Trick Of The Trade

Steps:
1.	Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure.
2.	Inspect your tires often for small cuts or excessive wear - either could signal the possibility of a flat tire in the near future.
3.	Make sure your rim strip is in good condition whenever you mount a new tire or replace a tube. An old rim strip, or one that has moved over, can expose the tube to the spoke nipples, which are quite sharp.
4.	Use the proper tubes. Make sure that they're the right size for your tire. Also, don't use a tube after it has been repaired several times. Replace it with a new tube.
5.	Watch where you ride. The road can be covered with debris. If you ride across glass or other sharp objects, stop to make sure that the tire didn't pick any of it up. Often, it will take quite a few revolutions for glass to work its way through the tire and into the tube.

	Tips:
	You can buy tires or tubes that are fairly invulnerable to flats. Ask your local bike shop for recommendations.
	Wider tires tend get fewer flats than narrow, high-pressure tires.

Fixing a slipping bike chain

A slipped chain is right up there with a flat tire as one of the most common bicycle mishaps. The problem often happens while you're trying to shift gears. Not to worry - it's easy to fix, and you'll be back on the road in no time

Steps:
1.	Stop as soon as you safely can, and move you and your bike out of traffic.
2.	Steady your bike by leaning it against something or using the kickstand if you have one.
3.	Take stock of the situation. If the chain has fallen off in front, push the rear derailleur forward slightly to give you some slack.
4.	Use your other hand to put the chain back on the front chain ring.
5.	Note that if the chain has come off on the rear, you may have a bigger problem. Try to put the chain back on the rear cogs. However, if it's stuck, you may have to remove the rear wheel first.
6.	Pedal backward when you are done to make sure everything is working properly.

	Tips:
	Riding with greasy hands can be a drag. Throw an old rag in your bike bag so if you have to handle your chain, you won't get grease all over your hands and handlebars.