake up and find your bike has a flat or to get caught half way home in the rain.

Our aim is to change all that by teaching you step by step , how to change a tube and fix a puncture quickly.

The old saying punctures come in threes IS NOT TRUE , the truth is the first two were fixed badly and the third puncture was fixed correctly.

Our advice to commuters would be not to try and fix a puncture at the side of the road. The best thing to do is to carry a spare tube with you and fix the tube when you get home and dry.

What will I need to change the tube.??

You will need,

1x Spare Tube (you can get the correct size details on the side of your tyre) Usual cost 6-8 eur.

2x Tyre levers (strong plastic ones) Tacx would be recommended and would cost 4 eur.

1x Pump  Mini pumps are easy to carry and most widely used.

1x Alen key (5mm)or 15 spanner. These tools are unnecessary if you have a quick release system.

So what are the quick steps for changing the tube.

1. Change the gears down to the highest gear ie the smallest cog at the back.This makes it easier to remove and re attach the back wheel.
2. Disconnect the back brake or flick the switch in the case of a road bike.
   
   
3. Turn the bike upside down and make sure the chain is on the bottom sprocket.
4. loosen the wheel nut, allen key bolt or release the quick release lever.Hold the gear changer back and lift off the wheel.   
   
   


5. Start at the opposite side to the valve and insert the Tyre levers about three inches away from each other. Pull the tyre levers back and holding the wheel pull the closest tyre lever towards you.
   
   
6. Remove the old tube and bag it for repair later.
7. You can leave one half of the tyre on the rim.Now gently run your fingers on the inside of the tyre,      BE CAREFUL as you may nick your finger if there is glass in the tyre. When you are checking the tyre closely look at the outside of the tyre for glass, you may not always be able to feel the glass on the inside. If you don't find any glass examine the tyre to make sure there are no badly worn areas or rips along the side wall.
   
   
8. When you are satisfied that you have discovered the cause of the puncture put a small bit of air in the tube to fill out the shape of the tube. This makes it easier to replace your new tube and avoids trapping the tube under the tyre.
9. Put the valve into the hole and lift the tyre over. Then feed the tube into the tyre and onto the rim. Don't try and pull the tyre on straight away just pop the tyre onto the rim so that the tyre is flush with the rim.
   
   
10. Start where the valve is and start lifting the tyre onto the rim making  sure the tube is not trapped under the valve.
    
    
11. If the last bit is proving difficult to get onto the rim turn the wheel upside down and push the tyre around to the bottom to get any slack. Then let the air out of the tube and the tyre will be easier to lift onto the rim.(do not use tyre levers to put the tyre back on as you will risk pinching your new tube.
    
    
12. Now put the wheel back into the bike. Lift the gear changer and set the chain on the bottom gear.Then tighten up the bolt,allen key or quick release lever.
13. Spin the tyre to make sure that it is on evenly.
14. Then pump the tyre.
15. lastly attach the vale screw and dust cap and you are ready to go.