how long does it take you to fix a puncture?

[united4ever]

From the moment it happens to being back on your way? Takes me the best part of an hour! I don't bother with patches, I replace the tube. Does it get quicker over the time? Had 3 punctures in the last 6 months....first one took ages but still tales me too long I feel.

 

[snorri]

It's not a race, don't worry about it. I've never timed myself but know it can depend on where and when you get the puncture, also the weather.
I have been known to use my camping ground sheet rigged up as a temporary shelter in rainy weather. Sometimes I get my flask out and have a cup of tea and generally take time to appreciate my surroundings while the glue is curing.
.
There are utube videos available free which should help you, just type 'changing an inner tube on a bicycle' or similar into a Search Engine, there are many to choose from.
You will get faster as time goes by, but could probably speed up your technique by changing a tube a few times in the comfort of your home.
You will improve!

 

[slowmotion]

Cold, wet weather and darkness are a big drag. If you have cold fingers, it's pretty horrid. Also, cold tyres don't behave as you would wish.
I don't think that I've ever fixed a flat in less than about twenty minutes. Usually a fair bit longer, even though I've had loads of practice.

 

[Sharky]

Never really timed myself, but an hour seems a long time. It would depend on how quickly I found where the puncture was. If I can spot the hole, I always try and fix it with a patch at the road side. It only takes an extra 5 mins to stick a patch on and I feel happier knowing I still have a good inner tube in my bag in case I puncture again.
Probably takes 10 to 20 mins in total.

Just needs practice.

 

[slowmotion]

As @Sharky said, quite a lot depends on spotting the villain in the tyre and where it went into the tube. For me, that's usually the hardest bit that slows me down.

 

[Keith Oates]

I agree with @slowmotion taking the tyre off and refitting it with a new tube can be done in 15 mins or less but finding the offending cause of the puncture in the tyre can sometimes take a long time.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[slowmotion]

I agree with @slowmotion taking the tyre off and refitting it with a new tube can be done in 15 mins or less but finding the offending cause of the puncture in the tyre can sometimes take a long time.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's really bad for morale if you fix a puncture......and the villain bites you in the bum again within five metres because you didn't locate him.

 

[Profpointy]

An hour sounds a lot, but it is something you don't really want to practise to improve !

I dare say I've taken an hour to do it twice if I pinch puncture when replacing the tube, or have failed to find the thorn / bit of glass in the tyre !

Tube at the roadside, patch at home as you can do the bubble test to find the hole, have light, and it isn't raining.
Carry a puncture kit as well in case you're unlucky - and a double-trouble evening is more likely than two separate punctures for lots of reasons.

 

[Mo1959]

I take quite a long time too I think. Never timed it but probably between 20 minutes and half an hour depending on how cold it is.................which reminds me that I should really pop my Durano Plus back on for a bit of extra protection over the next few months.

 

[vickster]

Half an hour maybe, only ever use a new tube, never repair

My repairs tend to get done in the comfort of my living room however

 

[steveindenmark]

If you want to practice to get faster. Take your front wheel into the house and try.

There is nothing worse than trying to fix a puncture outside when it is freezing.

I often find using 3 tyre levers makes it quicker.

 

[Milkfloat]

Wow - I must be fast. I am generally 10 minutes max. I use a new tube and CO2 and usually patch the old broken one on the spot so it is curing as I ride on. The only time it takes longer is when I have mudguard rubbing when refitting the wheel, then it can be anything up to an hour and much cursing.

 

[ScotiaLass]

On the MTB, maybe 15 mins.
On the hybrid....well I have been known to just sit and cry (wearing a low cut top obviously!) until I'm rescued by a passing cyclist

 

[Dirk]

Swap tube on the roadside - patch old one when I get home. Generally no more than 10 minutes to get the job done.

 

[User32269]

One finds mending punctures such a bore. Usually just buy a new bike.