Puncture repair

nickoedwards

I understand it will be a bog standard task but not having done it many years, i'd like to hear your take on it.

I've purchased my first proper mountain bike in years and two weeks later I've punctured the rear wheel. When it happened it, it deflated in no time at - all i'm going to do is change the tube myself. I haven't inspected the tyre yet, at what stage do you guys recommend that the tyre is changed as well as the inner tube?

Finally, can you recommend any guides, tools or improved equipment.

Stephen-Hawking

The tyre will be fine if it's not split - I've had dozens in the same tyre no problem. just make sure that whatever caused the puncture isn't still stuck in the tyre, otherwise it will just puncture the next tube you put in straight away.

I give the tyre a good visual inspection and run my fingers round the inside, I know that risks a cut, but better that than another puncture. You can get a palstic tyre lever / repair kit from Halfords cheap as chips. I suspect most people repair the tubes, must admit I bin em, can't be arsed!! always carry a repair kit with me though and don't bin em till I get home, in case I have to fix em to keep going.

And yes they do go down quick

dave_hill

Stephen-Hawking wrote:

I give the tyre a good visual inspection and run my fingers round the inside, I know that risks a cut, but better that than another puncture.

Here's a top tip - rather than run your fingers round the inside, make a piece of kitchen towel up into a pad and wipe that round the inside of the tyre. Anything sticking through the carcass will snag on it and rip a little bit of, pinpointing its position.

xtreem

I have another idea.
Inflate the inner tube, and put it part by part in a bigger plastic box, basket, bowl ( :? ) that
can hold some water. In the place where the tube is punctured you'll see some bubbles
coming out from the water. See how far the puncture is compared to the valve and
you'll find the thorn (if it's still there offcourse).

This applys if you didn't slide the tire around the rim.

Stephen-Hawking

I've tried that out on the trail Xtreem, when I can see where the hole is. To be honest it never seems to work because the tyre always ends up rotated when I take it off - me titting around probably.

The kichen roll's a good idea although anything big enough to cut you properley you'd see first.

Nick I also carry CO2 gas canister thingy - it seems easier to get decent pressure back in the tyre than a little hand pump.

wilfus

When you''ve checked the tyre and located the reaon for the puncture, still continue to check the rest of the tyre.

The last thing you want is to get it all back together and the tyre to go straight back down because there was a second thorn in the tyre which you hadn't spotted.

I repair my tubes twice before replacing them.