Most, or almost all people disconnect the gear wire so they can drop the wheel and work on it untethered. That means that besides knowing how to fix a flt, you need to know how to install the wheel using the anti-rotation washers, and how to adjust the gear control cable.

It's really easy, and if you have a relationship with a shop, they can teach you in a few minutes (bring them a beer or pizza). Otherwise search for nexus setup tutorials.

This is something you need to know. On my evening commute, I routinely meet riders who've flatted a rear, and have changed the tube, but are stranded anyway, because they can't get the wheel back on (both IGH and derailleur bikes).


There is an alternate technique that I've used in emergencies, which is to leave the wheel in place, pull out one side of the tire, slap a quick patch on, and remount the tire. You can't replace a tube this way, but if you know where the leak is you can save enough time to catch a train you'd otherwise have missed.