The "P" word

[Electric_Andy]

I have ridden a good 500 miles so far and decided that I was ill-prepared if the worst happened. So, I bought some Slime Skabs Peel & Stick Patches and a mini CO2 pump with 2 spare cylinders (because my commute is too bumpy to keep a full size pump on the frame). And have levers.

I do not have QR wheels - has anyone successfully fixed a puncture with this equipment without taking the tube out? It's no problem as I can carry it around in my carry box, but don't want to attempt to fix a puncture with this type of equipment if it would be quicker and easier to phone the Mrs!

 

[daSmirnov]

Yeah, usually what I end up doing on the mountain bike, which doesn't have QR, and I have to pull the whole rear derailleur off to get the wheel off. That def is a patch jobby before replace.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I'm sorry chaps, but it sounds like you're making life hard for yourselves trying to repair without removing the wheel.

Also, removing the derailleur to remove the wheel???? Seriously???

I also don't have quick release on my bikes, but as I always carry a spanner for the wheel nuts (15mm) I don't have a problem removing the wheels for repairs. Apart from once, when I tried to use one of those cheap pressed steel ones that comes with a puncture repair kit and it broke. Incidentally, that was a successful repair without removing the rear wheel.

Fixing a puncture with nutted wheels is no harder than doing one with QR wheels. You just need the tool to release the wheels, which will easily fit in a small pack or a pocket.

 

[Electric_Andy]

Sorry should have mentioned - my e-bike is rear-wheel drive so there are wires going into the side of the hub, therefore can't take the rear wheel off if I had to.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Sorry should have mentioned - my e-bike is rear-wheel drive so there are wires going into the side of the hub, therefore can't take the rear wheel off if I had to.

Ah, that makes a difference. (Your forum name should've given me a clue.)

In that case yes it is possible to do a repair without removing the wheel but it is fiddly to do and takes time. Fitting some puncture resistant tyres (if you haven't got them already) would be a good move and it might be worth practising removing the rear wheel as you may find it not as difficult as you expect. (I'd expect there to be releasable connections for the wires to enable you to fit new tyres when required.)

 

[Electric_Andy]

ok, thanks. I probably won't try removing the wires unless I really have to, as things like that can invalidate the warranty. It came with "Kenda 26" x 1.75 puncture resistant. With Super Tough Tape" so I guess that's pretty tough.

 

[machew]

If you want a QR system for a bike that cant take QR axle release provide a solution

 

[Electric_Andy]

Thanks for that - prices don't look too bad either

 

[PpPete]

ok, thanks. I probably won't try removing the wires unless I really have to, as things like that can invalidate the warranty. It came with "Kenda 26" x 1.75 puncture resistant. With Super Tough Tape" so I guess that's pretty tough.

Kenda are not renowned as the worlds greatest tyre brand...when the time comes to replace them look at something like Schwalbe Marathons (or Marathon Plus) They are more expensive, a bitch to get on the rims, but are as close as you can get to a P-proof tyre.

 

[Electric_Andy]

Kenda are not renowned as the worlds greatest tyre brand...when the time comes to replace them look at something like Schwalbe Marathons (or Marathon Plus) They are more expensive, a bitch to get on the rims, but are as close as you can get to a P-proof tyre.

ok, will defo get them if and when I need to . thanks

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

+1 for the standard Marathons when you need a change. Mine have been excellent over the last 2200 miles and fitted as easily as any normal tyres. They roll faster and comfier than the tyres I had before too.

 

[Lurcher]

I am worried re punctures so put M+ on the bike yesterday , 1st wheel not much of a prob but the back was very hard to get on the rims , managed it eventually but was in a sweat , then realised I had put tyre on rim in wrong direction and had to do again which was even harder than the 1st time . .

 

[compo]

In the good old days when bikes were proper bikes made from gaspipes and rod brakes and fully enclosed chains that ran in oil, mending punctures, especially the rear, without removing the wheel from the frame was an almost obligatory skill.

 

[MrJamie]

Are the slime patch things any good? Ive been thinking about getting some of them.

Nothing wrong with a good frame mount for a pump though, my Lezyne one hasnt left its mount for any reason in over a year and I hit plenty of bumps and silly terrain, gone over the handlebars downhill in the woods etc. The mounts got a velcro strap that holds it very tight in place aswell as the usual plastic clip.