How to basics: tyre removal, puncture repair, essential kit

Finding calm through tyre removal and puncture repair! Zen bike mechanics!

It's fantastic to see lots of people are trying to get back into cycling or start for the first time, during this Coronavirus lockdown time. It's a great way to exercise, enjoy your local environment and move around your local area. It would be amazing if after this lockdown we all end up cycling more and reduce our reliance on cars. 

However, the thought of getting a puncture can be daunting and sometimes puts people off riding, so I've made a couple of videos that might help and have created a list of the key things that you need to carry with you so that you're not caught out. These don't have to be expensive, but they will be priceless for giving you peace of mind. 

Removing tyres and fixing punctures is really easy when you know a few tricks of the trade and can easily be done in minutes as these videos show. Any questions just ask here or on Instagram @vickybikes or on my Vicky Bikes Facebook page. 

Tyre removal video:

Puncture repair video:

Essential kit to carry with you:

Mini track pump: I like this one by Topeak which is small but easy to use, enabling you to get lots of air into the tyre quickly. You can get smaller ones, but I find them harder to use, so have compromised with this Topeak Mini-morph pump. 

A set of tyre levers - as you'll learn in the video it's best to use them in 3's. These are by Park Tool, but any that you feel comfortable using are fine. It's worth practicing with them at home so that you're happy to use them in a real life situation. 

A basic puncture repair kit - literally the simpler the better. As long as it has patches, vulcanising solution and an abrasive surface you're away! 

A small multitool - always worth carrying in case things come loose on the bike. I like this one from Topeak but to be honest, I am a bit of a magpie and have several different multitools! It's a very personal preference and involves compromises along the way ;-). 

An inner tube - as you'll see in the video the information you need to help you choose the right inner tube for your wheels is listed on your tyre. It's also on the box of the inner tube so you can check that it covers the size you need.

Finally, a saddle bag to keep the kit in. The pump will most likely come with a holder that can be attached where your bottle cage goes on the bike. All the rest of the kit fits in neatly to this bag.