Bike punctures are a common occurrence and they can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know how to fix it. Luckily, this article has the lowdown on how to fix a bike puncture correctly!
Introduction: Why You Might Get A Puncture
If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably gotten a bike puncture before. Maybe it happened while you were out on a ride, or maybe you found it when you went to pump up your tires. Either way, it’s not a fun experience.
There are a few reasons why you might get a puncture. The most common reason is because of something sharp (like a piece of glass) that punctures the tire. Other causes can be running over something sharp (like a nail), or simply having old, worn-out tires.
Whatever the cause, the end result is the same: You’ve got a flat tire and you need to fix it. Fortunately, fixing a bike puncture is not that difficult if you know what you’re doing.
Types of Punctures
There are three main types of punctures that can occur on a bike: flat, pinch, and snakebite.
- A flat tire is the most common type of puncture and is caused by a sharp object piercing the tire and inner tube. A pinch puncture is caused by the tire being pinched between the rim and an object, such as a rock or pothole.
- A snakebite puncture is two small holes next to each other that are caused by the same object.
- Pinch punctures are more difficult to fix because they usually require replacing the entire inner tube.
What You Need To Fix A Puncture
The first thing you need to do is remove the wheel from the bike. If you’re not sure how to do this, consult your bike’s manual. Once the wheel is off, take a look at the tire to see where the puncture is. If it’s in the tread, you can simply patch it up with a tire repair kit.
If the puncture is in the sidewall of the tire, though, things are a bit more complicated. You’ll need to replace the entire tire, which means taking it to a bike shop (unless you’re feeling confident and have all the tools and materials necessary).
Once you’ve got your new tire, put it on the wheel and inflate it to the correct pressure. Then re-attach the wheel to the bike and you’re good to go!
How To Fix a Puncture
If you’re out on a ride and get a puncture, don’t panic! It’s not the end of the world, and it’s actually quite easy to fix. Here’s how to do it:
- First, remove the wheel from your bike. If you’re not sure how to do this, consult your bike’s manual.
- Once the wheel is off, use a tire lever to pry the tire off the rim. Be careful not to damage the rim while doing this.
- Take out the inner tube and inspect it for the cause of the puncture. If you can see what caused the puncture (e.g., a piece of glass or metal), remove it and throw it away.
- Use a patch kit to repair the hole in the inner tube. Make sure to follow the instructions that come with the kit carefully.
- Put everything back together again and inflate the tire to the proper pressure using a bike pump. You’re now ready to hit the road again!
General Tips For Keeping Your Bike In Good Condition
– Check your tyres regularly for any nails or glass that may have become embedded in them. If you find anything, remove it immediately.
– Keep your tyres inflated to the correct pressure. Under-inflated tyres are more likely to get punctures.
– Avoid riding over potholes, kerbs or other obstacles if possible. If you can’t avoid them, go over them as slowly as possible.
– If you live in an area with a lot of thorns or other sharp objects, consider getting special tyres with Kevlar or similar materials built in to help resist punctures.