Nothing derails a commute faster than a flat tyre. One minute you’re rolling smoothly, the next you’re at the roadside, hands black, running late. The good news? Most punctures are preventable with a bit of know-how and the right set-up.

Here’s how to keep your tyres tougher, your mornings calmer, and your ride faff-free.

Your tyres do more work than any other part of your bike. For commuting, go for something designed to handle grit, glass and potholes — not just speed.

Look for:

• Thicker tread for durability

• Reinforced sidewalls

• A puncture-protection layer 

Brands will all call it something different, but the idea is the same: a tougher casing between the road and your inner tube.

What “puncture-resistant” actually means

It doesn’t mean puncture-proof — no tyre is.
It means harder to cut, harder to pinch, and far more reliable for day-to-day riding.

If your commute is littered with debris, broken roads or tram tracks, upgrading your tyres is the biggest improvement you can make.

Most punctures come from tyres run too soft. Under-inflation makes it easy to “pinch” the inner tube between the rim and the road.

Check the pressure printed on the tyre and stay within that range. The exact number depends on your weight, bike and surface — but consistency matters more than perfection.

If you’re topping up once a month, you’re doing it wrong. Once a week keeps punctures at bay.

For some riders, especially heavier commuters, long-distance cyclists or anyone fed up with flats, tubeless can be a game-changer.

Tubeless benefits:

• No inner tube = no pinch flats

• Sealant plugs most small holes instantly

• Smoother ride at lower pressures

If you’re riding wider tyres,, tubeless is often worth considering.

Tyre inserts can also help — they sit inside the tyre, adding protection and stability. Useful for e-bikes, heavier riders, and rough urban routes.

They’re not essential for everyone, but they’re brilliant for specific commutes.

If you’re getting repeated punctures, something’s off — and it’s not always the tyre. It could be:

• A damaged rim

• A sharp object lodged in the tyre

• Worn rim tape

• Incorrect tyre size

• Low-quality tubes

A quick assessment in a Fettle workshop will find the culprit fast. No judgement, no lecture — just a fix you can rely on.

A few smart choices can turn a puncture-prone bike into a dependable everyday machine. If you want help choosing tyres, checking pressures, or switching to tubeless, pop into your nearest Fettle. We’ll get you set up properly — and keep your mornings running on time.

Extraordinary service, zero faff.