The Flat! OK, It happens to us all. Sometimes it's due to your tyre going over something sharp sometimes you land hard and the tyre compresses the inner tube against the rim and you get that all too familiar pinch flat (or snakebite as looks like two little puncture wounds). either you don't want to waste time getting back on and here are some handy tips.
Before you set off make sure you have the right tyre pressure and a couple of spaire sets of inner tubes, a small puncture repair kit, three plastic tyre levers and a small pump. Assuming you have quick release you don't need any tools to remove your wheel. Otherwise carry the tool.
As regards tyre pressure if you have your pressure low you are more inclined to pinch flats when jumping and doing drops but then again you will have better traction (especially if muddy). So you need to balance out what works best for you. Somewhere between 30 and 40 psi generally works well and it is much a factor of your riding style.
Step 2 - Getting it off and fixed
Get the wheel off. Then use the tyre levers to get the tyre off. Generally once you have two levers in you can move them around the rim until it easily comes off. Take out the inner tube. For speed and not holding up your mates you may want to just change the inner tube for your spare, fix the puncture later and get going. If so you can skip this step
For fixing the puncture directly, first you need to locate it. Best way is to inflate the tyre and pass it inch by inch through a bowl of water and look for the bubbles. Not so easy out on the trail. so blow it up and hold the tyre to your face and feel for air escaping. When found. Cover with your hand hard and repeat (this helps ensure you find all the punctures). Once located and making sure your tube is dry try and mark the spot with the generally little useless crayon they give you. Worry not and quickly sand roughen the area with the sand paper piece in the kit.
Apply a thin layer of adhesive that will cover the patch. The important bit is to leave the adhesive to dry for a minute before applying the patch. Otherwise it never seems to stick. Then apply the patch wait a few minutes.
Step 3 - Getting it all back on
Regardless of whether you fixed the puncture there and then or you just changed for your spare inner tube the really important bit is use your eyes to check the outside and inside of your tyre and then run your hand on the inside of the tyre to check for any sharp bits sticking out before putting your tube back in and on. This will avoid you re-puncturing your tyre as soon as it goes on.
Once done a helpful tip is to inflate your inner tune slightly so it naturally moulds into your tyre and doesn't flap around.
Some tyres especially on downhill and freeride bikes should only go on one direction. Check the tyre for the rotation path (it is always stated on the tyre itself). this maximises tread grip. A useful tip is when taking the tyre off to note it's position and keep it the right way.
Then put the Tyre over the wheel with your tyre levers close to hand. Focus on getting one side only on first. Then the other side. You generally get two thirds on no hassle and then it can take a bit of brute force. Often just rolling your fingers in a fist position up the rim toward the tyre will force it back on for this little bit. Otherwise your the levers if need be.
Re-inflate. Don't do what I do and leave nothing behind.
Step 4 - Back home
Once back home if you just swapped out your inner tube then think cost and the environment and fix that puncture for a future spare.
If you are really prone to punctures you could consider trying different tyre pressure, going tubeless or working on your landing style.
