Puncture question

[pixiepie]

So today I had my first ever puncture this morning after about 15 months of commuting to work every day (it's only 2 miles each way but I still think I've done pretty well!). Despite owning a puncture repair kit, I've never repaired a puncture before and wouldn't have had the foggiest of what to do with it so don't actually carry it with me. The puncture happened about a mile from home so I wheeled the bike home and got the bus in to work.

I've just repaired the type with a bit of help form You tube and I think it's ok... it hasn't gone down yet anyway! I fixed it without taking the wheel off as I have hub gears and brakes and couldn't even contemplate learning how to get those off so it was a bit fiddly but ok.

Just one thing - the valve was crooked so I unhooked the tyre and straightened it out along with the inner tube which was a bit rucked. It looks alright now but can anyone confirm I've done it right or explain what happened the to the valve? The puncture was pretty much at the complete opposite side of the tyre to the valve so I don't think it's directly related. Is it just because I cycled for 50 metres or so after it punctured?

Anyway, I'm quote pleased with myself. If the tyre's still inflated in the morning I'll fully congratulate myself on a job well done. I might even start carrying a puncture repair kit so I can attempt to fix it on the go!

 

[ShipHill]

Sounds like a successful repair to me. The valve does sometimes stray from pointing at the centre of the wheel when it's deflated if you ride on for even a few yards. They'll even tip over if you run at a lower than recommended pressure.

I myself have only ever had to fix about 3 or 4 bicycle punctures, but I was a tyre fitter for 12 months working on tyres from wheelbarrow, motorcycle, car, lorry, tractors and all sorts.

Nice one.

 

[pixiepie]

Thanks guys.

OK, I'll check I haven't pinched the inner tube.

And yes, I had a quick feel inside the tyre to see if I could find the culprit but couldn't find anything - I assume you won't always find something? I might ride it around the block a few times in the morning just to make sure the tyre's not just going to go down again before I attempt another ride to work!

I have to say, I feel much better about my bike after learning a bit about how to repair it!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Well done!
Without taking the wheel off?

 

[pixiepie]

Well done!
Without taking the wheel off?

Only because it was easier that way! Fiddlier probably but definitely easier. I reckon I'll have to take it to a bike shop if I ever need to actually change the inner tube!