Lesson 18 - Repairing a Flat Tyre

Sooner or later, every cyclist gets a flat tyre. The good news? 

A puncture doesn't have to end your ride. With a few basic tools and a little know-how, you'll be back on the road in no time. 

Here's how to be prepared.

 
🛠️ 1. Always Carry the Essentials 

Before every ride, make sure you have:

• Spare inner tube (or tubeless repair plugs if you're running tubeless tyres)
• Tyre levers
• Mini pump or CO₂ inflator
• Multi-tool
• Patch kit (optional but handy)

Being prepared means a flat tyre becomes a minor inconvenience—not a major problem.

 
🔍 2. Find the Cause

Before fitting a new tube, always check what caused the puncture. 

Carefully inspect:

• The tyre tread
• Sidewalls
• Inside of the tyre

Look for:

• Glass
• Thorns
• Sharp stones
• Wire or metal fragments

If you don't remove the cause, your new tube could puncture immediately. 

Take your time and run your fingers carefully around the inside of the tyre—watch out for anything sharp.

 
🚴 3. Replace the Tube 

Once you've found and removed the cause:

• Remove the damaged tube.
• Inflate the new tube slightly so it holds its shape.
• Insert the valve first.
• Tuck the tube evenly into the tyre.
• Refit the tyre carefully, avoiding pinching the tube.

Check both sides of the tyre before inflating.

 
💨 4. Inflate to the Right Pressure

Use your mini pump or CO₂ inflator to inflate the tyre. If you're using CO₂, remember:

• Inflate carefully.
• The cartridge becomes extremely cold.
• CO₂ slowly escapes faster than normal air, so top up with a regular pump when you get home.

Aim for a safe pressure that will comfortably get you home if you can't reach full pressure on the roadside.

 
✅ 5. Check Before You Ride Away 

Before jumping back on your bike:

• Spin the wheel.
• Make sure the tyre is seated correctly.
• Check your brakes are working properly.
• Ensure the quick-release skewer or thru-axle is tightened securely.

Taking an extra minute now can prevent bigger problems later.

 
💗 Bonus Tip Don't wait until you're standing beside the road to learn. Practise changing a tube at home a couple of times. The first time is always easier in your garage than on the side of the road!

 
Remember... 

Every experienced cyclist has fixed a flat tyre. It's not a question of if you'll get one—it's when. 

The more prepared you are, the quicker you'll be back enjoying your ride. 

💗 Ride Comfortable. Ride Confident. Ride Further.

💡 Coach Booty Says "A puncture doesn't ruin your ride—being unprepared does!"

⭐ Gold Star Tip Before every ride, quickly check your tyres for cuts, embedded glass and sharp stones. Catching damage early can often prevent a puncture before it happens.

 
❓ Question of the Week Have you ever repaired a flat tyre on the roadside?

🚴 Yes – plenty of times!

🎓 Next Week at Booty Butter Academy... 

Lesson 19 – What to Carry on Every Ride 

We'll cover:

• The essential gear every cyclist should pack.
• Safety items you shouldn't leave home without.
• Tools that can save your ride.
• How to pack light without leaving anything important behind.