Tyres lose air, so be prepared to inflate. Latex tyres are particularly prone to go down between rides as they are porous. Give your tyres a squeeze before you go for a ride and …. If in doubt check their pressure with a gauge. Be careful not to exceed the recommended limit, and always follow the manufacturer's suggested pressure.

Puncture repairs


Puncture repairs are straightforward if they are due to an intrusion such as a thorn, but those caused by impact - sometimes called a pinch flat - are difficult, if not impossible, to repair.

Here's how to identify an no-hoper and fit a new inner tube.

• The inner tube has a snakebite puncture and is beyond repair. It's been caused by the tube compressing into the rim. Latex tubes, however, are almost always repairable.
• Remove the tyre and tube then carefully inspect the bed of the rim for sharp objects and any protruding spokes. Replace the rim tape if it's damaged.
• Fit one side of the tyre over the well of the rim. Inflate the tube so that it is firm, then place the valve through the hole.
• Working from waist height downwards, work the bead of the tyre over the rim using your thumbs.
• Use your thumbs to manipulate the tyre over the inner tube.
• Inflate the tyre to seat the bead. Do this slowly and check that the tyre bead isn't bulging out anywhere.
• Finally, inflate to the recommended pressure.

• If you are getting ready for a race it's as well to inspect the inner tube, as an unstuck patch can wreak havoc on your chances
• If you were riding fast at the time of the puncture, examine the sidewall of the tyre for damage