Puncturing the inner tube when traveling with your bicycle is a mishap that has surely happened to many of you Cyclanders, even at the most inconvenient times. In reality, repairing a bicycle puncture is not that difficult, but it is important to always have the right equipment on hand so as not to be caught unprepared.

When embarking on a journey, cyclists of all levels, from the most experienced to beginners, should not only prepare themselves physically for the effort they will undertake, but also mentally for the various setbacks they could encounter along the journey. Because it is true that fortune favors the brave, but puncturing an inner tube can happen even at the most unthinkable times. So no panic, the first thing is to keep calm and not get anxious, because it is a very easy problem to solve.

The essential tools to repair a bike puncture

After staying calm and especially having made yourself safe, away from traffic, you move to the operational phase of the repair, which is carried out using specific tools:

• two tire levers which are used to remove the tire from the rim;

• some patches of various sizes;

• a tube of glue;

• some scraps of fine sandpaper;

• a can of compressed air or a hand pump;

• a spare inner tube.

All these tools can also be found in the form of a transportable kit. Alternatively, you can purchase a spray product that allows you to repair a bicycle puncture in record time. The spray costs about 5 euros and can be purchased in sports shops that also sell cycling items. To carry out the repair with the can, just inflate the tire with it, which will fill the inner tube with a foam, sealing the puncture. At the end of the day's stage, however, the inner tube will need to be replaced to avoid incurring further problems.

How to repair an inner tube

Now that you have all the tools in kit form, you can move on to the second phase: the actual repair. First, you remove the wheel from the frame:

Front wheel: Open the brake (in case of v-break) and then unhook the wheel using the quick release or the wrench to unscrew the bolt that holds the wheel to the frame. The wheel is then removed from the frame.

Rear wheel: position the chain on the smallest rear crown, open the brake and then unhook the wheel using the quick release or the wrench to unscrew the bolt that holds the wheel to the frame. The wheel is removed from the frame by simultaneously lifting the chain off the crown to free the wheel.

Immediately after, you completely deflate the inner tube, if there is still air inside. Insert the first lever under the flap of the tire, lifting it outward, and then hook the lever to a spoke (see picture). Repeat the same operation with the second lever about 10/15 cm away.

At this point, one flap of the tire will have come out of the rim and we can easily remove it in its entirety and then remove it completely.

Take the inner tube and inflate it to find the puncture. Mark the point with a pen and then deflate it again. Sandpaper is passed over the puncture point. Put a drop of glue on the clean spot, spread it with a finger, wait a few seconds and apply the patch holding it pressed for a few minutes.

Afterwards, check the tire to make sure that the cause of the puncture (thorn, glass, etc.) has not remained stuck in it. Insert one side of the tire back into the rim, insert the inner tube between the two, making sure it is all positioned inside the tire, reinsert the other side of the tire using the tire lever for the last part, making sure the inner tube is not pinched between the tire and the rim.

Once the insertion is complete, inflate the tire and after the first few pumps, check that everything is in place, then complete the inflation.

Reinsert the wheel, lock the quick release or the bolt, fix the brake, and you are ready to go again!

Note: If the puncture happens on the street and you want to speed up the process, it's advisable to replace the punctured inner tube with a new or previously repaired one. You can proceed with the repair once you reach your destination.

If for your holidays you have chosen a self-guided bike trip, remember that in case of a puncture, you will have to replace the inner tube. You can do this by following these tips and using the repair kit that will be provided with the bicycle, if you choose to rent it. If instead you prefer to travel with your own bike, don't forget to bring with you the necessary tools and spare parts.

But don't worry, for the most important and difficult to repair damages in a few minutes, you can always call the local assistance, which will intervene promptly in case of need.

Now you really have no more excuses: choose your itinerary and saddle up for the next adventure!