This week’s tip is taken from Chapter 13 of Bike Easy which is about how to cope with the unexpected while riding your bike. It sows you a few quick fixes, and has some more off-the-wall strategies for people who aren’t mechanically minded.

Tip number 95. Fix a flat.

Sooner or later when you’re out on a ride, you’ll get a flat tyre. The self reliant, liberated cyclist can shrug off such misfortune – because they know how to fix it. They can whip off the wheel, remove the tyre, pull out the inner tube, find the puncture, apply a patch, put everything back together again and pump it up, in under two minutes. Actually, I take quite a bit longer than that – but I can do it. You can too.

There are books that explain how, and you can find step-by-step instructions, for free, on the internet. In some places you’ll find that local cycling groups run courses. Or you may know a friend, relative or work colleague who could teach you. Give it a go. If you can master puncture repair you’ve learnt a vital skill.

Another top tip will appear next week.