It’s no fun taking your bike to the LBS only to hear that your problem is user error. Mechanics face these five customer woes all the time. Here’s how to solve them yourself. — By Lindsay J. Westley

Inflating Your Tyres

Problem: I keep getting flat tyres. Are my tubes defective?

What Happened: You’re under-inflating your tubes, there’s debris inside the tyre, or you’re not installing them correctly. Low tyre pressure can cause a tube to be pinched against the rim and result in what’s called a pinch flat. Look on the side of your tyre to find the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) range. Inflate the tube to at least the lower number. If you’re a heavier rider (more than 100kg including your bike), fill it to the maximum number. When changing a tyre, run your finger along the inside to check for foreign objects (such as a tiny piece of gravel or glass) that could cause another flat. Before you inflate a new tube, check to make sure it isn’t caught between the rim and the tyre.

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