How To Use A Puncture Repair Kit – Roadside Maintenance

Fixing a puncture on the roadside is a need-to-know skill for any cyclist. This video takes you through the process step by step.

Fixing a puncture on a bike can appear to be a daunting task at first, but it's a simple process that will have you back on your bike in no time.

Firstly, we show you how to locate the puncture in the inner tube by checking the inside of the tyre for the problem and then -partially re-inflating the tube-.

Secondly, we demonstrate how to fix the hole using either traditional glue and patches or self adhesive stickers.

Finally it's just a case of replacing the tube and re-inflating the tyre.

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Music licensed by Cue Songs

[lumberjack]

I really like GCN's videos. They are very well done, slightly dry and humorous, and always helpful! Great job, guys.

[TheJanope]

hahaa heatwave meaning over 15c HAHAHHAHAHAHHA.

[TheMonsterPool]

I don't really repair my punctures anymore (I always carry a spare inner tube), but if I have to repair it, I always leave the cellophane on. I find no reason to remove it. Removing it can cause the edges on the patch to be released from the glue. You have to be careful if you do take it of, at least.

[vickyvonstein]

i always took the whole tube away from the tire, but leaving the valve in is a great idea. thanks fellas!

[boogybass]

For some reason I find I get more flats on the back tire. It would be great to see a video on how to deal with taking the back tire off and putting it back on while out on one's ride. My inexperience often has me fighting with trying to line everything up while adding the chain back on. I see so many videos on how this is done while the bike is up on a rack in a bike shop. Seeing it done like this out while riding would be really helpful.

[charlieluke]

Had the pleasure of living in England from 87-91!! Thanks for the great video!!!

[Madman]

Tell you what, Dan's had some rotten luck, last week his gears needed adjusting and now a puncture!

[bradleyday]

should do a video on how to change and repair tubulars as well!!

[richardk]

You can leave cellophane on. Doesn't hurt anything and may prevent the patch from coming loose while removing it.

[bliskisusreti]

My inner tube is even thinner than yours, and the patch is wider. I cannot seem to get it to stick on the edges, since the tire is narrow. Any tips?

[hughwilliamson]

A few people have suggested leaving the cellophane on - which is fine. If you want to take it off though, a top tip for doing it without peeling off the patch is to gently fold the patch until the cellophane splits in the middle, then peel it off from the middle towards the edge.

[SloppySalad]

GCN, as a Maintenance Mondays idea, would you be able to highlight the differences, benefits and drawbacks etc to a short cage and long cage derailleur? I'm sure it would come in handy not only for myself, but for others to 

[jsimpso]

Finally, the first GCN video that's fit for youTUBE! 🤣

[muim]

How ironic, I saw this video today and I got a puncture today too. Managed to remove the piece of glass and fix the puncture only to have the inner tube blowout after I put it all back together

[LosihoTTT]

Could you please do a video on the correct way to use CO2 inflators and cartridges ? I have no experience with them, but the idea of carrying a small inflator and spare cartridges in my saddle bag / jersey pocket is more appealing than attaching a mini pump to my frame. Cheers.

[themanipulator]

Really clear and helpful video. Thanks

[marcderveeuw]

Hi. Most often the puncture repair kits come with a vulcanizing solution, not necessarily glue. If you have applied the solution and put pressure on the patch and flatten the red outer part of the patch, you are actually vulcanizing the patch with the rubber of the inner tube. Vulcanization is a chemical process for converting natural rubber or related polymers into more durable materials by the addition of sulfur or other equivalent curatives or accelerators. Vulcanized materials are less sticky and have superior mechanical properties. Although the curing of rubber has been carried out since prehistoric times, the modern process of vulcanization, named after Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, was not developed until the 19th century, mainly by Goodyear. Repairing an inner tube by the road side can be done through the cold vulcanization. You will feel a little bit of heat when the process starts.

There are patches on the market where the small cellophane covers peals off from the middle. These are more convenient then pealing it off the edges first.

Just bought a Giant Propel Advanced Pro 2 bike here in Cambodia and bought a Giant self adhesive inner tube repair set in the shop. Well... it does not work. Vulcanization is still the most reliable way of repairing an inner tube for me.

[turylury]

Hahaha, first I was like a heatwave in the UK and rain, wind and 16° in Belgium??? But yeah, 15° is indeed a heatwave lol. Perfect temperature for cycling! :D

[imabittooawsome]

how did you film this video? did you cycle around until you got a puncture or did you purposefully force a thorn into the wheel?

[elyukanongsiklista]

Up for this tips on how to patch your interior