Lesson 1Common flat causes and how to distinguish them: puncture, pinch, valve failure, bead separationLearn to tell puncture, pinch, valve, and bead flats apart by tube damage and situation. You will link each to causes and pick fixes that stop repeat rear flats.
Single-hole punctures from sharp objectsSnakebite pinch flats and low pressure linksValve stem tears, leaks, and core failuresBead seating issues and blowout signsCombining tube clues with rider historyLesson 2Step-by-step rear wheel removal and reinstallation for city bikesMaster safe rear wheel removal and fitting back on city bikes. You will manage chain, derailleur or hub gear, mudguards, and brakes while keeping frame, cables, and customer bits safe from damage.
Preparing bike, stand, and gear positionDisconnecting brakes and hub gear linkagesSafe chain and derailleur handlingCorrect axle placement in dropoutsAligning fenders and racks after refitLesson 3Preventive measures and customer advice: route choices, pressure checks, puncture-resistant tape and linersGive clear advice fitted to each rider. You will cover route picks, pressure checks, protective tapes and liners, and real maintenance times that cut repeat flats and build trust with customers.
Advising on debris-heavy and clean route optionsTeaching simple weekly pressure checksUsing puncture-resistant tape and linersSetting realistic tire inspection intervalsExplaining trade-offs of extra puncture protectionLesson 4Visual and hands-on checks: tire, sidewall, valve, rim tape, and wheelLearn to check tire tread, sidewalls, valve spot, rim tape, and wheel build properly. You will mix looking and feeling to find hidden damage causing repeat rear flats.
Reading tire tread wear and cut patternsSidewall cracks, bulges, and casing splitsValve base damage, leaks, and misalignmentRim tape coverage, holes, and displacementWheel trueness, dents, and spoke-related risksLesson 5Choosing correct tire pressure: recommended pressures, factors (rider weight, load, puncture resistance)Learn to pick rear tire pressure using maker ranges, rider weight, load, road type, and puncture risk. You will balance comfort, grip, and flat protection, and note pressures for next time.
Reading sidewall pressure ranges correctlyAdjusting for rider weight and cargo loadPressure choices for city, gravel, and rough roadsBalancing comfort, grip, and puncture riskRecording baseline pressures on service ticketLesson 6Tools and materials list for flats: tire levers, pump with gauge, spare tubes, patch kit, rim tape, tire bootsPut together a full flat repair kit for shop and roadside use. You will choose and care for levers, pumps, tubes, patches, rim tape, boots, and extras to avoid delays on repeat flats.
Choosing durable tire levers and sparesPump selection, gauges, and valve adaptersTube sizing, valve types, and storagePatch kits, glues, and instant patchesRim tape, tire boots, and emergency materialsLesson 7Repair options and decision criteria: patching vs replacing tube vs replacing tireCompare patching, new tube, or new tire using safety, cost, and strength. You will know when repair is fine, when to suggest upgrade for safety, and explain choices straight.
Assessing tube damage and patchabilityEvaluating tire cuts, bulges, and exposed casingCost, reliability, and time trade-offsWhen to recommend full tire replacementExplaining choices clearly to the customerLesson 8Initial customer questions to identify flat context and historyPractice good questions to quickly get when, where, how flats happen. You will note riding conditions, load, tire age, past fixes to guide diagnosis of repeat rear flats.
Opening questions about ride type and terrainClarifying when and how the flat appearedChecking tire age, mileage, and storageReviewing previous flat repairs and failuresRecording answers in clear service notesLesson 9Tire and tube selection for durability: puncture protection, tire width, tube valve typePick tires and tubes to cut repeat flats matching bike and rider. You will compare puncture layers, widths, builds, valve types, and explain weight, feel, cost trade-offs.
Comparing puncture protection layers and beltsChoosing tire width for load and comfortTube sizing and wall thickness choicesSchrader vs Presta vs Dunlop valve selectionMatching components to rim and frame clearanceLesson 10Safety checks before return: spin test, inflation check, quick-release/thru-axle security, short test rideDo final safety checks before giving bike back. You will check bead fit, pressure hold, wheel straightness, axle tight, then short test ride to confirm good rear flat repair.
Spinning wheel to check wobble and rubConfirming even bead seating and no bulgesRechecking pressure after brief rest periodVerifying quick-release or thru-axle torqueShort test ride or stand test under loadLesson 11Wheel and rim inspection: rim strip, spoke ends, sharp edges, rim brake wearCheck wheel and rim for hidden flat causes. You will look at rim strip cover, spoke tips, sharp bits, dents, brake wear, then decide to file, replace, or rebuild wheel.
Checking rim strip width and alignmentIdentifying sharp or protruding spoke endsFinding burrs, dents, and pinch pointsAssessing rim brake track wear and cracksDeciding on repair, replacement, or rebuildLesson 12Sequential diagnostic steps: inflate, locate leak, inspect tube and tire interiorFollow steady steps: safe inflate, find leak, check tube and tire inside. You will link leak spot to causes and keep checking for hidden sharp things.
Safe inflation on a repair standWater dunk and listening methods for leaksMapping tube leak to tire and rim positionsInspecting tire interior for glass and wiresDocumenting findings for recurring issues
