Step by step guide to fixing a puncture.
- Step 1: remove the wheel from the frame. Make sure you are in your smallest sprocket before removing removing your rear wheel. Once you realise you ...
- Step 2: remove the valve cap and retaining nut Take the dust cover off the valve. Take off the valve cap (the little piece of black plastic over the ...
- Step 3: use tyre levers to loosen the tyre Use tyre levers to prize the tyre from the rim. Check the outside of the tyre for any clear causes of the ...
- Step 4: remove the tyre if you need too. Take the tyre off the rim if you need too. Pull out the inner tube, and, if you need too, take the tyre off ...
Full Answer
Can you repair a punctured inner tube?
Inner tubes can be quite expensive, and they're easy to fix so it's a good idea to mend them instead of simply replacing one and chucking the old rubber. If the puncture is not obvious, pump up the inner tube.
How to fix a punctured bike tyre?
In the case of bad punctures, where there’s a hole in the tyre, you may need a tyre boot to cover that hole until you get home. In your puncture repair kit, there should be a small piece of sandpaper. Use it to lightly rub around the damaged tube in the area of the hole to provide a better surface for the rubber solution to grip.
How do you fix a pinched inner tube on a bike?
Inflate the (patched or replacement) inner tube slightly so it just becomes round in shape. This helps stop it pinching against the rim when you put it back in. Refit the tyre on one side. Make sure the tread is pointing the right way — some tyres have arrows on the sidewall indicating the ‘direction of travel’.
How to fit an inner tube to a bike tyre?
Refitting the inner tube Add a little air into the tube so it holds its shape a little, Insert the inner tube valve through the valve hole in the rim and tuck the tube into the tyre. You can then refit the tyre and inflate to your prefered pressure. Again if you are unsure on this process, we have a guide to help you fit a bike tyre.
How do you fix a puncture on a bike tube?
1:132:26How To Repair a Bicycle Puncture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake the sandpaper from the puncture repair kit and roughen the surface of the inner tube. ThenMoreTake the sandpaper from the puncture repair kit and roughen the surface of the inner tube. Then apply the rubber solution and blow on it to speed up the drying. Process.
How do you fix a hole in an inner tube?
Open glue tube and puncture seal. Apply thin coat of glue and spread evenly around hole area. Spread area of glue larger than patch size. Use a clean finger or back of patch to spread glue evenly in a thin layer.
Can you patch an inner tube with duct tape?
Patching Inner Tubes with Duct Tape You can use duct tape to cover the hole and at least go down the road for a short distance. If there's no puncture repair kit in sight, use some more tape to cover up your hole until you have time to fix it properly.
Is it worth patching an inner tube?
Although some may disagree, it's generally not worth patching a tube unless you don't have a spare tube handy. However, patch kits are so small and light that there's no reason not to carry one unless you're counting grams. It'll come in handy the day you carry a spare tube and have two flats.
How do you fix an inner tube without a patch?
0:171:16How to Fix a Bike Flat without a Patch Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 3 wrap the strap from your sunglasses. Around the hole in the tube like a tourniquet tying.MoreStep 3 wrap the strap from your sunglasses. Around the hole in the tube like a tourniquet tying. Several knots around and next to the hole to create an airtight seal.
Can you use super glue to patch a bike tire?
In summary, super glue cannot be utilized to patch or repair a puncture in tires or their associated inner tubes by its very nature. Cyanoacrylate gum or super blue often gets dry, brittle, and inflexible after prolonged exposure to air. For this reason, it is simply not appropriate for tire mending.
Is it worth patching a bike tube?
Overall, patching is cheaper and better for the environment than replacing your tube, so I recommend it for most situations. However, there are some flats that cannot be patched. If the hole is near the valve stem or if it is a linear tear and not a hole, you will need to swap tubes.
Can Flex Seal fix a bike tire?
Flex Seal spray contains toluene a solvent powerful enough to turn shoe rubber into eraser like paste and it makes sense that this toluene would also dissolve bicycle paint and destroy tires.
How do you make a homemade tire plug?
0:593:14DIY Tire Plug - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTool. Pull until it's about in the middle and then spread a little rubber cement on both sides ofMoreTool. Pull until it's about in the middle and then spread a little rubber cement on both sides of the plug. String. Yank out the reamer. And begin to force in the plugger.
How long can you ride on a patched bike tube?
Standard glue patches last pretty much indefinitely if applied correctly. They can be a pain to apply on the trail, but I've had them last over a year. I have 5 or so of the park glueless patches on one tube, some of which have been on there for months.
Do I need a new bike tire or just a tube?
As long as it is a pin sized nail and not a rail road tie then you should be just fine replacing the tube and still using the tire. Just be sure the pin is not still in the tire ready to flat another tube. If its just a puncture, learn to patch the tube.
Are self healing inner tubes any good?
Performance is very good. No punctures in a few hundred miles of winter riding on dirty Cotswold lanes. Deliberate punctures in test conditions show the slime quickly repairs holes, with or without sharp object remaining in the tyre, although there is a drop in pressure.
Is it worth patching a bike tube?
Overall, patching is cheaper and better for the environment than replacing your tube, so I recommend it for most situations. However, there are some flats that cannot be patched. If the hole is near the valve stem or if it is a linear tear and not a hole, you will need to swap tubes.
How do you make a homemade tire patch?
5:339:35DIY Cheap + Easy Trick For A Flat Tire Repair. Never Be Left Stranded ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext up and what you want to do you take your rubber cement that comes with your tyre plugin kit andMoreNext up and what you want to do you take your rubber cement that comes with your tyre plugin kit and you're gonna put some on. There.
How do you fix a hole in a swimming tube?
0:405:08Repairing Inflatable Pin Holes, Punctures, and Tears - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe next step is relatively simple no patch is actually needed just drip some of the em ek basedMoreThe next step is relatively simple no patch is actually needed just drip some of the em ek based glue onto the pinholes. Wait for the solvent to cure based on the manufacturer's recommendation.
What is the chalk for in a puncture repair kit?
The chalk prevents the patch from sticking to the inside of the tyre, allowing it to slide around.
How do I know what inner tube I need?
In general there are two types of valve, Presta and Shrader Valve. A Shrader valve is the same as you’ll find on a car tyre and to inflate it you s...
Why do I keep getting punctures?
If you find you're getting regular punctures, it's a good idea to check your tyres are still in good condition and appropriate for the type of ridi...
Can you fix a ripped tyre?
If the hole in the tyre is large, this may cause the inner tube to bulge through the gap, like a hernia. If this is the case, replacing the tube wi...
How to repair a puncture tube?
In your puncture repair kit, there should be a small piece of sandpaper. Use it to lightly rub around the damaged tube in the area of the hole to provide a better surface for the rubber solution to grip. Next, apply the rubber solution to the tube.
What are some things that cyclists can puncture?
No matter how smooth your local roads, how tough your tyres, how little you ride in the rain, eventually you will puncture. It’s just one of those things. A couple of tyre levers, a small piece of sandpaper, some tube patches and rubber solution are all you need.
How to lift a tyre up?
Levering the first bit of the tyre off the rim is the hardest part. Let all of the air out of the inner tube ( if there’s any left, that is) and push the lever end of the tyre lever under the bead of the tyre. Then push down hard on the end of the lever and lift the tyre up.
Why do you have to stick a tube back in a tyre?
If your puncture’s been caused by something piercing the tyre, the last thing you want is to fix the tube, stick it back in the tyre only to puncture again five minutes down the road because the piece of glass or offending item is still stuck in the tyre.
How long to hold patch against tube?
I usually hold the patch against the tube for a good 30-60 seconds to make sure the whole thing is securely stuck down.
Can you remove a tyre without levers?
Some tyres can be removed without the use of levers if they’re particularly supple, or you have a very strong grip, but tyre levers just make the process easier. Once you have half of the tyre completely out of the rim, you can remove the tube. After the tube’s out, check it over to see where the hole is.
Do you need a CO2 inflator for a punctured tyre?
You may want to carry a tyre boot as well just in case the tyre is badly damaged. Needless to say, you’ll need a pump or CO2 inflator , too. And when you do puncture, you’ll need to know how to fix the punctured inner tube. Admittedly, you can just change the damaged tube for a new one but unless you have an endless supply ...
How to fix a punctured bike wheel?
First things first: you need to remove the punctured wheel from the frame. If your bike uses quick release skewers, pull the lever to open it.
How to get air out of a puncture?
If the puncture is not obvious, pump up the inner tube. Once inflated, it is usually easy to hear the air escaping. If not, run the inner tube past your lips to sense the escaping air. Once located, roughen the area around the hole thoroughly with the emery paper in your puncture outfit.
How to put a tyre back on a car?
Seat the tyre back into the rim. When the inner tube is all in, twist the tyre back into place, starting at the valve. Try to finish directly across from the valve as the tyre will be looser there. If it gets difficult, let a little air out of the inner tube.
What are the two types of valves on a bike?
Valve and inner tube types. There are two types of valve with bike inner tubes: Presta and Shrader. A Shrader valve is the same as you’ll find on a car tyre and to inflate it you simply have to use a pump with a compatible adapter. To deflate it you have to push a little pin found inside the valve.
How to remove a tyre from a wheel?
Pull the tyre away from the rim using the tyre levers , one at a time. If you have three levers, hook the first two under the spokes and remove some more of the tyre with the third lever. By now the tyre should be loose enough to simply run a tyre lever around the wheel rim to remove the rest of the tyre.
What to carry on a bike?
Things to carry on any ride 1 Tyre levers 2 Two (or more!) spare inner tubes 3 Patches/repair kit 4 Some bits of old tyre to reinforce big holes 5 A pump 6 A mobile phone: if all else fails, get a lift home before hypothermia sets in
How to check if a tyre is penetrating?
Run your fingers along the tyre carefully, checking for thorns or glass. Check that there are no further holes in your inner tube. Then carefully run your fingers around the inside of the tyre to check there is nothing else penetrating the tyre - if you find anything (small pieces of glass, thorns, gravel), remove it.
How to repair a leaking inner tube?
Repairing the inner tube. 1. Inspect the tube. First you need to find the hole (or holes). Pump the inner tube up and listen or feel for the escaping air. If that doesn’t work, submerge the tube in water (a wash basin at home or a puddle if you’re out on the road).
How to patch a hole in a tube?
Prepare the tube for patching. Once you’ve found the hole (s), clean the area around them as best you can and dry it if it’s wet. Use the little grater (some puncture kits use a piece of sandpaper or have a rough section on the box) to roughen the area around the hole.
How to remove inner tube on a Presta?
Remove the wheel. First, you need to remove the wheel from the bike, now if the tyre isn’t already fully deflated let the air out of the inner tube. On Presta valves (the pointy ones) loosen the small barrel at the top of the valve slightly so you can press it down into the body of the valve to release the air.
How to refit a tyre?
Refitting the inner tube. Add a little air into the tube so it holds its shape a little, Insert the inner tube valve through the valve hole in the rim and tuck the tube into the tyre. You can then refit the tyre and inflate to your prefered pressure.
Where to put reserve tubes on a saddle?
A solution is to put the tube in an old sock, which makes a great rag and you can put it on your hand if you need to swing a derailleur out of the way to remove the rear wheel.
How long should you wait before inflating a reserve tube?
Otherwise this is probably your reserve tube, you are at home fixing it meanwhile you relax your limbs after an hard riding morning, and you can wait some more time before inflating the tube to check the good air detaining. Let's say ten minutes...
How to spread mastic on a surface?
Time to spread the right amount of mastic on a surface a little wider than the patch. Move the head of the mastic container from center to the border, as pizza maker does with the tomato sauce. Use a thin layer of glue. More isn't better and if it is cold will take much longer to cure.
What happens when you remove a plastic patch?
When you remove the metal cover, the plastic transparent sheet should remain in place , you'll remove it after the gluing process.
Can you repair a bike inner tube?
Repairing a bike inner tube is not only simple and cheap, but it's also mandatory in respect for the environment. Indeed a punctured tube can be repaired many times before being thrown out. A different matter is when the tube is cut or the valve leaks, since it's more difficult repair the tube. Anyway most of the times the leak is caused by ...
How to patch a bike tube?
I don't know if I can put a normal patch, because if the patch's edges detach even only a millimeter from the inner-tube, the hole will no longer will be covered and air will again escape. Any idea? I give my 2 ideas: 1 Take a bike patch and cut a round hole in the middle, and then patch the inner tube with it, as if it were a ring, hugging the valve by all sides. 2 Get some super glue or cement that covers the hole somehow.
How to patch a valve stem?
Draw a dot on the patch where the valve stem will be. Tape the patch to a piece of wood. Find a drill bit that is the size of the valve stem. Drill a hole in the patch at the place you marked in step 2. Remove the tape from the patch.
How long to leave vulcanising fluid on valve stem?
Buff the area on the tube, which means all around the valve stem plus the area of the cut. Use sufficient vulcanising fluid on the tube, and leave it for 5-10 minutes till its cured.
