Lesson 1Common flat causes and how to distinguish them: puncture, pinch, valve failure, bead separationLearn to tell apart punctures, pinch flats, valve problems, and bead issues by looking at tube damage and the situation. You will link each type to common causes and pick fixes that stop rear flats from repeating.
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 bikesGet good at safely taking off and putting back rear wheels on city bikes. You will manage the chain, gears whether derailleur or hub type, mudguards, and brakes, all while keeping the frame, cables, and rider's extras safe 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 linersGive clear advice on avoiding flats suited to each rider. You will talk about good routes, checking tyre pressure regularly, using protective tapes and liners, and setting real maintenance times that cut down repeat flats and earn rider 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 to check tyre tread, sidewalls, valve area, rim tape, and wheel build step by step. You will combine looking and feeling to spot hidden damage and patterns causing those stubborn 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 set rear tyre pressure right using maker's ranges, rider's weight, load carried, road type, and puncture danger. You will balance ride comfort, grip, and flat protection, and note down the best pressure 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 kit for fixing flats in the workshop or on the road. You will choose and care for levers, pumps with gauges, spare tubes, patches, rim tape, boots, and handy extras to avoid hold-ups with 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 up patching, new tube, or new tyre based on safety, cost, and lasting fix. You will know when a patch works, when to suggest upgrade for safety, and how to explain choices openly to the rider.
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 asking smart questions to grasp when, where, and how flats happen. You will note riding conditions, load, tyre age, and past fixes to guide quick diagnosis of those nagging 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 tyres and tubes that last and cut repeat flats, matching the bike and rider. You will compare puncture layers, widths, builds, and valve types, and explain choices in weight, ride feel, and price.
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 handing back the bike. You will check tyre seating, pressure hold, wheel straightness, and axle tightness, then do a quick spin or short ride to confirm solid 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 tape cover, spoke tips, rough spots, dents, and brake wear, then decide on filing, parts swap, or full 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 steps: safe pump-up, find leak spot, check inside tube and tyre. You will match leak place to causes and know when to dig deeper for sharp bits causing trouble.
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
