If you learn just one bike-fixing skill, this is the one to go for...
Bikes get punctures. Short of fitting solid tyres (and believe us, you don't want to do that!) there's no way to completely stop it happening, though tyres with thorn protection strips and inner tubes filled with sealant to block holes can dramatically cut the number of times you'll have to get the puncture repair kit out.
When you do hear that hiss, don't get deflated: it's easier than you think to find and plug the hole.
1. Remove the wheel
If your bike has V-brakes, release them by squeezing them together and removing the end of the curved 'noodle' from its cradle. Flip the quick release or undo the nuts with a spanner, depending on how your wheel is fitted, and take it out. If it's the rear wheel, shift down to the smallest cog at the back first, the wheel will come out more easily that way.
2. Remove the tube
Push the tyre away from the rim all the way round the wheel, then hook a tyre lever underneath the tyre and pull it over and out of the wheel. Hook the first lever round a spoke then use a second to work round the tyre, once one side of the tyre is out you'll be able to pull the inner tube out; don't forget to check the valve stem to see if there's a nut that needs undoing!
3. Check for the hole
Pump the tube right up - don't worry, it won't pop! - and listen for the hiss. If you can't hear it, running the tube past your lips can help as they're very sensitive and you can often feel the air escaping. You can use a tub of water and look for the bubbles, but make sure you dry the tube thoroughly after because the patch won't stick otherwise.
4. Patch it up
Use the sandpaper in the puncture kit to roughen up the area around the hole, then apply a thin coating of rubber solution: it really does only need to be thin. When it's dry to the touch, remove the foil from the patch and apply it to the tube, pressing hard to make sure there are no air bubbles. That should be your hole fixed!
5. Final checks
Remove the thin plastic sheet from the patch, grate some chalk and spread it around to stop the tube sticking. Pump up the tube again to make sure there are no more holes. Run your fingers around the inside of the tyre to see if you can find what made the hole. If you do, work it through the tyre, from the outside to the inside, with a small screwdriver.
6. Put it all back
Remove nearly all of the air from the tube so that it's flat but retains its shape, then fit it back inside the tyre. Fit the tyre back into the rim; use your thumbs if you can, if you need to use a tyre lever then be very careful not to pinch the tube. Part inflate the tyre, check it's seated in the rim correctly and no tube is showing, then pump it up hard and re-fit the wheel.
Great post here from the guys at Road.cc.
AGLS
posted on Tuesday, 10 January 2012 15:30:02 Europe/London