Here are five basic steps to fixing a flat bike tire:
- Take the wheel off the bike: Release your brakes, then the wheel. (We'll show you how to remove the front and rear wheels).
- Remove the tube: Deflate the tube completely and remove it by pressing on the bead (edge) of the tire or using a tire lever so you can access the tube.
- Find the cause of the flat: Inspect the wheel, tire and tube for the location and causes of tears or punctures.
- Patch or replace the tube: When out riding, you may prefer to replace the tube with a new one and fix the damaged one later.
- Reinstall the wheel: We’ll walk you through the steps for the front and back wheel.
What's the best way to repair a flat tire?
Fixing a flat
- Remove the wheel with the flat tire. First, you'll need to pop off that flat tire. ...
- Find the leak. Once you've removed the tire, it's time to find the leak. ...
- Plug the hole. Once you've found the hole, ream it out to make sure the plug will fit. ...
- Test the plug. Now, it's time to test the plug's seal. ...
- Refit the wheel. ...
How to fix a flat bike tire without a patch?
How to fix a flat bike tire without a patch?
- Stand the bike in a flat place: Place the bicycle in a safe area apart from the road. Make sure the site is flat. ...
- Turn the bike upside down: Hold the middle bars and turn the bike upside down. You may not need to do that if you have the kit.
- Unlock the wheel: Simply unlock the wheel from the bike. ...
How do I fix a flat tire on my bike?
Step by step guide to fixing a tubeless flat:
- Pull over to a safe place on the side of the road or trail.
- For tubeless mountain bike tires, first check to see if there is a small hole in your tire before removing it. ...
- Shift! ...
- Remove the wheel from the bike. ...
- Remove the bead of your tire from the rim. ...
- Using the "spoon"-shaped end of the tire lever, pull the tire bead up and away from the wheel rim. ...
How to stop getting flat tires on a bike?
How to Avoid Flat Tires on your Bike
- Tire Pressure. Your first strategy should always be to make sure you are riding with the proper tire pressure. ...
- Basic Tire Care. It's a good idea to periodically inspect your bike tires for embedded glass, rock shards or other sharp objects, especially after riding a route that has substantial ...
- Puncture-resistant Tires and Tubes. ...
Can flat bike tires be repaired?
0:174:26How To: Fix a Flat Bike Tire - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA few quick steps will have you up and on your way in no time to fix a flat you're gonna need aMoreA few quick steps will have you up and on your way in no time to fix a flat you're gonna need a spare tube tire levers either a floor pump or a co2 inflator.
How do you change a flat tire on a road bike?
0:075:55Fix a Flat Tire. How to Fix a Flat Tire on a Road Bike - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHi there I'm Peter from the over-40 cyclist which you'll find at over 40 cyclists. And today we'reMoreHi there I'm Peter from the over-40 cyclist which you'll find at over 40 cyclists. And today we're going to learn what to do if you get a flat tire when you're out cycling. Because I absolutely
How do you fix a flat tire on a Presta valve?
7:0418:24How to Fix a Flat Tire || REI - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGet it under there. And those things will then clip to a spoke and that'll hold itself in place youMoreGet it under there. And those things will then clip to a spoke and that'll hold itself in place you can then run. This one lever around and remove it but if you have a second lever.
Can road bike tires be patched?
0:412:45How to Patch a Tire | Bike Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou will need some tear proof material like duct tape for the patch. Some tire levers a pump. AndMoreYou will need some tear proof material like duct tape for the patch. Some tire levers a pump. And possibly dental floss and a needle locate. The gash deflate and remove the tire from the bike wheel.
How do I change a flat tire on a road bike with disc brakes?
0:161:34Removing and Replacing A wheel With Disc Brakes And ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo replace the wheel lay the top of the chain on the smallest cog and guide the wheel up and intoMoreTo replace the wheel lay the top of the chain on the smallest cog and guide the wheel up and into the dropouts. Pay close attention to ensure the rotor is placed between the gap of the brake caliper.
How do you fix a tubeless bike tire?
0:2211:23How To Repair Tubeless Tyres | MTB Maintenance - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd stuff like that basically a super sticky soft rubber compound worm there sits on this prong. AndMoreAnd stuff like that basically a super sticky soft rubber compound worm there sits on this prong. And you effectively stab it into the hole.
How do you fix a broken Presta valve?
2:124:19how to replace presta valve stem - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClean it off but to replace one you take your new Presta valve drop it in and spin to the right.MoreClean it off but to replace one you take your new Presta valve drop it in and spin to the right. Take your tool drop it over the Presta valve. And spin to the right. All right to air the tire. Up.
How do you change a bike tire without removing the rim?
0:030:55Exposing the inner tube without removing the wheel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen you may use tire levers to get one side of the tire. Outside the rim. After inserting the thirdMoreThen you may use tire levers to get one side of the tire. Outside the rim. After inserting the third tire lever you may remove the middle one and then leapfrog them along until that side of the tire.
Is patching a bike tire worth it?
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. Happy riding!
Can super glue fix a 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.
Do I need to replace my bike tire after a puncture?
Generally, if you are using an inner tube in the tire, you should replace the tire if there is more than a 2 millimeter cut in the tire casing. Not in the rubber, mind, but it the threaded cloth casing that your rubber bits are laid on to.
How do you change a road bike tire without a lever?
0:001:55Change A Tyre Without Levers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst thing you want to do put the tire on the ground and start just pressing the inside of the beadMoreFirst thing you want to do put the tire on the ground and start just pressing the inside of the bead. Into the center of the rim.
How do I change a flat tire?
Stuck with a flat tire? here's How to Change a Tire in 10 stepsFind a Safe Place to Pull Over. ... Use Your Hazard Lights and Parking Brake. ... Check for Materials. ... Loosen the Lug Nuts. ... Lift Your Vehicle Off the Ground. ... Remove the Lug Nuts and the Tire. ... Place the Spare Tire on the Car. ... Replace the Lug Nuts.More items...•
How do you change the rear tire on a Trek road bike?
2:097:12Trek change a flat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOver the rim insert the valve and then push the tire up inside push the tube up inside the tire. InMoreOver the rim insert the valve and then push the tire up inside push the tube up inside the tire. In that point I take the tube to 12 o'clock.
How do you change a back tire on a flat bike?
0:133:30Fix a Flat Bike Tire - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMove a couple inches to either side then use your second tire lever to lift the bead of the tireMoreMove a couple inches to either side then use your second tire lever to lift the bead of the tire over the rim slide the second tire lever until one side of the tire is completely off.
How to fix a flat tire on a bike?
The process is the same for a front tire, just slightly easier since you don’t have to deal with the chain and gearing while removing the wheel. 1. Keep the bike right side up, and shift the into the most difficult gear in the back (smallest cog). 2.
How to get tire back on rim?
Begin at the valve stem again, and use both thumbs to push the edge of the tire back onto the rim. It will become more difficult as you get more of the tire back inside the rim, but use your thumbs to tuck all of it under if possible.
How to get the bottom part of a bike out of the way?
Make sure the quick release lever is on the opposite side of the chain, and use the end of the quick release to move the bottom part of the chain out of the way. Lay the top of the chain around your smallest cog (hardest rear gear), and gently push the bike into place. 15.
What is a tire lever?
Tire levers make it easier to remove and re-install the tire to the rim. It’s easiest to remove the tire with two of them.
How to change brakes on a bike?
1. Keep the bike right side up , and shift the into the most difficult gear in the back (smallest cog). 2. If you have caliper (rim) brakes, use the lever on the side to loosen the brakes. If you have v-brakes, push both sides in to remove pressure from the brake cable, and disconnect it.
What do you need to carry on a bike?
Now that you’ve got the process down, remember to carry a spare tube, tire levers, and a pump with you whenever you ride. These items easily fit in a jersey pocket or small backpack, and most bikes can quickly be equipped with a saddle bag or even a pump that attaches directly to the frame.
Where do bicycle tubes go?
Bicycle tubes go inside the tire and feature either a Presta or Schrader valve. Be sure to carry one that is the right size for your tires when you ride.
How to fix a bike that is flat?
Start by removing the wheel. Keep your bike upright, and if it’s a rear-wheel flat, shift your drivetrain into the hardest gear. If your bike has rim brakes, which many road bikes still do, you may also need to loosen the brake.
What to do if tire is loose?
Once the tire is loose, pull out the old tube (if applicable) and look for the source of the flat, which could be a thorn, piece of glass, or some other sharp object. Carefully run your fingers along the inside of your tire and rim, making sure nothing sharp is left behind. Otherwise, you risk getting another flat.
How to check if tire bead is seated correctly?
Then inflate to the appropriate PSI and check that the bead is seated correctly.
How to put a tube in a tire?
Next, with the valve stem installed straight through the rim’s valve hole, position the tube inside the tire. Work the tire back onto the rim with your hands by rolling the bead away from yourself. Try not to use levers to reseat the tire, as you could accidentally puncture your new tube. When you get to the valve stem, tuck both sides of the tire bead low into the rim and push upward on the stem to get the tube inside the tire.
How to remove a tire from a rim?
Now you can remove the tire. Hook the rounded end of one tire lever under the bead (the outer edge) of the tire to unseat it. Fix the other end to a spoke to hold the lever in place and keep the unseated tire from popping back into the rim. Then hook the second lever under the bead next to the first, pushing it around the rim clockwise until one side of the tire is off. You don’t need to completely remove the tire.
What to do if air loss is coming from a puncture bigger than a plug fix?
If air loss is coming from a puncture bigger than a plug fix, you could try a patch or a boot on the tire. But fair warning: It’ll likely be difficult to get a patch to adhere to your sealant-coated tire without thoroughly cleaning the area.
Why do you need a tire plug?
But in the event of a bigger puncture or side-wall tear, you may need a tire plug to stop air loss. Plug kits come with a small strip of rubber and an insertion device, which allow you to plug the hole without even removing the wheel.
Why do flat tires fix faster?
By Jim Langley. Here are four reasons why it’s good to be able to fix flat tires fast on your road bike: 1) so you don’t cool off too much and have to warm up again; 2) so your riding buddies don’t have to wait too long for you; 3) so you don’t freeze or overheat in extreme weather; and 4) so that you have a chance to chase back onto ...
How to remove tighter tires?
To remove tighter tires, it helps to put the wheel on the ground so you have something to push against. Just keep pushing and the tire and tube will come right off the rim and you can then pull if needed to remove it from the wheel completely.
How to pull a tire up?
Place both hands together side-by-side at the top of the tire so that you can squeeze the tire with your fingers there and roll it back. The object is to get both thumbs beneath the side of the tire (the sidewalls, not the beads) so that you can pry with your thumbs to pull the tire up.
How to move a tire?
With practice, you can do all of this in one “move” by pressing and holding the Presta valve with one hand, while you go around the tire and wheel with your other hand. The hand holding the valve keeps it open and also pushes it up inside the tire. The hand going around the wheel squeezes the tire forcefully to get any remaining air out and to pinch the beads together and off the rim sidewalls. You can do this whole move in a few seconds.
How to get tire off rim?
To get it off by hand, you must: 1) get all the air out of the tube; 2) push the Presta valve up inside the tire; and, 3) squeeze the sides of the tire together to get the tire edges (called the “beads”) off their locked position and down toward the middle of the rim.
How to keep tire in place on rim?
Tip: The weight of the hanging wheel helps you keep the tire in place on the bottom and lift it up over the rim on the top. If it seems too tight still, keep your dominant hand/thumb in place up top, and use your other hand to go back and squeeze and wiggle the tire at the bottom, and as you do this shake the wheel using its weight to force the tire to relax and drop into the rim.
How to pop on a tire that is tight?
If it’s still tight, pick the wheel up while holding your hands near the tight section you still need to pop on. Kneel or bend over and rest the wheel on your thigh/knee so that the tight section is right on top of your knee. Now, you have something solid to push against and with the heel of your hand (not your thumbs), you can push the tire onto the rim and finish the job.
How to fix a flat bike?
Let’s fix this flat! 1. Remove the Wheel. Take the wheel off your bike and let any remaining air out of the tube. To take the wheel off, you’ll be faced with either a quick-release (QR) skewer or thru-axle. These are what goes through the center of your wheel—called the hub—and keep the wheels in the frame.
How to fix a hole in a tire?
Grab the tube inside the tire and pull it all the way out. Start at the opposite side of the valve, and remove the valve from the rim last. Roll that tube up and put it in your pocket or bag. And when you get home, you can always use a patch kit to patch the hole and then use it again. 5.
How to take a tire off the rim?
Using two tire levers, we’re now going to take one side of the tire off the rim. Using your thumb, press the tire in off the rim a little, then insert the scoop-shaped end of the first lever in under the edge of the tire.
What is thru axle?
THRU-AXLE: A thru-axle slots through the frame of the fork legs, which are closed ( no dropouts). And while some thru-axles have a lever on one end to help you unscrew them, others will require an Allen tool—another great reason to always carry a multi-tool. Check with your local bike shop for what you’ll need.
What happens if you leave the house with tire pressure too low?
If you leave the house with your tire pressure too low, you can easily get a pinch flat when you ride over a pothole or obstacle. Too high? That might make for a bumpy and uncomfortable ride. Madeline recommends that you check the recommended pressure—indicated as the PSI on the side of the tire—and then dial it back a little. How much do you weigh? If you’re a lighter rider, you can go lower. If you're heavier, err on the side of a higher pressure.
What are the two habits that a beginner cyclist should have?
Two stood out: chain maintenance and checking your tire pressure before every ride.
What is a derailleur on a bicycle?
DERAILLEUR: The gear-shifting mechanism on a bicycle. There's a front derailleur that shifts from the big ring to the small ring at the front of your drivetrain, and then there's a rear derailleur that shifts gears up and down the cassette.
How to fix a flat tire on a bike?
How to fix a flat bicycle tire | Velosurance. Table of contents. 1. Remove the wheel from the bike. 2. Remove/plug the tire. 3. Determine cause of flat. 4.
What to do if tire ends up gashed?
In the event that your tire or the sidewall of your tire ends up sliced or gashed beyond standard repair, don’t despair; make a boot instead. Using a dollar bill, old gel wrapper, or piece of duct tape to cover the hole from the inside is a quick, easy way to resolve your emergency until you get home.
How to remove a bike wheel?
Quick releases that hold the wheel in place are especially common. To loosen the wheel via quick release, pull - do not twist - the lever out and away from the frame until it is completely open. You should be able to remove the wheel with ease by carefully lifting the bike by its saddle and letting the wheel fall out. If it doesn’t fall on its own, hitting it with the palm of your hand gently should be enough to make it drop. If it still doesn’t come out, then check to make sure the chain and derailleur aren’t stopping it. If they are, lift your bike by its saddle and, while holding it up, reach around with your other hand to pull back the derailleur and consequently, the chain. Some derailleurs are equipped with a clutch, requiring that you release the clutch and then remove the axle. Push the derailleur cage towards the crank and let the wheel drop. At no point should you find yourself trying to force anything to move.
How to remove a tire without removing the tube?
To remove the tire, you’ll need to use your tire levers. To do so, insert the flat end of the lever under the bead. Place a second lever under the bead and move along the rim until the tire is off. In most situations, you can reinstall the replacement or a patched tube without completely removing the tire.
How to install a tire tube?
To install your tube, you’ll start by using your pump to inflate it just enough so that it obtains its form, making it easier for installation and reducing your chances of suffering a pinch-flat. Starting with the valve stem, put the tube on the rim and insert the stem straight through the valve hole. Carefully work the tire back onto the rim by rolling the bead away from yourself using your hands, not a lever; levers increase the likelihood of accidentally puncturing the replacement tube. Upon reaching the valve stem, wrap sides of the tire bead low into the rim and push up on the stem to get the tube into the tire.
Why use CO2 in tire inflation?
It’s a good idea to practice tire inflation at home using a CO2 cartridge to ensure that when the inevitable occurs, you don’t blow out your tube or waste the cartridge, and get left stranded. The key to using a CO2 cartridge is to ensure that the inflator is properly connected to the valve stem.
What is a tire plug kit?
Tire plug kits are sold at most reputable bike shops and consist of a strips of rubber and an insertion device, requiring no other equipment or changing out hardware. Most tubed tires can be converted to tubeless. To remove the tire, you’ll need to use your tire levers.
What causes a tire to flat?
Leaks or holes in the inflatable rubber tube between the rim and the tire cause flats. To fix the problem, you need to remove the wheel, take out the tube, repair or replace the tube, and put everything back together.
How to loosen a bike wheel?
Loosen the nuts on the wheel axle with a wrench. Use silicone spray or even cooking spray if the nuts refuse to loosen with a wrench or ratchet alone. Some newer bikes have much simpler, quick-release wheel latches — in this case, just open the latch without removing the wheel yet.
How to pull out a tire tube?
4. Reach into the gap between the tire and rim to pull out the tube. Separate the tire and rim until you can fit your hand into the opening and grab the rubber tube inside . Run your hand around the wheel and pull out the whole tube.
How to separate a tire from a wheel?
Use a tire lever to separate a section of the outer tire and wheel rim. You'll need a set of 2 plastic tire levers to complete the job — they're not expensive, and metal alternatives like spoons or screwdrivers can easily damage your wheel. Stick 1 lever between the outer tire and wheel rim, and pry out a section of tire. Now, instead of resting in a channel on the rim's inside, this section will be on the outside. Keep the tire lever wedged in place.
How to fix a punctured rubber bike tube?
Simply cut the tube apart at the puncture, tie off each cut end with a knot, then tie the two knots together. The rubber bike tube should still be stretchy enough to fit over the wheel rim. Use this only as a temporary fix.
How to get air out of tire?
For a Presta valve, unscrew the valve stem's top part to release the air. With a Schrader (American) valve, use a thin tool (like an Allen wrench) to push on the plunger inside the threaded valve stem.
What is the lock ring on a bike?
Some bike wheels use a lock ring to secure the valve stem to the bike rim. Unscrew and keep this lock ring if your wheel has one.
How to fix a tubeless tire?
Step by step guide to fixing a tubeless flat: Pull over to a safe place on the side of the road or trail. For tubeless mountain bike tires, first check to see if there is a small hole in your tire before removing it. If you have tire plugs, you can fix your flat quickly without removing your wheel or tire.
What to do if you find a gash in a tire?
If you find a large hole or gash in the tire that cannot be fixed with sealant alone, you’ll need to patch the tire and you might even need to install a tube until you arrive home. If there is no damage to your rim tape or tire, add more sealant. Make sure you know how much sealant is required for your tires.
How to ensure sealant has coated the inside of a tire?
Once the tire is inflated, shake, bounce and spin the wheel to ensure the sealant has coated the inside of the tire. For more tricks on tubeless setup check out our guide HERE.
How to pop a tire on a rim?
PRO TIP: If the last bit is super tight, start back at the top and use your hands to wiggle the tire into the center of the rim. Just like you did at the beginning to loosen the bead from the rim, this creates extra slack in the tire and will make it easier to get onto the rim. While you wiggle the tire push down. When you get to the bottom, you might be able to pop that tire on with your bare hands!
What does it mean when a tire pops?
The trick is to keep pumping until you hear a “pop” which means the tire has seeded into the rim. Once the tire is inflated, shake, bounce and spin the wheel to ensure the sealant has coated the inside of the tire. For more tricks on tubeless setup check out our guide HERE. Reinstall your wheel.
How to use a spoon on a wheel?
Using the "spoon"-shaped end of the tire lever, pull the tire bead up and away from the wheel rim. Use the hook at the end of the lever and hook it to the spoke of the wheel. Using the second tire lever, insert the "scoop" end under the bead of the tire near the first tire lever you inserted.
What to do if you have no damage to rim tape?
If there is no damage to your rim tape or tire, add more sealant. Make sure you know how much sealant is required for your tires.
