Puncture Repair

Release brake callipers and remove the wheel.

Use tyre levers, available from bike shops, to remove the tyre.

Carefully run your fingers around the inside of the tyre to check for sharp objects, such as nails, splinters of glass or thorns. Remove the cause of the puncture and check that there are no more spikes in the tyre.

Find the hole in the tube, either by pumping it up and holding it underwater to look for bubbles, or by feeling for escaping air.

Mark the hole with pen or chalk. Use sandpaper or the scratcher from the puncture repair kit to scuff the area around the hole to help secure the glue to the tube.

Spread glue thinly around the hole and wait for the glue to dry until it feels tacky to touch. Place a patch above the marked hole and apply pressure. (A faster method is to use the new glueless patches.)

Lightly pump up the tube. Place one edge of the tyre around the around the wheel rim and push the tube's valve into the rim's hole. Starting from the valve, push the rest of the tube into the tyre. Ensure the valve system is perpendicular to the rim and that the tube isn't twisted. Once the tube is inside the tyre, begin to place the second edge of the tyre onto the rim. About 75% of the tyre will go on easily, the rest will need strong fingers or tyre levers to coax it onto the rim. Take care not to pinch and damage the tube. When complete pump a little more air into the tube and check that the tube isn't caught between the rim and the tyre.

Slide the wheel back into place on the bike and tighten the bolts gradually, ensuring that the wheel remains aligned straight to the frame. Reconnect the brakes.

If you are happy with it, fully pump up the tyre. Take the bike on a short ride, and check that the brakes are still set up correctly.

Tip: Save time on journeys, by carrying a spare inner tube with you, so that you can mend any punctures when you get home.