Changing A (Bicycle) Flat Tire: Essays Example

A Process Analysis Essay

A Process Analysis Essay
The pedal bicycle has been around for many, many years, ever since Da Vinci imagined the wonderful instrument for transportation and recreation. Even though it is a rather simple instrument when compared to other modes of transportation, there are still a few things that are necessary to understand in order to have a bicycle function properly. The most important, perhaps, is the ability to change a flat tire when the need arises.
Changing a flat tire is not a difficult task, but it is very important not only for regular maintenance, but also for on the road emergencies like punctures or blow-outs. Before any tube changing can occur, however, the necessary tube-changing equipment must be purchased. This includes a spare inner tube (or patch kit), a crescent wrench or bicycle multi-tool, at least two tire levers, and a bicycle pump. When purchasing a spare inner tube, the size must fit the rim size or else the inner tube will be of no use whatsoever.
Once all of the equipment is purchased, the flat tire can be changed. The best place to start is by removing the wheel (and tire to be fixed) from the frame. Depending on the type of bicycle this could require the simple use of fingers (for quick-release wheels) or a crescent wrench if the wheel hub has a bolt and nut system. Loosen the nuts from the frame and remove the wheel.
The wheel is now free from the frame and easier to work with. The next step is to use the two tire levers to pry the tire from the wheel frame which will expose the punctured inner tube. Some bicyclists choose to fully remove the tire from the wheel, but others loosen one side and pull the inner tube from within. Now that the inner tube is removed, it can either be patched and replaced or replaced with a brand new one (of the correct size!). Replacing with a brand new inner tube is more expensive but less time consuming.
Now that the tire is loosely on the wheel, the inner tube (slightly inflated) can be fit inside it. The important note to remember is to align the inner tube valve with the valve hole in the wheel. This is the only way for the valve to fit through the wheel frame. Push the valve stem through this whole and continue to work the inner tube inside the tire while simultaneously putting it around the wheel frame. This should seat nicely if it is slightly inflated. At this point, the tire levers will once again be used to give leverage to fit the tire back over the lip of the wheel frame. This should be done all the way around the rim. The inner tube may need to be slightly deflated to provide better leverage of the tire.
Once the tire is seated within the lip, the tire can be re-inflated, slowly at first to make sure the tire and tube sit properly on the rim. Then, pump up the tire to the appropriate pressure and reattach the wheel to the bicycle frame and hop back on for a ride.
The process of changing a flat is not a difficult one, but it is necessary for any bicycle enthusiast. It can get a rider out of a pinch while also giving the rider more life to the rims, tires, and tubes.