A wheel removed for a puncture repair or for transport needs careful installation. The hub must sit fully in the frame or fork dropouts, and the wheel should be centered. If it sits crooked or is not securely fixed, handling and braking can suffer.
The fastening method depends on the bicycle. A quick-release lever uses a cam to clamp the dropouts; merely spinning it like a screw does not secure the wheel. A thru-axle must be inserted and tightened according to its model’s instructions, while a nutted axle requires the manufacturer’s specified tightening torque. Before setting off, confirm that the fastener is fully closed and the wheel has no movement at its mounting point.
For rim brakes, reconnect the brake-release mechanism after fitting the wheel. With disc brakes, check that the rotor enters the caliper correctly; do not squeeze a hydraulic brake lever while the wheel is out. Finally, spin the wheel and check its alignment and brake operation before riding.