There are two primary causes for punctures—one that you can to some extent control and one you can’t
The first is what’s known as a pinch flat and is caused by tyre pressure being too low, causing the tyre to compress when hitting a bump and pinching the tube against the rim. One way of avoiding such punctures is by ensuring you maintain correct tyre pressure
The second is something working its way through the tyre, pricking the tube and causing it to deflate. This can either be instantaneous, or a delayed process resenting itself some way down the track—always, it seems, at a time of great inconvenience
Your optimal pressure (usually marked on the sidewall of your tyre, given in PSI) may depend on a range of different factors, including surface conditions, weather, your personal preferences for a harder or softer ride and importantly your weight
As materials used in bicycle inner tubes are slightly porous, it’s normal for them to lose pressure over time. As such, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking your tyre pressure weekly
Keep an eye on the condition of your tyres and periodically check for and remove any visible fragments of glass
Never leave home without:
Spare tube
Patch kit
Tyre levers
Pump or CO2 canisters
To read the article in full go to https://rideonmagazine.com.au/back-to-basics-how-to-change-a-bike-tube/
