Davos87
Guru
- Location
- North Yorkshire
After having a back wheel puncture out on the road recently I have to admit I got myself into a bit of a pickle. Dropping the chain into the smallest cog, removing the rear wheel, tyre and repairing the flattie were all reasonably straightforward - if not the quickest operation I have ever completed Freezing cold hands never help!. However when it came to getting the back wheel back on, ie chain back over small cog and wheel into the drop outs I have to admit I really struggled. I got myself unwittingly involved in a wrestling match with my bike, chain and back hoop and the bloody bike was winning. 
Trying to hold the damn thing with one hand whilst endeavouring with the other to replace the wheel into the correct position raised serious questions about my technique or indeed lack of it. Finally after much fiddling more by good luck than any mechanical prowess on my part the aforementioned wheel slipped in, I tightened the skewers, reattached the brakes and was off.
I have read on here before that others have found replacing the back wheel particularly tricky and youtube videos explaining how best to tackle this thorny problem abound on that there internet.
So when I got home, cleaned up and thawed out I got to thinking that I needed to master this particular skill to keep me out of potential trouble when the inevitable horrible hiss emanates from my rear in future ( the back of the bike I mean). So armed with a mug of Yorkshire tea the knowledge that only a youtube demo can bring and a quiet confidence I sauntered down the garage to face my mechanical cycling nemesis.
I spent the best part of an hour removing and replacing the rear wheel. Not a problem getting it off as usual but the first few times doing the opposite ( getting the bugger back on) again seemed beyond the boundaries of my manual dexterity. However life loves a trier and I diligently kept at it and lo and behold by giving it the attention it deserved the whole process got easier as I perfected my grip and any passing novice outsider could have been persuaded I knew what I was doing. In short removed and replaced the wheel numerous times until it became second nature.
I feel much more confident now about tackling any future flattie.
Trying to hold the damn thing with one hand whilst endeavouring with the other to replace the wheel into the correct position raised serious questions about my technique or indeed lack of it. Finally after much fiddling more by good luck than any mechanical prowess on my part the aforementioned wheel slipped in, I tightened the skewers, reattached the brakes and was off.I have read on here before that others have found replacing the back wheel particularly tricky and youtube videos explaining how best to tackle this thorny problem abound on that there internet.
So when I got home, cleaned up and thawed out I got to thinking that I needed to master this particular skill to keep me out of potential trouble when the inevitable horrible hiss emanates from my rear in future ( the back of the bike I mean). So armed with a mug of Yorkshire tea the knowledge that only a youtube demo can bring and a quiet confidence I sauntered down the garage to face my mechanical cycling nemesis.
I spent the best part of an hour removing and replacing the rear wheel. Not a problem getting it off as usual but the first few times doing the opposite ( getting the bugger back on) again seemed beyond the boundaries of my manual dexterity. However life loves a trier and I diligently kept at it and lo and behold by giving it the attention it deserved the whole process got easier as I perfected my grip and any passing novice outsider could have been persuaded I knew what I was doing. In short removed and replaced the wheel numerous times until it became second nature.
I feel much more confident now about tackling any future flattie.
Take away that dread and practice like I did. Its only going to catch you out when you least expect it.
.
). After many swear words, skinless knuckles and bleeding fingers, it was fixed. Arrived home soaked and in a foul mood. The next day I thought I had better practice this, replaced the wheel in seconds everytime. Must have been the stress of being cold, wet and thoroughy miserable.
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