A flat rear wheel is probably one of those unexpected events that all cyclists end up facing sooner or later. Whether you're out for a ride in the park or on a mountain ride, finding yourself with a flat rear wheel can be a nuisance, but with a little practice, it doesn't have to be a drama.

Basically, a puncture occurs when something punctures your inner tube or tire, causing you to lose pressure and, of course, making pedaling nearly impossible.

How to know if you have a flat tire

Identifying that you have a rear tire puncture is not always as obvious as it may seem. Here are some clear clues to help you confirm it:

1. The tire goes flat quickly : this is the most typical symptom. You may even hear that unpleasant "pssssss" that leaves no room for doubt.

2. The bike feels strange when rolling : If you notice that the rear end seems more unstable when pedaling, especially when cornering, it's best to stop and check.

3. The tire looks "flat" - A tire with a puncture is usually visibly flatter. If you touch it with your hand, you will immediately notice that it is underinflated.

4. Pedaling becomes more difficult : Another typical symptom is that moving forward becomes much more difficult. This usually happens because the rear wheel is not turning as it should.

Why the rear wheel suffers the most

If you think about it, it makes sense that the rear wheel is more prone to punctures. For starters, it's the one that bears most of the rider's weight. Plus, as the wheel that propels the bike, it has more contact with the ground and is therefore more likely to encounter sharp objects like rocks, glass, or thorns.

Why it is important to fix a flat tire as soon as possible

Continuing to ride with a flat rear wheel is not a good idea. Not only can it damage the rim or tyre, but it also puts your safety at risk. An underinflated rear wheel causes you to lose stability, and riding in such conditions can be difficult, if not dangerous. The best thing to do is to stop and fix it on the spot, or at least improvise a temporary fix if you're in the middle of a ride. To fix it on the spot, we recommend carrying one of these three options:

• Bicycle Panniers

• Bicycle backpacks

• Bicycle bags

And, just in case you need to warn someone, it never hurts to carry abicycle mobile phone holder.

Common causes of a rear bicycle tire puncture

Rear wheel punctures are so common that you could almost say they are part of the "package" of being a cyclist. But why does this happen? Understanding the reasons will help you prevent more than one and be prepared for when they do happen.

Sharp objects

Glass, nails, stones or thorns are undoubtedly the most common culprits. All it takes is a small sharp object in your path to puncture your inner tube or tyre and end up with a flat rear wheel. This is especially common on mountain routes, rural roads or even in the city if you are not careful where you go.

A Shad Bikes tip? Check the ground from time to time, especially if you're riding on less well-maintained terrain. And if you want to be even more protected, invest in puncture-proof tyres; you'll be surprised at how effective they are.

Tire pressure

Another common reason is incorrect tyre pressure. If the pressure is too low, the tube can pinch against the rim when going over a pothole or kerb, which often results in a nice puncture. If it is too high, the tyre loses flexibility and does not absorb impacts well, leaving the tube more exposed.

Wear

Tyres and tubes don't last forever, and with use, they start to show signs of wear. If the tyre is smooth or has cracks, or if the tube has too many patches, it doesn't take a fortune teller to know that the next puncture is just around the corner.

Incorrect assembly

Although it may not seem like it, incorrect assembly can also play a trick on you. If you pinch the tube when assembling it or do not adjust the tyre properly, the result can be a puncture before you finish inflating the wheel.

How to repair a flat tire on the rear wheel of a bicycle

Fixing a flat on your rear bike wheel can seem like a pain, but don't worry, it's easier than it seems. With the right tools and some patience, you'll have it done in no time. Here are the steps explained in simple terms so you can get back on the road as soon as possible.

Prepare everything before you start

The first thing is to make sure you have the necessary things on hand. Here are the basics you will need:

• A repair kit (patches, glue and sandpaper).

• A portable air pump or inflator.

• Removable (those little plastic levers to remove the cover).

• If you prefer, a new camera.

How to remove the rear wheel

The rear wheel can be a little intimidating at first, because it's connected to the chain, but it's nothing to write home about. Do this:

1. Loosen the brakes : If your bike has caliper brakes, release the cable so the wheel comes off more easily. If you have disc brakes, don't worry about this.

2. Put the gear down : shift to the smallest cog to make the chain slack.

3. Remove the wheel : if you have a quick release, open it; if not, use a wrench to release it. The chain will hang down, this is normal.

Find the puncture

Now it's time to locate the problem. With the wheel out, follow these steps:

1. Look carefully at the deck : look for nails, glass or anything stuck in it. Carefully remove it if you find it.

2. Inflate the tube a little : if you don't see the hole, listen carefully for air escaping. If you have water nearby, put a little on the tube and look for bubbles.

Repair the camera

This step is the heart of the matter, but don't worry, it's a piece of cake:

1. Sand the puncture area : Smooth out the area around the hole so the glue will adhere well.

2. Apply the glue : Apply a thin layer to the area and wait a couple of minutes for it to become tacky.

3. Place the patch : press it firmly and make sure it does not come off.

Reassemble the rear wheel

Once the puncture is fixed, it's time to put the wheel back on. Follow these steps:

1. Fit the wheel : snap it into place making sure the chain is properly positioned on the sprocket.

2. Tighten the lock or screws : Adjust the wheel well so that it is straight.

3. Check the brakes : Reconnect the brakes and check that everything works as it should.

Inflate and do a final check

Inflate the rear tire to the recommended pressure (it's written on the side of the tire) and spin the wheel a few times to make sure everything is okay. If you don't hear any leaks or notice anything unusual, mission accomplished!

Conclusion

A flat tire on your rear bike may seem like a huge nuisance, but it's actually just part of the adventure of being a cyclist. It happens to all of us, and the good news is that, with a little practice and preparation, fixing it isn't that complicated. The important thing is to know what to do, both to fix it and to prevent it from happening so often.

Having a flat tire shouldn't put you off going out and cycling. On the contrary, facing these situations and resolving them will make you gain confidence and enjoy the experience more. In the end, cycling is not just about getting to your destination, but about everything that happens along the way, even those moments when you have to stop to pump up a tire or put on a patch. Or, at least, that's how we see it at Shad Bikes, your bicycle accessories specialists .

So there you have it: being prepared and keeping your bike in good condition is the best way to enjoy every ride to the fullest. Punctures, as annoying as they may be, are just a bump in the road. The important thing is not to let them slow you down. Get out there, pedal away, and enjoy everything cycling has to offer. And if you ever have to deal with a rear tire puncture, you know how to deal with it.