I'm obviously doing something wrong...

stephenballantyne

Hi,

I got my first puncture on Sunday (a very convenient slow puncture that meant I could get home and attempt the tube change in controlled conditions i.e. out of the howling wind and torrential rain).

I followed various instructions from around the web and managed to make the change last night without destroying my thumbs too much. I tried to ensure that the tube was not pinched in the tyre and I felt around for any sharp objects before installing the new tube (didn't find any). Took the bike for a spin around the block and all seemed well. When I got up this morning the tyre was flat again.

I'm thinking either the new tube already had a hole (I didn't think to check) or the blasted sharp thing is still in the tyre. Is there anything else that I should be wary of when making the change?

Also, I now need to buy some new tubes. I'm thinking of the Continental Race 28's. Any thoughts on these. Thought about getting a shed load (25 pack) from Ribble for £44. Seems reasonable.

Cheers,
Steve

redddraggon

stephenballantyne wrote:

Also, I now need to buy some new tubes. I'm thinking of the Continental Race 28's. Any thoughts on these. Thought about getting a shed load (25 pack) from Ribble for £44. Seems reasonable.

That's exactly what I did.

Lagavulin

Same here. They seem pretty good and I haven't had any failures at the base of the valve like I did with Specialized tubes.

hugo15

When you take the tube out, find the hole and then lay the tube over the wheel so you know where to look for the sharp thing. I usually get a torch and review the tyre very slowly as some of the flints that can work their way through can be pretty small. Also have a look at where the tube is punctured. It might be that it is one of the spokes that is causing the trouble if the rim tape isn't quite right.

Steve_F

Same thing happened to me and it was the spokes. If the puncture is on the inside of the tyre I'd replace the rim tape or double it up.

stephenballantyne

Ah, hadn't thought of the spokes. I'll whip the whole tyre off and have a look. Any recommendations on rim tape or are they all much the same?

Thanks for the replies.

billybiker

I like the "stick on" type. Its white, in a little roll like a bandage, and simply rolls off the tube and sticks on the wheel. You can cut the end to finish off. The plastic ones normally come coplete and you just pull them onto the rim, although plastic sometimes frays at the edge. Look carefully at the valve hole as they can be sharp and well worth a VERY gentle filing.

ride_whenever

Of if you are cheap you can use duck tape!

Lagavulin

Velox adhesive tape.

zenzinnia

Using a p**cture repair kit can be cheaper than replacing your tube every time. When checking the inside of the tyretry to almost turn it inside out as this will push any sharp bit further into your thumb/ finger. Also check the tube to see what type of hole as this can give an indication as to what sort of thing you are looking for.

topdude

Old cycling adage - most punctures are caused by the same thing as the previous one

Always fit the tyre with it's logo above the valve, then when you find the hole in the tube you can easily find the spot on the tyre or rim where it was caused.

stephenballantyne

So I've just replaced the inner tube again and oddly there's no hole in it. I've put some air in it and left it for a few hours and it's still inflated. Not sure why it deflated when it was on the bike?

Hopefully the new one will retain its pressure. I can see I'm going to be nervously squeezing the tyres at every set of traffic lights for the next few days.

Steve_F

Do you live on your own or with someone who may find it hilarious to let down the tyre you spend ages inflating?

Only ask as I have a mate who would do that for a laugh (I would do it back to him too so it's just about acceptable!)