Just like experiencing a flat tyre when driving your car, getting a flat tyre while youre out on the road on your bike is inconvenient.
Unfortunately, there is no roadside assistance for bikes. Being prepared for a flat tyre on your bike is simple and requires you to strap a small bag underneath your bike seat with the necessary tools to change a tyre, and a spare tyre tube. Here’s what you need to change a tyre wherever you might be riding.
- Invest in a small bag that can attach to your bike under your seat. Make sure you get some tyre tubes, patches and tyre levers.
- Carry a pump on your bike – you never know when you’ll need it.
- Learn how to fix a flat tyre. First, remove the wheel with your tyre levers. Then take a little time to look for the cause of the flat tyre. If the cause of the flat tyre is still there it will cause another flat tyre until it is removed. Check the tube for irregularities. If you find the hole, use your patches to cover it. Insert the tube back into the tyre and put the tyre back on with your tyre levers. If you have a ‘pinch’ flat, you might not be able to fix the tube –you’ll have to replace it with one of the tubes in your kit.
First remove the wheel with your spanners or adjustable spanner. Second, if you have access to some water, putting the inflated tube under water or trickle some water over the tube will help to find very fine holes(blowing bubbles). I have used a flat edged screwdriver to take a tyre off if no levers available.