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.
How do you change the tire on a bicycle?
- You’ll need to buy a set of tires labeled for use on your bicycle model. It’s best to get them from the manufacturer.
- Tires are sold folded up in a package. Usually, the package will contain a set of tires.
- Always change both tires if you need to change one. ...
How do you patch a bike tire?
Patch a Bike Tire
- Inflate the Inner Tube. After the inner tube has been removed from the bike, inflate the inner tube until it is no longer limp.
- Locate the Hole. Submerge the inflated inner tube into a sink full of water. ...
- Fetch the Towel. Mark any holes with a permanent marker. ...
- Prepare the Tube. ...
- Apply the Adhesive. ...
- Patch the Hole. ...
- Remove the Plastic. ...
How do you fix a bicycle tire?
Part 3 Part 3 of 4: Patching or Replacing the Tube Download Article
- Check for sharp objects on the underside of the tire tread. Run your finger or a cloth around the entire channel in which the bike tube rests when installed.
- Add some air and use your ears and eyes to find the tube's puncture. ...
- Sand and glue the damaged spot, then affix a repair kit patch. ...
- Replace the removed tube if it's too damaged to repair. ...
How to remove and install a bicycle tire?
Seat the tire by hand as far as you can.
- You may need to squeeze in the edges with a durable plastic pry bar.
- Wipe the rim with liquid soap and water if you're having a tough time pulling the tire on. ...
- Double-check that the tire is the correct size for your rims. ...
How do you fix a hole in a road bike tire?
1:554:03How To Fix A Bicycle Hole - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGreat some chalk using the grater on the back of the repair kit and liberally spread over the patch.MoreGreat some chalk using the grater on the back of the repair kit and liberally spread over the patch. This will soak up any extra glue and stop it sticking to the inside of the tire.
How do you fix a tube on a road bike?
0:195:26How To Fix A Flat Tyre - Fix A Road Bike Puncture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGet it in underneath the beading on one side of the tire. Take your other one a few inches furtherMoreGet it in underneath the beading on one side of the tire. Take your other one a few inches further around basically where you can get some grip underneath the bead.
Is it worth patching a bike tire?
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 you fix a punctured bike tire?
0:124:34How To Fix A Bike Puncture - Repairing An Inner Tube - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome sandpaper in order to rough up the surface of the inner tube which aids the adhesion of theMoreSome sandpaper in order to rough up the surface of the inner tube which aids the adhesion of the patches. And you get various patches in different sizes.
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 you fix a tube without a patch kit?
0:131:16How 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.
How long can you ride on a patched bike tire?
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.
Can you use duct tape to patch a bike tire?
Cut a three-inch piece of electrical or duct tape. Believe it or not, materials contained in patch kits often aren't as effective as good-quality tape. Place the piece of tape over the hole, making certain the hole is in the center of the strip. Wrap the tape completely around the tube.
How long do bike inner tubes last?
With proper maintenance and storage, bicycle inner tubes have been reported to last up to 15 years, and the shortest lifespan reported is less than 7 days. Common factors that determine the life span of a bike tube include storage, temperature, heat, light, exposure to elements and riding conditions.
How do you fix a bike puncture at home?
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 repair a puncture on a tubeless road bike tyre?
4:4812:55How To Fix A Punctured Tubeless Tyre - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSystem. So first take your plug insertion. Tool be careful of the sharp end on it. And then you'reMoreSystem. So first take your plug insertion. Tool be careful of the sharp end on it. And then you're going to want to pick a plug that's the appropriate. Size to the hole. On your tire.
Can road bike tubes be patched?
Typically the old style patch kits work better than the pre glued ones, but properly applied ones should hold up. Follow the directions in the patch kit to apply it properly. Check for things on the inside of the tire (or outside) or canvas showing.
How do you put an inner tube back on a bike?
0:562:30How to Replace a Bike Inner Tube | Halfords UK - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe valve on the inner tube down into the valve hole on the wheel. Make sure that it sits straightMoreThe valve on the inner tube down into the valve hole on the wheel. Make sure that it sits straight through the valve. Next locate the rim and the beading together on both sides of the wheel.
How do you put an inner tube back on a bike tire?
1:132:58How To Change A Bicycle Inner Tube - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe dust cap and remove the lock ring. And then partially inflate the inner tube just so that itMoreThe dust cap and remove the lock ring. And then partially inflate the inner tube just so that it holds its shape take the valve of the tube. And insert it through the valve hole in the rim.
Can you change an inner tube without removing the wheel?
To replace the inner tube, you must remove the wheel from the bicycle. But to patch the inner tube, you need only expose it, without removing the wheel. A wheel with axle nuts is harder to remove and replace than one with a quick release.
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 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 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.
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 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 flat tire on a bike?
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).
How to check if a tire is damaged?
The tire: Start on the outside of the tire and work your way in. Look for any embedded objects in the outside tread. Thoroughly check the tire with your thumb and index finger, feeling the inside of it. If you find something, check the tube at the same approximate location to see if there’s damage there.
How to use tire levers?
2. If you have tire levers, use it for additional leverage. When using tire levers, start on the section of your tire opposite the valve (to avoid damaging the valve stem). Use the longer end of one tire lever to pry the bead of the tire up and over the edge of the rim. 3.
How to unseat a tire bead?
It's more difficult to do without a tire lever, but you can unseat the tire bead by pushing the bead edge in toward the center of the rim and working your way around the rim. Then move the bead of the tire up and over the outside edge of the rim. 2. If you have tire levers, use it for additional leverage.
What do you need to ride a bike?
When riding your bike, always carry a spare tube, repair kit, tire levers, a bike pump or C02 inflator and a multi-tool and follow these simple directions to get back on the road quickly. (For more tool tips, read What to Bring in a Bike Repair Kit .)
How to get a tire out of a cassette?
1. Shift your chain onto the smallest cog of the rear cassette. 2. If you have rim brakes, open up the brakes so the tire doesn’t get stuck when you remove the wheel. (If you have disc brakes, you won’t need to release brakes.) 3. Many wheels have a quick-release axle system.
What do you do if you have a quick release lever on the brake?
If you have a quick-release lever on the brake, open the lever.
