A flat tire can ruin a ride, but knowing how to fix a flat tyre saves time and frustration. This guide walks you through tools, safety, and step-by-step repair so you can be back on the road quickly.
Tools & Extras You Need
-
Mini pump or CO₂ canister with inflator.
-
Tire levers.
-
Spare inner tube or patch kit.
-
Water for locating leaks.
-
Optional: small multitool and clean rag.
Step 1 — Find a Safe Spot
If you get a flat while riding, pull over safely away from traffic. Signal and move to a flat, stable area where you can work on the wheel.
Step 2 — Remove the Wheel
Shift into the smallest chainring and smallest rear cog. Open the quick-release skewer or loosen axle nuts with a multitool. Carefully remove the wheel from the frame.
Step 3 — Inspect the Tyre
Check the tyre surface and tread for nails, glass, or sharp objects. Remove the foreign object with pliers or a careful flick of your fingers. Inspect both tyre walls and the tread.
Step 4 — Use Tire Levers to Remove the Tyre
Insert a tyre lever under the tyre bead and hook it to a spoke. Use a second lever a few inches away and work around the rim. Pry one side of the bead off the rim and remove the tube.
Step 5 — Locate the Puncture
Inflate the removed tube slightly and listen or feel for escaping air. Submerge sections in water to spot bubbles if needed. Mark the hole so you can patch it accurately.
Step 6 — Repair or Replace the Tube
For small punctures, roughen the area with sandpaper and apply a patch per the kit instructions. If the tube has a large tear or seam failure, replace it with a spare inner tube.
Step 7 — Reinstall the Tube and Tyre
Partially inflate the tube so it holds shape, then insert the valve through the rim hole. Tuck the tube into the tyre and push the bead back onto the rim, checking that the tube is not pinched.
Step 8 — Inflate the Tire
Pump the tyre to the pressure recommended on the tyre sidewall. Check that the bead is seated evenly and there are no bulges or pinched sections before finishing inflation.
Step 9 — Reinstall the Wheel
Place the wheel back into the frame or fork. Ensure the chain engages the sprockets and the wheel is properly aligned. Tighten the quick-release or axle nuts securely.
Step 10 — Test the Repair
Spin the wheel and take a short test ride to confirm the repair holds and the tyre runs true. Recheck pressure after a few minutes for slow leaks.
Pro Tips & Storage
Always carry a spare tube, tyre levers, pump or CO₂ inflator, and a basic patch kit. Water helps locate tiny leaks quickly. Store repair kit items in the Enduro Fly storage strap or the Koala Frame Bag for easy access on every ride or you can opt for a larger frame bag like the Xplore Frame Bag by NAC.