First puncture on road bike

[KingstonBiker]

I switched from a hybrid to a road bike (Secteur Elite) around a year ago. Mentioned smuggly to a fellow cyclist in the office that I hadn't had a visit from the PF on my new bike. Half way to work this morning then it happened.

Not an issue I thought. Spare inner tube, tire levers, pump all in my rucksack. Found the offending spear shaped piece of flint, whipped the rear wheel off, changed the tube and ready to put wheel back on in less than 2 minutes. Feeling pleased with myself until it took me another 10 minutes (yes 10 frustrating minutes) to get the wheel back on.

Still not sure how it took me so long although I have learned next time to have some latex type gloves as I was completely covered in oil by the end of the exercise.

Guess I need to practice putting the wheel back on when not at the side of a busy road.

 

[aberal]

Guess I need to practice putting the wheel back on when not at the side of a busy road.

Yes you do.

And welcome to the forum.

 

[PJ79LIZARD]

What gear where you in on the rear, big cog or smaller?

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

What gear where you in on the rear, big cog or smaller?

Personally I've found that it doesn't matter so much which gear you were in, more that you put it back around the same ring when you've finished - i.e. the ring the dérailleur is adjusted to. Otherwise you're just fighting with your chain.

 

[Keith Oates]

I always put it on the highest gear (smallest rear cog) and find that's the easiest way to go. However I must add that it goes back fairly easy on most occasions but there is always one time when it doesn't and that's when you have an audiance watching you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[oliglynn]

A year without a visit from the PF is good going - converted from hybrid to roadie less than a year ago and have already had 2 snakebite p's. Have had a grand total of zero on the hybrid running 700x32c's

 

[Moodyman]

Not had to change a tyre at the roadside so long that I've forgetton how to do it.

Those Marathon Pluses are a real beaut.

 

[PJ79LIZARD]

Well I always put in one up from smallest, and put it back on that way, since I've done that it goes straight back on.

 

[goo_mason]

Smallest ring works best for me, and I've finally mastered the knack of pulling the derailleur back as I put the wheel back on so that it pretty much pops straight back into the drop-outs with no effort at all.

Actually got to practice it all again this morning as a thorn-shaped piece of flint embedded itself into the tyre on the way into work. Managed to get the tools out, wheel off, tube changed, reinflated and back on the road in just under 10 mins. Must admit though, I got the tyre 3/4 up with the Road Morph but finished it off with a CO2 inflator. The reason? The pump started heating up, squeaking and getting hard to push - think a little bit of lube is required!

 

[KingstonBiker]

Thanks for all the useful responses. For some reason I made the wrong decision and switched to the largest sprocket before removing the wheel.

Maybe I need to go on a cycle maintenance course. I've noticed Evans run some free ones. Anyone have any experience of them?

 

[KingstonBiker]

What gear where you in on the rear, big cog or smaller?

Largest - looks like my problem. Thanks.

 

[PJ79LIZARD]

Largest - looks like my problem. Thanks.

No worries, I've done it myself! Especially when rushing late for work at the road side.

 

[DrSquirrel]

I've had some fiddly moments where the wheel just wouldn't sit in properly. Best is to step back and watch it go in properly... if you feel you need to force it, you've done it wrong.