I got my first bike this past weekend, went on my first ride this afternoon. Was less than 5 minutes from being back at the house, hit a bump and blew a tire (or rather the tube). Don't really know what to do, I pulled the tire up a bit and could see a 1" tear in the tube real close to the valve stem. Can I repair the tear or should I get a new tire, is this an easy fix or should I go to a bike shop.
The bike is a Schwinn Varsity from Wal-Mart. I bought it off the rack (clearance) for $50.00 brand new no damage. I figured couldn't go wrong at that price for a starter bike. Was going to get a TREK hybrid, but this price changed my mind. Planning on spending a little money for some after market stuff and fix this bike up before I buy anything else. I know what I have, it is what it is.
But other than the tire thing, I loved my first ride even though it only lasted about 20 minutes.
Patch kits often come with a long patch or two, so I'd give fixing it a try. In reality, 1" is on the hairy edge of being fixable. What's more important is you getting some practice installing patches, and now you have an opportunity to practice. You definitely want to have had some practice before you're stuck in a situation where you have to repair an inner tube on the road.
You should also take the opportunity to put together a bit of a kit for on-the-road "events". The kit would include a patch kit; a spare tube; some inflation device (Discussion of inflation devices usually devolves into a religious war, pitting lovers of pumps against lovers of CO2 inflators against each other. In reality, both devices work. Choose the one with which you're most comfortable.); one or two tire levers; maybe one of those folding multi-tools; spare dosh in case you're in a jam or have a need that requires financial lubrication.....
I carry a tube; a patch kit; a CO2 inflator with three CO2 cartridges; two tire levers; $5-10; cell phone. I don't carry tools, but I am actively hunting for a multi-tool--a minimalistic multi-tool--after having put myself in a jam on one ride.
All that alienator said is true, but a tear at the valve is probably a result of poor assembly. The valve stem was most likely forced into the rim hole while the rest of the tube was not in a relaxed state around it. Fundamental tube and tyre fitting...put the valve stem through the rim, then jiggle the tube and tyre so that the stem stands erect in a relaxed state, before the pumpin begins.
Try the supplier's warrantee. They should come good despite the price.
