CyclePig

This is Part 3 in the series on fixing a flat tire. The full series is Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.

So now you can fix a tire in the comfort of your own garage and even deal with really stiff tires, but what about when you are out cycling and you get a puncture. Unless you fancy a long walk home you are going to need to fix the puncture on the road.

Unsurprisingly, the technique for fixing a puncture on the road is no different than doing it at home. But what equipment do you need to take on your ride?

Photo by CyclePig

Equipment to take on your Ride

• Tire Levers: these normally come in a set of three and you will need these to remove the tire prior to fixing the punctured tube.
• Spare Tube and / or a puncture repair kit: I normally take both a spare tube and a puncture repair kit. If I get a single flat tire while out for a ride I simply use the spare tube and will fix the punctured one when back at home (or throw it away if feeling particularly lazy). But I always like to have the backup of the puncture repair kit, just in case I puncture more than once.
• Minipump: there is no point replacing your tube if you can’t pump it up. Minipump’s can be attached to your frame (via the mounts supplied with your pump), put in a saddlebag, or simply put in the back pocket of you cycling jersey. Make sure your pump is compatible with the Presta or Schrader valve on your tire.
• Multi-tool: although not essential for fixing a tire, they are essential for many other on the road maintenance tasks and are therefore a very important part of your on-the-road equipment. Some multi-tools even come with 2 tire levers, removing the need for a separate set (it is possible but slightly more difficult to fix a puncture with only 2 tire levers).
• Saddle Bag / Seat Pack: saddle bags or seat packs are small bags that attach underneath your seat. They are convenient in that are out of the way and are usually the perfect size for all this equipment plus your keys and a credit card / cash. You can also get slightly bigger ones if you also want to squeeze in a mobile phone.

The full series for everything you need to know about fixing a flat tire:

• Part 1 - The basics of removing your wheels and fixing a tire
• Part 2 - Dealing with stiff and stubborn tires
• Part 3 - Fixing a flat tire on the road
• Part 4 - Flat tires on a bicycle tour