Lesson 1Common flat causes and how to distinguish them: puncture, pinch, valve failure, bead separationLearn to spot puncture, pinch, valve, and bead problems by looking at tube marks and where it happened. You'll link each mark to what caused it and pick fixes that stop rear punctures 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 town bikes. You'll manage chain, gears, mudguards, and brakes while keeping the frame, wires, 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 to suit each rider. You'll talk about road choices, tyre pressure habits, tough tapes and liners, and real check times that cut repeat punctures 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, sides, valve spot, rim tape, and wheel build step by step. Practice looking and feeling to find hidden damage causing those 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 right rear tyre pressure using maker's guide, rider weight, load, roads, and puncture danger. Balance ride feel, grip, and puncture fight, and note it down 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, quick puncture kit for shop or roadside. Choose and care for levers, pumps, tubes, patches, rim tape, boots, and extras to avoid hold-ups on repeat jobs.
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 tyre by safety, cost, and lasting power. Know when fix is okay, when to suggest better 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 learn when, where, how punctures happen. Capture riding spots, load, tyre age, past fixes to guide fast checks on repeat rear punctures.
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 punctures matching bike and rider. Compare tough layers, widths, builds, valve types, and explain weight, feel, cost choices.
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 last safety checks before giving bike back. Check tyre seat, pressure hold, wheel straight, axle tight, then short ride or stand test for solid rear puncture 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 puncture causes. Look at rim tape cover, spoke tips, rough bits, dents, brake wear, then decide 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 check steps: safe pump up, find leak spot, check tube and tyre inside. Link leak place to causes and know when to hunt hidden sharp bits.
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
