|
Resourceful Ways to Fix a Flat Tire When Cycling
An experienced bicyclist's
motto is (or should be) "never walk home".
Flat tires, broken chains and bent frames are just some
of the mechanical problems that a rider can encounter
when they are out for a ride. Experienced riders learn
quickly that there are not too many mechanical problems
that can stop a resourceful and determined individual.
A cyclist should always be prepared
to fix the most common breakdown, a flat tire. A simple
tire repair kit should include a tube, a couple of tire
levers to aid in removing the tire, a patch kit and
a pump. The cyclist should also be prepared to repair
a tire cut which leaves the tube exposed to the ground.
This repair can be made by cutting a 1x1-inch piece
of old tube or even by bringing along a dollar bill
which can cover the cut temporarily during the ride
home.
So what happens if the cyclist flats
and does not have a patch kit or an extra tube? Each
cyclist should carry an air pump so the tire can be
periodically inflated and the ride continued. A slow
leak can be annoying but you can add air each time the
tube softens. Fast leaks will have to be sealed. A small
piece of duct tape can be used as a temporary patch.
The tube will still leak but you should be able to use
the "pump and ride" approach that is used
with any slow leak.
If you do not have the tape to repair
a fast leak you can locate the hole and place this area
outside the tire bead when remounting the tire. This
exposes the tube to the ground but when the tube is
pumped up the tire seals the tube. The tube will bulge
outside the tire but it should not blow off the rim
unless it is overinflated.
Another technique is to fold the tube
back on itself inside the tire so the hole is covered.
When the rider pumps up the tire the overlapping tube
slows the leak.
So what happens if the rider gets a
flat, and has no extra tube and most importantly does
not have a pump to inflate the tube? This is when riders
must be resourceful and creative. The rider can stuff
grass and weeds inside the tire. The more grass the
better, as that will help keep the rim from making rough
contact with the ground.
In the event the bicycle tire gets ruptured
and will not stay on the rim then the cyclist will be
left with no choice but to ride on the rim. This makes
for a tricky ride but it is possible and should not
damage the rim too severely. Rear flats on road bikes
will likely cause the most rim damage. The rider should
be able to get the bike home while riding slowly and
staying off the seat as much as possible.
A cyclist always run the risks of mechanical
problems like flats. These problems can be corrected
with a little ingenuity and resourcefulness, even when
they find the tools available lacking for the task at
hand.
1howto.com
--------------------------------------------------
Please
Share Your Tips with Us
|
