So I had my first ever tyre puncture on my commuter folding bike yesterday.

It happened whilst I was doing a turn in a construction zone. I heard a "psshht", "psshht", "pshhht" sound, and immediately pulled over to see my rear tyre deflating. Looking rather sad and pathetic if I may add. :-/

I train-ed it back home and took the bike over to an LBS for repair.

The chap removed the tyre and showed me the puncture - a clean hole. I asked him if it can be patched up but he said I have to replace the tube (perhaps more profitable). So I did the tube replacement. Cost me $6.

Then on reinflating the tyre it began to bulge out at one location. So we deflated and took a look again. The tyre internal fabric was coming apart. I think it must have happened at the time of the puncture. Whatever penetrated the tube also caused damage to the tyre.

So I had to do a tyre replacement. The repairman had only one type for my 20" size. It was not so smooth as my original Kenda Kwest. Nor did it have the safety reflective strip. So $10 for too much tread for my purpose. I had no choice really - I need the bike to get to work. Total cost for everything was $16. Singapore dollars i.e., works out to around 20USD.

So I now have my old tyre and tube at home. I think I will purchase a patch up kit and fix the old tube up. Maybe use it as a ready replacement for future flats.

I also think I will purchase a new pair of 20 x 1.5 reflective tyres - my front tyre may also need replacement soon. I'm looking for something smooth with reflective paint on it. The reflective paint was very useful I think. Essentially road commuter tyres. What is recommended?

Will post photos of the damaged tyre when I get home in case anyone is interested.