I hate fixing punctures

[ghoti_mhic_uait]

The actual patching of the puncture is fine and dandy... and usually done several hours (or even days) before the bit I've been dreading - replacing the tyre on the wheel.

This is why I used to ask tenth_mediaeval, but he went and moved to avoid my petty chores. Or for reasons unrelated to me, one of the two.

I've had it suggested that I take it to a bike shop. I don't mind getting them to fit a new inner tube, if it actually needs one, but that's a bit much for every puncture... and it makes me look like a wuss. At least tenth_mediaeval knows I can cook a four course dinner for seven using only a kettle, a grill and fridge, the guy at the shop just sees someone too hopeless to fix a puncture.

Anyway, if any of you have clever ideas of easy ways to put my pushchair tyre back on, I'd be grateful. Is it brute force needed or is there something clever I'm not doing?

Comments

[feanelwa.livejournal.com]

Do you have tyre levers out of a bicycle puncture repair kit?

[marnanel.livejournal.com]

At least where I'm sitting, Jon is now The Man With No Name.

[ceb.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't worry about it, the bike guy sees someone who they can make happy (and make money from) by doing something very quick and easy.

[naath.livejournal.com]

Brute Force I'm afraid. Although there are some tools which can make it easier to do (ask in a bike shop?) I'm afraid I've given up and tend to dump it on the shop.

[hatter.livejournal.com]

Can you use any of the bike-y solutions to preventing/fixing punctures that don't involve taking the tyre off in the first place ? Or are they more wussy/expensive than the new tube option ? Failing that, longer levers would make it easier as I assume there's less flex in the smaller tyre rims than a bike tyre.


the hatter

[aiwendel.livejournal.com]

Proper tyre levers make a big difference, and some are better than others.
I think certain amount of brute force is required too though...

I wouldn't feel bad for taking a pushchair wheel to a shop.

Also with bike tyres I think it depends on the tyre. My old tyres I REALLY struggled with and needed help. My new ones I can do fine alone (with the levers though!)... though it is possible to put them back on with thumbs and brute force alone...