First puncture today - lessons learned

[philinmerthyr]

After nearly 800 miles on my new Roubaix I got my first puncture today.

I've ridden MTBs with disc breaks for the last few years so thought it was easy especially as it was the font wheel.

It was freezing, raining and very windy. This was made worse with a few fundamental mistakes.

1. Released the breaks - straight forward
2. Released the quick release. wheel didn't come off so undid the QR and lost a spring :'(
3. Found a small nail in the tyre and removed it
4. The tyre seemed much tighter than on my MTB but eventually got it off.
5. Put in a new tube but struggled with getting the tight tyre back on and was afraid of pinching the tube. The larger MTB tyres and tubes are easier to work with.
6. Eventually got the tube in and tyre on without pinching
7. Inflated it with a co2 canister
8. The inflated tyre wouldn't go through the loosened break calipers.
9. Deflated the tyre and put it on the bike.
10. Pumped it up by hand. I only had 1 Co2 canister.

This took over 30 mins. Frozen stiff and wet I completed the final 4 miles of my 25 mile ride.

It will be easier next time. We live and learn

 

[Peteaud]

Invest in a set of Schwalbe tyre levers

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Schwalbe-..._Cycling_Tools_RepairKits&hash=item53f2fe215f

Carry 2 co2
Carry glue less kit

the tyre should go through the brakes - check

 

[derrick]

I have never fixed a puncture on a nice warm sunny day, only get them when it's wet and cold.

 

[Black Country Ste]

Not looking forward to my first puncture, especially as it took me three hours to fit my Gators in the warm comfort of my flat. It was a comedy of errors. But at least I now know how it's done and won't make those mistakes when the worst does happen!

 

[Broadside]

the tyre should go through the brakes - check

Roubaix's often have 25mm tyres and on my bike (Secteur with 25mm also) you can't get an inflated tyre past the brake blocks even with the mech in the extra wide service position, but Phil knows this now :-)

 

[Biker Joe]

Experience is the best way to learn.
You did OK in nasty conditions. Well done.
You've been initiated, so to speak.

Yes, we live and learn.
I wish you well.

 

[Phoenix Lincs]

Invest in a set of Schwalbe tyre levers

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Schwalbe-..._Cycling_Tools_RepairKits&hash=item53f2fe215f

Thanks for the recommendation. Bought!

 

[Cycleops]

You can put tyres on without levers , I hardly use them, by using the heel of your shoe working from both sides towards the middle using a bit of wasing up liquid on the rim if it becomes stubborn.