Choose your tyres carefully

Naturally, we all want the fastest, lightest and grippiest tyres available, but those lightweight rubber compounds tend to be more malleable than thicker, more hardwearing tyres. That means flints, glass and other objects can more easily get lodged into the tyre, risking a puncture.

Durable tyres, such as the Continental Gatorskin or Schwalbe Durano DD, have a dense puncture-resistant layer which helps stop sharp objects penetrating the canvas and through to the tube.

Pump your tyres up

Tyre pressure is key to avoiding pinch flats. Pinch flats occur when the inner tube is pressed hard against the rim of the wheel and this usually happens under a sudden impact like hitting a pothole or the edge of a curb.

To reduce the chances of this occurring, ensure your tyres are properly inflated before each ride, especially if, like most riders in the UK, you know the road surface is likely to be less than perfect. The pressure means there is less chance of the tube deforming and coming into contact with the rim.

Again, there’s a balancing act when it comes to tyre pressure. Everyone has there own preference, and a lower tyre pressure can improve comfort and grip, but by ensuring your tyres are regularly topped up t your desired level, you can help stave off flats.

Also, bear in mind that the pressure requirements change depending on the width of your tyres – the greater the width, the less pressure is required to disperse the force of an impact, so less pressure is required in the inner tube.

Check your tyres regularly

This is a simple tip, but easily forgotten in the rush to meet your mates for that 9am start, or to ignore because you think ‘I’ll be alright this time’.

Just because you didn’t have a puncture the last time you rode your bike, that doesn’t mean sharp objects like flint and glass haven’t lodged their way into the tyre, waiting to be pushed through to the inner tube by the rolling pressure of you riding your bike.

Don’t ride in the gutter

You can also think about where you ride on the road, too. A lot of the flint and glass that will puncture your tyre is likely to be lurking in the gutter on the edge of the road, or sometimes gathered in the centre if you’re riding on a single-track road.

It makes sense, therefore, to avoid these areas. Look out for the clearest paths set by cars. As an added benefit, the tarmac may be slightly more compressed in the area as the repeated weight of car tyres pushes down into the road, offering a smoother and faster ride. Win-win!

Look ahead

As well as keeping clear of the gutter, spotting hazards like potholes, broken glass and freshly cut hedge trimmings well in advance also helps in avoiding punctures. Keep your eyes on the road ahead of you, instead of focusing just in front of your wheel, to give yourself the chance to react.

Likewise, if you’re riding as part of a group, you should also call out hazards as they approach. Not only will it help keep the group safer, but remember that even if it’s one of your friends that suffers a puncture, you’ll still have to spend the time by the side of the road waiting (or helping) for the puncture to be fixed.

Keep it light

In the event that you can’t avoid coming into contact with a hazard which may cause a puncture, release your grip on the bars as much as you can safely and aim to ‘glide’ over the top of the obstacle. Leaning down on the bars as you tense up increases the force through the front tyre upon impact, potentially increasing the likelihood of a flat.

You can also employ your bike handling skills to get you out of a hole, literally. If you’re confident in your ability, try bunny-hopping over potholes to avoid an impact – this is only really advisable if you’re not in a group, nor is it a cue to constantly show off your amazing bike handling skills!

Consider going tubeless

Tubeless technology has been around for years, especially on the mountain bike scene, and one of the potential benefits of going tubeless is a greater resistance to punctures. This is firstly because of the absence of an inner tube, meaning pinch flats are impossible.

Secondly, tubeless tyres are used with a sealant inside which, in the event of a small cut in the tyre, will work to block the hole before significant air is lost. However, tubeless does have it downsides, including a more limited choice of wheels and tyres.