Heeeyho Readers! More updates from our little ranch!
I want you to start exercising. There's no excuses for those on the northern hemisphere, as summer approaches swiftly {contrary to us, southerners}. Furthermore, I don't need to reinforce the et ceteras of the benefits associated to exercising regularly. Move that buttie; ask questions later.
Now you are motivated. You go to the shed, open the door, move the grass mower to the side, remove your mom's never-used Turbonator 9000 vacuum cleaner out of the way, kick that stinky-ass racoon that's tryna bite you, and untangle the garden hose you Dad threw over everything. {Uff}. You reached the beautiful bicycle bought last summer — that you promised to use to loose weight. It's covered in webs, but is ridable.
It's sunny outside and you are all pimped to go for a ride. Earphones, helmet, water bottle, snacks. Your friend is waiting. You look down and the tire is flat. Fffffff me. You give up.
No more excuses!
I'm going to teach you how to fix a bicycle's flat tire. Less go.
First: Remove the wheel. You gotta figure out how to remove your wheel {sorry} because there are three main types: bolted, quick release, or bolt through. Mine is bolt through.
The wheel is off. Now what? Breath. Sip some beer. You are going to need some basic stuff.
Take note: Tire removal levers, glue, sandpaper, and tire repair (patch). Ah! Don't forget an air pump.
Second: Use the levers to remove the tire from the wheel. If it's too tight, don't hit your fingers on the spokes {it hurts}.
Third: Depending on your valve type, there's a little nut. Remove it. Then, you can remove the inner tube from the wheel.
Fourth: It's time to find the damn punctures. Begin by pumping air into the inner tube. If it's a teeny puncture, you might need to bury the tube under water to see where the bubbles are coming from. If it's a normal puncture you'll hear it. If it's a huge puncture you might need a new tube. Found it? I like to use a toothpick to mark the puncture.
Fifth: Use your sandpaper to scratch the rubber over the puncture. It grants better grip to glue the repair. Then, remove the back of the repair and apply some glue.
Sixth: Place the repair over the puncture and let the glue dry. Applying some pressure helps. Once it's glued, you can peel the plastic.
Seventh: You are about ready to assemble everything back. Before that, run your hand inside the tire and try to find if there's something in there, like a thorn, nail or anything else. Remove whatever might be there. Now you can assemble the wheel again.
Tip: Pump some air into the tube as it's easier to assemble.
Now you are ready to move that buttie! If this tutorial is confusing, take your bike to a repair shop, but don't give up. Take the opportunity and ask the mechanic to teach you how to fix your own tire.
Enjoy the summer.
Peace.
Did you know that I have a book out? Check this!
Access Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/6500272773?
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~Love ya all,
Disclaimer: The author of this post is a convict broke backpacker, who has travelled more than 10.000 km hitchhiking and more than 5.000 km cycling. Following him may cause severe problems of wanderlust and inquietud. You've been warned.
