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In Cycling Tip of the Week, we'll be featuring a weekly tip aimed at making cycling safer and more fun for you. Feel free to send us your tips as well.
Flat Tires Are A Cyclist's Worst Friend
For all the great things about cycling saving money, getting in shape, and the environmental benefits, there are some potential downsides. Most people focus on safety concerns, but we've covered that with some previous tips of the week, as well as numerous articles on Treehugger (see For Bicyclists There is Safety in Numbers and Bike Safety Tips From MP Olivia Chow. However, there is another downside to cycling that's much easier to address: flat tires. Unlike with a car, getting a flat tire on a bicycle doesn't require calling AAA. Anyone with a mini pump, patch kit and tire iron can easily change a tire.
That said, the bigger concern is that an untimely flat tire on the way to work can make a cyclist arrive late for a big meeting or class. Fortunately, it's possible to avoid flat tires in the first place. In fact, I haven't had a flat in 2 years, and that's because I've followed three simple approaches: maintain proper tire pressure, look out for objects on the road that can cause flats, and if you run over one of those objects (such as glass) use your glove to remove them.
Maintain Tire Pressure
A rather common cause of flat tires is underinflation. An underinflated tire can result is what is known as a pinch flat-where the inner tube gets pinched between the tire and the rim. Look at the PSI (pounds per square inch) inflation recommendations on your tire, and ensure that you always maintain that tire pressure. A good rule of thumb is to inflate your tires once a week. Also, if the tread on your tires looks worn, or has any cracks, then replacing them immediately can prevent flats.
Avoid Potential Obstacles
Maintaining proper tire proper is only half the battle. Cyclists should always be scanning the road ahead for dangers. One of the dangers a cycling needs to look out for are the objects-nails, glass and rocks-that can cause flat tires. Look far enough up the road so that you have time to avoid a patch of glass, but before you swerve around it, make sure there aren't any cars in the way. After all, it is far better to get a flat tire than to get into a collision.
Use Your Glove to Clear the Tire
What's more, even if you do run over a patch of glass or nails, you can still avoid a flat. First of all, using a high quality tire will reduce the likelihood of flats, but there is another method I learned from racers. The moment you go over something that can cause a flat, place the palm of your hand (assuming you are wearing a glove-don't do this without a glove!!) on the front of your tire long enough to cover 2 revolutions of the wheel, and apply just enough pressure to brush off any glass that may have gotten lodged in the tire. Next, reach back and do the same with the rear tire (this is a little more complicated, so be careful and practice before you try it). More often than not, the glass or rock will be dislodged before it can puncture the inner tube.
It's amazing how many flats I've avoided by practicing these three simple steps. So to recap: maintain proper tire pressure (and use high-quality tires); avoid obstacles; and, if you can't avoid an obstacle, use the palm of your gloved hand to brush off whatever might have gotten lodged in the tire.
Finally, any cyclist, be they a commuter or racer, needs to know how to change a tire. With practice, it can be done in a matter of minutes. Always carry the tools needed for the job, and find a bike buddy who can show you how to do it.
More on Cycling:
Beverly Hills: Where Cyclists Are Treated As Second-Class
Should Cyclists be Allowed to Blow Through Stop Signs?
It's More Dangerous Not to Ride a Bike
To Helmet or Not to Helmet; This is the Question
What Some Drivers Think About Cyclists in Tucson
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