A flat rear bike tire is probably one of those unexpected incidents that all cyclists face sooner or later. Whether you're out for a ride in the park or on a mountain trail, finding a flat rear tire can be a nuisance, but with a little practice, it doesn't have to be a tragedy.
Basically, a puncture occurs when something pierces the 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 a rear tire puncture isn't always as obvious as it might seem. Here are some clear clues to help you confirm it:
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The tire deflates quicklyThis is the most typical symptom. You might even hear that unpleasant "psssss" that leaves no room for doubt.
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The bike feels strange when rolling: If you notice that the rear end feels more unstable when pedaling, especially in curves, it is best to stop and check.
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The wheel looks "squashed"A punctured tire is usually visibly flatter. If you touch it with your hand, you'll immediately notice that it's underinflated.
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Pedaling costs moreAnother typical symptom is that moving forward feels much more difficult. This usually happens because the rear wheel isn't 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 bears most of the rider's weight. Also, as the wheel that propels the bike, it has more contact with the ground and, therefore, is more likely to encounter sharp objects like stones, glass, or thorns.
Why it is important to fix the puncture as soon as possible
Continuing to ride with a flat rear tire is not a good idea. Not only can it damage the rim or tire, but it also puts your safety at risk. A flat rear tire makes you unstable, and riding your bike in these conditions can be tricky, not to mention dangerous. It's best to stop and fix it right away, or at least improvise a temporary fix if you're in the middle of a ride. To fix it right away, we recommend carrying one of these three options:
And, in case you need to warn someone, it never hurts to carry a bicycle mobile phone holder.
Common causes of a flat tire on a rear bicycle
Rear bike punctures are so common that you could almost say they're part of being a cyclist. But why does this happen? Understanding the reasons will help you prevent more than one and be prepared when they happen.
Sharp objects
Without a doubt, glass, nails, stones, or thorns are the most common culprits. All it takes is a small, sharp object to get in your way and puncture the inner tube or tire, ending up with a flat rear tire. This is especially common on mountain trails, rural roads, or even in the city if you're not careful where you're going.
A Shad Bikes trick? Check the ground from time to time, especially if you're riding on less-maintained terrain. And if you want even more protection, invest in puncture-resistant tires; you'll be surprised at how effective they are.
Tire pressure
Another fairly common reason is incorrect tire pressure. If the pressure is too low, the tube can pinch against the rim when hitting a pothole or curb, often resulting in a serious puncture. If it's too high, the tire loses flexibility and doesn't absorb impacts well, leaving the tube more exposed.
Wear
Tires and inner tubes don't last forever, and with use, they begin to show signs of wear. If the tire is smooth or cracked, or if the inner tube has too many patches, you don't have to be a fortune teller to know the next puncture is imminent.
Incorrect assembly
Although it may not seem like it, improper installation can also play tricks on you. If you pinch the tube while installing it or don't tighten the tire properly, the result can be a puncture before you finish inflating the tire.
How to repair a puncture in the rear wheel of a bicycle
Fixing a flat tire on your rear bike may seem like a chore, but don't worry, it's easier than it looks. With the right tools and a little patience, you'll be done in no time. Here are the steps explained in simple terms to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
Prepare everything before starting
The first thing is to make sure you have everything you need on hand. Here are the basics you'll need:
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A repair kit (patches, glue and sandpaper).
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A portable air pump or inflator.
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Removable (those little plastic levers to remove the cover).
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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 special. Do this:
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Loosen the brakesIf your bike has caliper brakes, loosen the cable so the wheel comes out more easily. If you have disc brakes, don't worry about this.
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Put it in the lowest gear: Shift to the smallest sprocket to increase chain slack.
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Take off the wheelIf you have a quick-release, open it; if not, use a wrench to loosen it. The chain will hang down, which is normal.
Find the puncture
Now it's time to locate the problem. With the wheel off, follow these steps:
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Look carefully at the cover: Look for nails, glass, or anything else stuck in them. Carefully remove them if you find them.
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Inflate the chamber a littleIf you don't see the hole, listen carefully for escaping air. If you have water nearby, pour a little over the camera 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:
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Sand the puncture area: Smooth the area around the hole so the glue will grip well.
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Put the glue on: Apply a thin layer to the area and wait a couple of minutes for it to become sticky.
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Place the patch: Press it firmly and make sure it doesn't come off.
Reassemble the rear wheel
With the puncture fixed, it's time to put the wheel back on. Follow these steps:
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Place the wheel: Fit it into place, making sure the chain fits snugly onto the sprocket.
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Tighten the lock or screws: Adjust the wheel so that it is straight.
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Check the brakes: Reconnect the brakes and check that everything is working as it should.
Inflate and do a final check
Inflate the rear tire to the recommended pressure (indicated on the side of the tire) and spin it a few times to make sure everything is ok. 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 knowing how to act, both to fix it and to prevent it from happening so frequently.
Having a flat tire shouldn't put you off riding. On the contrary, facing these situations and resolving them will make you gain confidence and enjoy the experience more. In the end, cycling isn't just about reaching your destination, but about everything that happens along the way, even those moments when you have to stop to pump up a tire or apply a patch. Or at least, that's how we see it at Shad Bikes, your specialists in bicycle accessories.
So now you know: 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 small bump in the road. The important thing is not to let them slow you down. Get out, pedal, and enjoy everything cycling has to offer. And if you ever have to deal with a rear tire puncture, you already know how to solve it.
