How to fix punctures on a hub gear bike

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The popularity of bikes with hub gears has skyrocketed over the past few years, but what happens when you get a puncture?

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Tools required

• Adjustable spanner
• Screwdriver
• 15mm spanner
• Tyre levers, pump, patch kit
• Allen keys or multi-tool

How to repair a puncture on a Brompton

One of the most popular hub gear-equipped bikes on the market currently is the Brompton, and although the steps below relate specifically to a Brompton, they can be equally applied to non-folding bikes equipped with a hub gear. 

1. Tip it up

To start, make sure that you always carry a spare inner tube, adjustable spanner, patch kit, multi-tool and pump. There's nothing worse than being caught out unprepared and having to walk into a bike shop with your tail between your legs. 

Working by the side of the road in the rain while the wheel is removed or installed can be a doubly daunting task. Fortunately, the folding design of the Brompton allows for a bit of clever positioning while fixing a puncture. 

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Having swung the rear wheel under the bike, drop the saddle down about halfway and then tip the other half of the bike backwards, bringing the back of the saddle to rest as pictured. Laying the bike down on its left side will do if there’s nowhere level enough to place the bike.

2. Remove indicator

Both SRAM and Sturmey Archer hub gears use a small shifter rod indicator chain for shifting duties. These are quite fragile, so treat with great care. 

3. Remove tension arm

4. Remove wheel, fix flat

5. Reverse order, adjust

Repairing a puncture on a Nexus or Alfine hub gear bike

1. Remove the wheel

2. Removing the cable carrier

3. Tips for tough tyres

4. Re-install wheel and adjust tyre

5. Chain tension adjuster

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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