So I've only ever owned bikes with tubed tyres before. When I ordered my Terra I started buying the bits and pieces I knew I'd need if I needed to replace a tube, a spare 21" tube, 24mm spanner, a couple of tyre levers and rim protectors, and an Endurostar trail stand, a 12v pump I have owned for a while and stuffed them all in a tailbag, and I watched a few Youtube videos describing how easy it was and hoped that if I ever had a puncture I would have everything that someone else could use to repair it. Then I decided that I might as well equip myself with the skills. I let the air out of the rear, put the bike up on the trail stand in the garage and removed the back wheel, and levered out one side of the tyre. I never bothered removing the tube, then I put it all back together again. I was actually surprised how easy it was. I feel much more confident now that I am equipped to deal with a puncture on a trail and get myself moving again, without any assistance. I had the benefit of having the service manual on computer so I could get the spacers and things back in the right way round, which was handy, however reading the instructions in the service manual rasied a few questions of its own. Maybe some people with more experience can answer for me. Reassembling the front wheel Fit the L.H. spacer (1) on the wheel hub. Fit the wheel between the fork legs so as to set the brake disc into the calliper. Fit the wheel axle (2) from the R.H. side, after greasing it and push it fully home against the L.H. fork leg; during this operation, the wheel should be turned. Tighten the nut (3) on the left-hand side of the fork WITHOUT locking it. Now, pump for a while, pushing the handlebar downwards until you are sure that the fork legs are perfectly aligned. How exactly can you be sure that the fork legs are perfectly aligned. Will inserting the axle, and pumping the suspension as they describe ensure correct alignment? I found that when I removed the front and rear axles that there was no trace of grease on either of them. I greased the threads before replacing the axle nuts and tightening, but should I remove the axles again and give them a wipe with a greasy rag or something ?
If you have the opportunity, replace the stock tubes with some heavy duty items as they're very thin. I got a puncture in my front tyre after a double gee got through.
