Punctures - Avoidance Is Better Than Cure

You could be a competitive cyclist out road racing. You could be a cycling enthusiast out with friends. Either way, getting a puncture could ruin your whole day. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting a puncture in the first place.

1 - Avoid the gutter

If you are regularly riding on the road then avoid riding too close to the kerb. Lots of debris and foreign objects accumulate in the gutter at the side of the road due to the motion of cars going by. You will find all sorts in the gutter from glass to nails, none of which will be kind to your tyres. If riding in the gutter is unavoidable make sure you inspect your tyres before and after each ride.

2 - Clean Away Tyre Debris

If you find that you have unavoidably ridden through a patch of debris which could contain glass or sharp gravel etc, then take a minute to stop and brush off as much of the debris as you can. This will prevent any sharp object which has become stuck in your tyre tread getting a chance to work its way deeper into the tyre and possibly causing a puncture

3 - Regular Inspections

Once you return from your ride it is well worthwhile taking a few minutes to inspect your tyres. Make sure you inspect your tyres in good light and make sure you spin each wheel through 360 degrees looking for road debris trapped in the treads. Also take a minute to look for structural problems with the tyres themselves, like cuts and cracks, especially as your tyres become older.

4 - Carry out Repairs No Matter How Small

If during your inspection you find a cut or damage caused by a sharp object, fill the hole with superglue to repair it. This practice could prolong the life of your tyres quite considerably. If the problem cannot be cured this way then it may be time to consider replacing the tyre.

5 - Buy better Tyres

Sometime investing in cheaper tyres can be a false economy, especially if you ride a lot. The tyres that came with your new bike may not be the best. It sometimes pays to look for some after market ones that are better quality. You can even buy tyres which are especially resistant to punctures and in the long run they could save you some money.

Don't take your tyres for granted. They are your only contact with the ground and deserve your attention. If you pay more attention to them more often then you will be able to spot problems as they are starting to occur. This will enable you to prolong the life of your tyres by avoiding damage early on.