My bike tire has punctured twice in a short period of time, what could be the problem?

If the tire has been punctured several times in the same spot, it is worth investigating the problem more thoroughly.

The cause might be a stone fragment that has found its way inside the outer tire and worn through the inner tube. Another possibility is a sharp object that has penetrated and become lodged in the outer tire. So, make sure to inspect the outer tire and wipe its inner surface clean of any debris. Also check the rim tape: if the tape has slipped out of place or is in poor condition, it is best to replace it at the same time.

The crushed stone used for gritting cycle paths has razor-sharp edges, and fragments can stick to the soft tire material, wearing a hole in it. The surest way to prevent unpleasant punctures is to use puncture-protected outer tires, such as Schwalbe puncture-protected tires, which are available from Helkama retailers – you can find them here.

One of the most common causes of punctures is also too low tire pressure. We recommend using a pump with a pressure gauge while inflating. Always check the minimum and maximum pressure marked on the side of the tire. If a pump with a pressure gauge is not available and your bike is fitted with a puncture-protected outer tire, the tread is so sturdy that the tire may feel full even if it is not. In that case, you can check the firmness of the tire by pinching the sidewalls.