Lesson 1Common flat causes and how to distinguish them: puncture, pinch, valve failure, bead separationGet skilled at spotting puncture, pinch, valve, or bead issues from tube marks and riding context. Link each to root causes and pick fixes that stop rear flats coming back.
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, reliable rear wheel removal and fitting on town bikes. Handle chain, gears, mudguards, and brakes while safeguarding frame, cables, and rider's extras from harm.
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 linersCraft simple prevention tips suited to each rider's ways. Cover paths taken, tyre pressure routines, tough tapes and liners, plus real maintenance times that cut repeat flats and earn trust.
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 systematic looks at tyre tread, sides, valve spot, rim tape, and wheel build. Combine sight with touch to uncover hidden damage causing repeat rear punctures.
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)Pick rear tyre pressure from maker's guide, rider's weight, load, roads, and puncture risks. Balance ride comfort, grip, and toughness, noting advice for next visits.
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 bootsAssemble a full, handy puncture kit for shop or roadside jobs. Choose and care for levers, pumps, tubes, patches, rim tape, boots, and bits that keep work flowing 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 tireWeigh patching, new tube, or new tyre by safety, cost, and strength. Know when repair holds, when to suggest upgrades for safety, and explain choices plainly.
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 historyPractise clear questions to grasp when, where, and how punctures happen. Capture riding spots, loads, tyre age, past fixes to steer quick 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 typeChoose tyres and tubes to cut repeat flats, fitting bike and rider life. Compare tough layers, widths, builds, valve sorts, explaining weight, feel, and price balances.
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 looks before handing bike back. Check tyre seating, pressure hold, wheel straightness, axle firmness, then short ride or stand test for solid rear flat fix.
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 repeat flat causes. Look at rim strip cover, spoke tips, rough bits, dents, brake wear, deciding on filing, parts swap, or wheel rebuild.
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 diagnosis: safe pump-up, leak find, tube and tyre inside check. Link leak spot to causes, knowing when to hunt hidden sharps.
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
