Adventure in bicycle repairs

[avrelia]

Three months ago I blew a tire on my bicycle. It was very annoying, especially since it was my first time after a year. Well, my first ride in US. (I never was comfortable to ride in Manhattan, even if I only had to cross several streets to got to the Central Park. But in the evening).

Anyways, the flat tire. There was no bicycle store in Metuchen and I couldn't get anywhere without a car. So I waited till I got driving license, then looked into fixing. A friend gave me his spare tire, and I was determined to use it. The problem was – I knew nothing of bicycle and their maintenance.

So I went online and read stuff.

First I figured out how to take the wheel off. I blew the front wheel tire, which made it easier somewhat. I figured what kind of brakes I had, disconnected it, then opened up one thing, unscrewed another and lifted the wheel. It took me a week. I was very unsure of what I am doing and was more afraid to kill my bicycle altogether.
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Then I undid the tire with my fingers. Yay! I also found the hole. First I decided to patch the old tire – and I bought the patch, glued it on, but the tire didn't hold the air. So I abandoned it and put the new tire on. Then I put it all back together. Voila! It took me only a month and 3 dollars for patch I didn't really need. No instruments, just my bare hands – and the Internet (well, and the pump, of course). D used his little hammer and a screwdriver on it, and also was very proud of helping me.

Now I need to master my resolve and go riding again. If the back wheel would do the same mean thing, I'll be upset. Very much.

For an actual explanation how to change a tire please go there:http://www.teamestrogen.com/content/asa_levers (English) or there: http://www.velootpusk.ru/velolife/repair/13/235/ (Russian)

I've fixed my bicycle!