A puncture is one of the most common problems that interrupts a bicycle ride. It can be caused by glass, a sharp stone, a nail, low tire pressure or a worn-out tire. Fortunately, every puncture does not mean that the entire tire must be replaced.
This guide explains when an inner tube can be patched, when it should be replaced and when the outer tire has also reached the end of its service life.
Common causes of punctures
A bicycle tire most often goes flat when:
- the tire hits glass, a nail or another sharp object
- tire pressure is too low and the inner tube is pinched against the rim
- the outer tire is worn or damaged
- the inner tube is old or was damaged during an earlier installation
Correct tire pressure reduces both rolling resistance and the risk of punctures. Check the pressure regularly and stay within the pressure range marked on the sidewall of the tire. Schwalbe | Ralf Bohle GmbH
How to check a puncture safely
If the tire is flat, do not continue riding on it.
You can safely check:
- whether there is glass, a nail or another object in the tire
- whether the outer tire has cuts or bulges
- whether the tire loses air immediately or slowly
- whether the valve is intact
If you find a sharp object, make sure it is removed from the outer tire as well. Otherwise a new or patched inner tube may fail again immediately.
When is patching the inner tube enough?
Patching the inner tube is often a good solution when:
- the hole is small
- the inner tube is otherwise in good condition
- the valve is intact
- there are only one or a few damaged spots
A carefully applied patch can last a long time. The important thing is to make sure that the object that caused the puncture has not remained in the outer tire.
When should the inner tube be replaced?
Replacing the inner tube is usually the better option when:
- the tube has several holes
- the valve is damaged
- the tear is too large to patch
- the tube is old or clearly worn
- the tire keeps puncturing again shortly after a repair
If a new inner tube fails quickly, the cause is often in the outer tire, the rim or the tire pressure. Schwalbe | Ralf Bohle GmbH
When should the outer tire also be replaced?
Replacing only the inner tube is not enough if the outer tire is worn out.
Replace the outer tire, for example, when:
- the casing or puncture protection layer is visible
- the tire has a large cut
- the tire has a bulge
- the sidewalls are cracked
- the tire keeps puncturing in the same area
According to tire manufacturers, a tire has reached the end of its service life at the latest when the casing fibres or puncture protection layer become visible. Schwalbe | Ralf Bohle GmbH
Patch or replacement?
| Situation | Recommended solution |
|---|---|
| One small hole and an otherwise good inner tube | Patch the inner tube |
| Several holes, a damaged valve or a large tear | Replace the inner tube |
| The outer tire is worn, cracked or damaged | Replace the outer tire and, if needed, the inner tube |
What should you check before riding again?
Before your next ride, make sure that:
- the tire holds air normally
- tire pressure is within the range marked on the tire sidewall
- the outer tire has no visible damage
- the valve is straight
- the bicycle rolls normally without the tire wobbling
If the tire still loses air or has structural damage, do not ride the bicycle before it has been repaired.
When should you bring the bicycle to a service point?
If the tire keeps puncturing, you cannot find the leak or you are unsure about the condition of the tire, have the bicycle checked.
Rullaamo’s Oulu service point is in Kuusisaari at Raatintie 3, 90100 Oulu. You can walk in without an appointment. Tire service and inner tube patching are listed in Rullaamo’s price list. Spare parts are not included in the work price, and the price is explained before work starts.
Summary
A small puncture can often be repaired by patching the inner tube, but a damaged inner tube or outer tire should usually be replaced. A careful inspection before riding reduces the risk of another puncture and improves safety.
If you are unsure which part needs replacing, Rullaamo Oulu can assess the bicycle before the work starts and explain the price in advance.